UBS Upgrades Jazz Pharmaceuticals to Buy, Highlights Ziihera's Potential
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 19 2026
0mins
Source: seekingalpha
- Rating Upgrade: UBS upgraded Jazz Pharmaceuticals from Neutral to Buy, primarily based on the commercial potential of Ziihera in biliary tract cancer treatment, indicating increasing market confidence in the drug's prospects.
- FDA Application Progress: Jazz's supplemental Biologics License Application has been accepted by the FDA, seeking to expand Ziihera's indication in gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma, with a decision expected on August 25, 2026, further enhancing investor expectations for the company's future.
- Sales Growth: Ziihera generated $13.3 million in revenue in Q1 2026, a significant increase from $9 million in Q4 2025, reflecting accelerated sales that have positively impacted the company's performance.
- Financial Forecast Revision: UBS analyst revised Jazz's revenue and EPS CAGR estimates for 2026-2030 to 10% and 11%, respectively, surpassing consensus estimates of 7% and 6%, demonstrating an optimistic outlook on the company's future growth.
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Analyst Views on JAZZ
Wall Street analysts forecast JAZZ stock price to fall
13 Analyst Rating
12 Buy
1 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 235.380
Low
188.00
Averages
218.92
High
263.00
Current: 235.380
Low
188.00
Averages
218.92
High
263.00
About JAZZ
Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc is a global biopharmaceutical company. It is engaged in developing medicines for people with serious diseases, often with limited or no therapeutic options. It has a diverse portfolio of marketed medicines, including therapies for sleep disorders and epilepsy, and a portfolio of cancer treatments. Its lead-marketed products include Xywav (calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium oxybates) oral solution, Epidiolex (cannabidiol) oral solution, Rylaze (asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi (recombinant)-rywn), Zepzelca (lurbinectedin), Ziihera (zanidatamab-hrii), and Enrylaze (recombinant crisantaspase). Its product candidates include Zanidatamab, Vyxeos, JZP815, JZP898, JZP441, and others. Xywav is used for the treatment of cataplexy or EDS in patients seven years of age and older with narcolepsy. The Company, through Chimerix, Inc., also owns a clinical asset, dordaviprone, a novel small molecule treatment in development for H3 K27M-mutant diffuse glioma.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Zanidatamab Shows Breakthrough Efficacy in HER2-Positive Cancer Treatments
- Clinical Trial Results: Jazz Pharmaceuticals announced that the Phase 3 HERIZON-GEA-01 trial results demonstrate unprecedented progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) outcomes for zanidatamab combined with chemotherapy in patients with HER2-positive gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma, providing a new treatment option for patients.
- Subgroup Analysis: Expanded subgroup analyses indicate that zanidatamab's efficacy is significant even in PD-L1-negative patients, showcasing its consistent therapeutic benefits across different biomarker backgrounds, which may alter treatment standards in clinical practice.
- Safety Analysis: Safety analyses consistent with known safety profiles reveal that gastrointestinal adverse events occurred but were generally manageable, with a low rate of treatment discontinuation due to adverse reactions, indicating good tolerability of zanidatamab combined with chemotherapy.
- Future Outlook: Jazz has submitted the HERIZON-GEA-01 results to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) for inclusion in clinical practice guidelines, aiming to position zanidatamab as a first-line treatment choice for HER2-positive gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma.
See More
Zanidatamab Shows Breakthrough Efficacy in HER2-Positive Cancer
- Clinical Trial Results: Jazz Pharmaceuticals announced that the HERIZON-GEA-01 Phase 3 trial results show that the combination of Zanidatamab with chemotherapy yields a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 12.4 months, significantly higher than the 8.1 months seen with traditional trastuzumab plus chemotherapy, indicating its potential in treating HER2-positive gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma.
- Survival Improvement: The combination of Zanidatamab with Tislelizumab and chemotherapy also demonstrated a statistically significant median overall survival (OS) of 26.4 months compared to 19.2 months for trastuzumab plus chemotherapy, highlighting its advantage in improving patient survival rates.
- Consistency in Subgroup Analysis: Expanded subgroup analyses indicate that the efficacy of Zanidatamab remains consistent regardless of PD-L1 expression status, particularly in PD-L1-negative patients, where the median OS was 29.7 months, far exceeding the 15.8 months for trastuzumab, emphasizing its broad applicability.
- Safety Profile: Safety analyses of Zanidatamab align with the known safety profiles of its individual components, with 48% of patients experiencing severe diarrhea; however, most events were time-limited and infrequently led to treatment discontinuation, suggesting its acceptability in clinical use.
See More
UBS Upgrades Jazz Pharmaceuticals to Buy, Highlights Ziihera's Potential
- Rating Upgrade: UBS upgraded Jazz Pharmaceuticals from Neutral to Buy, primarily based on the commercial potential of Ziihera in biliary tract cancer treatment, indicating increasing market confidence in the drug's prospects.
- FDA Application Progress: Jazz's supplemental Biologics License Application has been accepted by the FDA, seeking to expand Ziihera's indication in gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma, with a decision expected on August 25, 2026, further enhancing investor expectations for the company's future.
- Sales Growth: Ziihera generated $13.3 million in revenue in Q1 2026, a significant increase from $9 million in Q4 2025, reflecting accelerated sales that have positively impacted the company's performance.
- Financial Forecast Revision: UBS analyst revised Jazz's revenue and EPS CAGR estimates for 2026-2030 to 10% and 11%, respectively, surpassing consensus estimates of 7% and 6%, demonstrating an optimistic outlook on the company's future growth.
See More
Latest Wall Street Ratings and Price Target Adjustments
- Micron Price Target Increase: Citigroup raised Micron Technology's price target from $425 to $840, anticipating a 40% increase in DRAM prices in Q2, which will significantly enhance its market competitiveness.
- Jazz Pharmaceuticals Upgrade: UBS upgraded Jazz Pharmaceuticals from Neutral to Buy and raised its price target from $188 to $307, driven by increased confidence in the commercial potential of its cancer drug Ziihera, which is expected to boost company performance.
- Nvidia Price Target Boost: HSBC raised Nvidia's price target from $295 to $325, expecting the company to exceed market expectations in its upcoming earnings report, further enhancing its profitability.
- Costco Price Target Increase: Oppenheimer raised Costco's price target from $1,100 to $1,160, believing that its defensive characteristics and superior value proposition will continue to drive market share growth, with potential catalysts for a special dividend or stock split.
See More
Jazz Pharmaceuticals to Participate in Investor Conferences
- Investor Conference Participation: Jazz Pharmaceuticals announced that its management will participate in several investor conferences, highlighting the company's commitment to investor communication aimed at boosting market confidence and attracting potential investors.
- Webcast Availability: Audio webcasts of the conferences will be available via the Investors section of Jazz Pharmaceuticals' website, ensuring that investors can access real-time updates on the company's latest developments, enhancing transparency and information sharing.
- Focus on Patient Needs: Jazz Pharmaceuticals is dedicated to developing life-changing medicines for rare diseases, emphasizing its innovative capabilities in areas with limited treatment options, further solidifying its leadership position in the biopharmaceutical industry.
- Global Business Presence: Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, the company has research and development laboratories and manufacturing facilities in multiple countries, showcasing its global business strategy and commitment to serving patients worldwide.
See More
Foreign Healthcare Stocks Show Strong Quant Ratings
- Top Quant Ratings: Jazz Pharmaceuticals (JAZZ) leads with a 4.86 Quant score, showcasing its strong competitive position as one of the highest-rated specialty pharma companies globally, driven by a diversified neuroscience and oncology portfolio.
- Pipeline Excellence: AstraZeneca (AZN) follows closely with a 4.75 rating, reflecting the UK giant's exceptional pipeline execution and its status as one of the few mega-cap pharma companies currently favored by the Quant system.
- Focus on Specialty Drugs: Japanese pharma Astellas (ALPMY) and Swedish Orphan Biovitrum (SWOBY) round out the top four with scores of 4.64 and 4.63, respectively, highlighting the significance of specialty and orphan drug pipelines in the foreign healthcare sector's appeal.
- Market Disparity: While the top four stocks excel, Sandoz (SDZNY) and Galderma (GALDY) sit lower on the list with scores of 3.35, serving as a reminder that not all foreign healthcare stocks receive equal treatment from the Quant system, indicating a clear market disparity.
See More
Zanidatamab Shows Breakthrough Efficacy in HER2-Positive Cancer Treatments
- Clinical Trial Results: Jazz Pharmaceuticals announced that the Phase 3 HERIZON-GEA-01 trial results demonstrate unprecedented progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) outcomes for zanidatamab combined with chemotherapy in patients with HER2-positive gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma, providing a new treatment option for patients.
- Subgroup Analysis: Expanded subgroup analyses indicate that zanidatamab's efficacy is significant even in PD-L1-negative patients, showcasing its consistent therapeutic benefits across different biomarker backgrounds, which may alter treatment standards in clinical practice.
- Safety Analysis: Safety analyses consistent with known safety profiles reveal that gastrointestinal adverse events occurred but were generally manageable, with a low rate of treatment discontinuation due to adverse reactions, indicating good tolerability of zanidatamab combined with chemotherapy.
- Future Outlook: Jazz has submitted the HERIZON-GEA-01 results to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) for inclusion in clinical practice guidelines, aiming to position zanidatamab as a first-line treatment choice for HER2-positive gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma.
See More
Zanidatamab Shows Breakthrough Efficacy in HER2-Positive Cancer
- Clinical Trial Results: Jazz Pharmaceuticals announced that the HERIZON-GEA-01 Phase 3 trial results show that the combination of Zanidatamab with chemotherapy yields a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 12.4 months, significantly higher than the 8.1 months seen with traditional trastuzumab plus chemotherapy, indicating its potential in treating HER2-positive gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma.
- Survival Improvement: The combination of Zanidatamab with Tislelizumab and chemotherapy also demonstrated a statistically significant median overall survival (OS) of 26.4 months compared to 19.2 months for trastuzumab plus chemotherapy, highlighting its advantage in improving patient survival rates.
- Consistency in Subgroup Analysis: Expanded subgroup analyses indicate that the efficacy of Zanidatamab remains consistent regardless of PD-L1 expression status, particularly in PD-L1-negative patients, where the median OS was 29.7 months, far exceeding the 15.8 months for trastuzumab, emphasizing its broad applicability.
- Safety Profile: Safety analyses of Zanidatamab align with the known safety profiles of its individual components, with 48% of patients experiencing severe diarrhea; however, most events were time-limited and infrequently led to treatment discontinuation, suggesting its acceptability in clinical use.
See More
UBS Upgrades Jazz Pharmaceuticals to Buy, Highlights Ziihera's Potential
- Rating Upgrade: UBS upgraded Jazz Pharmaceuticals from Neutral to Buy, primarily based on the commercial potential of Ziihera in biliary tract cancer treatment, indicating increasing market confidence in the drug's prospects.
- FDA Application Progress: Jazz's supplemental Biologics License Application has been accepted by the FDA, seeking to expand Ziihera's indication in gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma, with a decision expected on August 25, 2026, further enhancing investor expectations for the company's future.
- Sales Growth: Ziihera generated $13.3 million in revenue in Q1 2026, a significant increase from $9 million in Q4 2025, reflecting accelerated sales that have positively impacted the company's performance.
- Financial Forecast Revision: UBS analyst revised Jazz's revenue and EPS CAGR estimates for 2026-2030 to 10% and 11%, respectively, surpassing consensus estimates of 7% and 6%, demonstrating an optimistic outlook on the company's future growth.
See More
Latest Wall Street Ratings and Price Target Adjustments
- Micron Price Target Increase: Citigroup raised Micron Technology's price target from $425 to $840, anticipating a 40% increase in DRAM prices in Q2, which will significantly enhance its market competitiveness.
- Jazz Pharmaceuticals Upgrade: UBS upgraded Jazz Pharmaceuticals from Neutral to Buy and raised its price target from $188 to $307, driven by increased confidence in the commercial potential of its cancer drug Ziihera, which is expected to boost company performance.
- Nvidia Price Target Boost: HSBC raised Nvidia's price target from $295 to $325, expecting the company to exceed market expectations in its upcoming earnings report, further enhancing its profitability.
- Costco Price Target Increase: Oppenheimer raised Costco's price target from $1,100 to $1,160, believing that its defensive characteristics and superior value proposition will continue to drive market share growth, with potential catalysts for a special dividend or stock split.
See More
Jazz Pharmaceuticals to Participate in Investor Conferences
- Investor Conference Participation: Jazz Pharmaceuticals announced that its management will participate in several investor conferences, highlighting the company's commitment to investor communication aimed at boosting market confidence and attracting potential investors.
- Webcast Availability: Audio webcasts of the conferences will be available via the Investors section of Jazz Pharmaceuticals' website, ensuring that investors can access real-time updates on the company's latest developments, enhancing transparency and information sharing.
- Focus on Patient Needs: Jazz Pharmaceuticals is dedicated to developing life-changing medicines for rare diseases, emphasizing its innovative capabilities in areas with limited treatment options, further solidifying its leadership position in the biopharmaceutical industry.
- Global Business Presence: Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, the company has research and development laboratories and manufacturing facilities in multiple countries, showcasing its global business strategy and commitment to serving patients worldwide.
See More
Foreign Healthcare Stocks Show Strong Quant Ratings
- Top Quant Ratings: Jazz Pharmaceuticals (JAZZ) leads with a 4.86 Quant score, showcasing its strong competitive position as one of the highest-rated specialty pharma companies globally, driven by a diversified neuroscience and oncology portfolio.
- Pipeline Excellence: AstraZeneca (AZN) follows closely with a 4.75 rating, reflecting the UK giant's exceptional pipeline execution and its status as one of the few mega-cap pharma companies currently favored by the Quant system.
- Focus on Specialty Drugs: Japanese pharma Astellas (ALPMY) and Swedish Orphan Biovitrum (SWOBY) round out the top four with scores of 4.64 and 4.63, respectively, highlighting the significance of specialty and orphan drug pipelines in the foreign healthcare sector's appeal.
- Market Disparity: While the top four stocks excel, Sandoz (SDZNY) and Galderma (GALDY) sit lower on the list with scores of 3.35, serving as a reminder that not all foreign healthcare stocks receive equal treatment from the Quant system, indicating a clear market disparity.
See More
