Cancer Treatment Stocks Surge as $866B Market Attracts Private Investment
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Aug 14 2025
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Source: Newsfilter
Impact of Federal Budget Cuts on Cancer Research: Federal budget cuts have pressured cancer research in the U.S., but private investments are compensating, with oncology ventures securing significant funding. The Senate's restoration of $15 million for the Pancreatic Cancer Research Program highlights the fragility of public support amidst these challenges.
Oncolytics Biotech Inc.'s Progress: Oncolytics Biotech is advancing its flagship asset, pelareorep, into a critical trial phase for treating metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, demonstrating promising survival rates and receiving FDA designations that could expedite development and regulatory approval.
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Analyst Views on NKTR
Wall Street analysts forecast NKTR stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for NKTR is 103.71 USD with a low forecast of 30.00 USD and a high forecast of 135.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
8 Analyst Rating
6 Buy
1 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 35.230
Low
30.00
Averages
103.71
High
135.00
Current: 35.230
Low
30.00
Averages
103.71
High
135.00
About NKTR
Nektar Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company. It is focused on developing treatments that address the underlying immunological dysfunction in autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases. In oncology, it is focused on developing medicines based on targeting biological pathways that stimulate and sustain the body’s immune response to fight cancer. Its lead product candidate, rezpegaldesleukin (REZPEG, or NKTR-358), is a novel regulatory T cell stimulator being evaluated in two Phase IIb clinical trials, one in atopic dermatitis and one in alopecia areata. Its pipeline also includes a preclinical bivalent tumor necrosis factor receptor type II (TNFR2) antibody and bispecific programs, NKTR-0165 and NKTR-0166, and a modified hematopoietic colony stimulating factor (CSF) protein, NKTR-422. It is also evaluating NKTR-255, an investigational IL-15 receptor agonist designed to boost the immune system's natural ability to fight cancer, in several ongoing clinical trials.
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.
Nektar Therapeutics Grants Stock Options to New Employee
- Stock Option Grant: On January 21, 2026, Nektar Therapeutics granted 1,600 non-qualified stock options to a newly hired employee, with an exercise price of $36.92 per share, reflecting the closing price on that date, aimed at attracting top talent to the company.
- Incentive Plan Background: This stock option grant is part of Nektar's 2025 Inducement Plan, adopted on November 6, 2025, designed exclusively for individuals who have not previously worked for Nektar, in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4), to facilitate new employee onboarding.
- Option Terms Details: The stock options have an eight-year term and will vest over four years, with 1/4 vesting on the first anniversary and 1/48 vesting monthly thereafter, ensuring employee retention by linking vesting to continued employment.
- Company Development Strategy: By implementing such incentive measures, Nektar not only enhances its appeal to new employees but also strengthens its competitive position in the biotechnology sector, particularly in developing innovative therapies for autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases.
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Nektar Therapeutics Under Investigation Amid 7.77% Stock Drop Following Trial Results
- Investigation Launched: Pomerantz LLP is investigating whether Nektar Therapeutics has engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices, aiming to protect investor rights, which could impact the company's reputation and future financing capabilities.
- Poor Trial Results: On December 16, 2025, Nektar announced that its 36-week REZOLVE-AA Phase 2b trial failed to achieve statistical significance, undermining investor confidence and potentially affecting future product launch plans.
- Significant Stock Drop: Following the trial results announcement, Nektar's stock price fell by $4.14, or 7.77%, closing at $49.16, reflecting market concerns about the company's future prospects and possibly prompting investor sell-offs.
- Potential Legal Consequences: The investigation by Pomerantz LLP could lead to class action lawsuits against Nektar, and if wrongdoing is confirmed, it may have significant repercussions on the company's financial health and management.
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