Cancer Treatment Stocks Surge as $866B Market Attracts Private Investment
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Aug 14 2025
0mins
Should l Buy NKTR?
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
8 Analyst Rating
8 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 73.180
Low
102.00
Averages
123.43
High
165.00
Current: 73.180
Low
102.00
Averages
123.43
High
165.00
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.
Alopecia Areata Market Poised for Significant Growth
- Market Growth: The alopecia areata treatment market is expected to see significant growth by 2036, with 1.7 million diagnosed cases projected in the 7MM by 2025, indicating strong market demand.
- Emerging Therapies: The launch of new therapies such as RINVOQ and Bempikibart is set to intensify competition, with promising clinical trial results suggesting they could transform the current treatment landscape.
- Impact of JAK Inhibitors: The approval of JAK inhibitors like OLUMIANT and LITFULO provides new treatment options, with clinical trials demonstrating significant efficacy in promoting hair regrowth, attracting increased payer interest.
- Expanding Patient Pool: With an estimated 620,000 diagnosed cases in the U.S. by 2024, the expanding patient population is expected to drive market demand, prompting pharmaceutical companies to invest more in the development of new therapies.
See More
Atopic Dermatitis Market Growth Insights
- Market Size Growth: The atopic dermatitis treatment market is expected to continue growing positively by 2034, with the United States holding the largest market share, reflecting strong demand for new therapies that drive overall market expansion.
- Introduction of New Therapies: The launch of new therapies such as Rocatinlimab and Amlitelimab is anticipated to transform the market landscape by providing more effective treatment options to meet the increasing patient demand.
- Rising Patient Numbers: In 2024, approximately 53 million diagnosed cases of atopic dermatitis are expected in the 7MM, with the increase in patient numbers directly fueling the demand for advanced treatment options and promoting market growth.
- Changing Competitive Landscape: As new drugs undergo clinical trials and enter the market, competition will intensify, particularly with companies like Eli Lilly leveraging their product portfolios to capture significant market share in the EU4 and Japan, showcasing strong market potential.
See More
Nektar Therapeutics Closes $460 Million Public Offering
- Significant Fundraising: Nektar Therapeutics successfully closed a $460 million public offering, selling 7,637,931 shares of common stock, which demonstrates strong market demand for its innovative therapies and enhances the company's financial capacity to support R&D.
- Pricing and Subscription Details: Common stock was sold at $58.00 per share, while pre-funded warrants were priced at $57.9999 each, reflecting investor confidence in Nektar's future products, which may drive stock price appreciation.
- Strong Underwriter Lineup: With Jefferies, TD Cowen, and Piper Sandler acting as joint bookrunning managers, this indicates market recognition of Nektar, enhancing its reputation and influence in the biotechnology sector.
- Effective Registration Statement: The offering was conducted under an effective S-3ASR registration statement, ensuring compliance and transparency, which further boosts investor confidence and may attract more institutional investors for future financing.
See More
Nektar Therapeutics Closes $460 Million Public Offering
- Significant Fundraising: Nektar Therapeutics successfully closed a $460 million public offering, selling 7,637,931 shares of common stock, which demonstrates strong market demand for its innovative therapies and enhances the company's financial capacity to support R&D.
- Stable Share Pricing: Common stock was sold at $58.00 per share, while pre-funded warrants were priced at $57.9999 each, indicating investor optimism about Nektar's future prospects, which could drive stock price appreciation.
- Strong Underwriter Team: The involvement of Jefferies, TD Cowen, and Piper Sandler as joint bookrunning managers adds credibility to the offering, enhancing market confidence in Nektar while providing expert capital market support.
- Effective Registration Statement: The offering was conducted under a shelf registration statement filed on November 12, 2025, ensuring compliance and transparency, which further boosts investor confidence.
See More
U.S. Stock Futures Rise as Jobless Claims Data Looms
- Jobless Claims Data: Investors are set to monitor the Initial Jobless Claims report due at 8:30 AM ET today to gauge the Fed's future rate direction, especially after Wednesday's jobs report indicated accelerated growth in January, although the 2025 data was revised down by nearly 900,000 jobs, potentially impacting market sentiment.
- Retail Trader Sentiment: Despite the uptick in futures, retail trader sentiment on Stocktwits remains cautious, with the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) showing a ‘bearish’ outlook and the Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) reflecting an ‘extremely bearish’ sentiment, indicating uncertainty about future market movements.
- Earnings Reports Watch: Companies such as Airbnb (ABNB), Applied Materials (AMAT), and Rivian (RIVN) are scheduled to report earnings after market close today, and investors will closely watch these reports for potential impacts on stock prices, particularly in the current economic climate.
- Economic Data Releases: In addition to jobless claims, existing home sales data for January will also be released today, and investor reactions to these economic indicators could influence the Fed's policy decisions, further affecting market trends.
See More
Nektar Therapeutics Prices $400M Upsized Public Offering
- Offering Size: Nektar Therapeutics has priced an upsized public offering of approximately 6.6 million shares at $58.00 each, aiming for gross proceeds of $400 million, indicating strong market confidence in its immunotherapy pipeline.
- Use of Proceeds: The net proceeds from this offering are expected to fund general corporate purposes, including research and development, clinical development, and manufacturing costs, reflecting the company's commitment to advancing its drug candidates.
- Underwriter's Option: The underwriters have a 30-day option to purchase an additional ~1.03 million shares, enhancing the flexibility of the financing and potentially providing the company with additional capital support.
- Closing Date: The offering is anticipated to close on February 13, 2026, marking a proactive approach by the company in capital markets to support its long-term strategic objectives.
See More
Alopecia Areata Market Poised for Significant Growth
- Market Growth: The alopecia areata treatment market is expected to see significant growth by 2036, with 1.7 million diagnosed cases projected in the 7MM by 2025, indicating strong market demand.
- Emerging Therapies: The launch of new therapies such as RINVOQ and Bempikibart is set to intensify competition, with promising clinical trial results suggesting they could transform the current treatment landscape.
- Impact of JAK Inhibitors: The approval of JAK inhibitors like OLUMIANT and LITFULO provides new treatment options, with clinical trials demonstrating significant efficacy in promoting hair regrowth, attracting increased payer interest.
- Expanding Patient Pool: With an estimated 620,000 diagnosed cases in the U.S. by 2024, the expanding patient population is expected to drive market demand, prompting pharmaceutical companies to invest more in the development of new therapies.
See More
Atopic Dermatitis Market Growth Insights
- Market Size Growth: The atopic dermatitis treatment market is expected to continue growing positively by 2034, with the United States holding the largest market share, reflecting strong demand for new therapies that drive overall market expansion.
- Introduction of New Therapies: The launch of new therapies such as Rocatinlimab and Amlitelimab is anticipated to transform the market landscape by providing more effective treatment options to meet the increasing patient demand.
- Rising Patient Numbers: In 2024, approximately 53 million diagnosed cases of atopic dermatitis are expected in the 7MM, with the increase in patient numbers directly fueling the demand for advanced treatment options and promoting market growth.
- Changing Competitive Landscape: As new drugs undergo clinical trials and enter the market, competition will intensify, particularly with companies like Eli Lilly leveraging their product portfolios to capture significant market share in the EU4 and Japan, showcasing strong market potential.
See More
Nektar Therapeutics Closes $460 Million Public Offering
- Significant Fundraising: Nektar Therapeutics successfully closed a $460 million public offering, selling 7,637,931 shares of common stock, which demonstrates strong market demand for its innovative therapies and enhances the company's financial capacity to support R&D.
- Pricing and Subscription Details: Common stock was sold at $58.00 per share, while pre-funded warrants were priced at $57.9999 each, reflecting investor confidence in Nektar's future products, which may drive stock price appreciation.
- Strong Underwriter Lineup: With Jefferies, TD Cowen, and Piper Sandler acting as joint bookrunning managers, this indicates market recognition of Nektar, enhancing its reputation and influence in the biotechnology sector.
- Effective Registration Statement: The offering was conducted under an effective S-3ASR registration statement, ensuring compliance and transparency, which further boosts investor confidence and may attract more institutional investors for future financing.
See More
Nektar Therapeutics Closes $460 Million Public Offering
- Significant Fundraising: Nektar Therapeutics successfully closed a $460 million public offering, selling 7,637,931 shares of common stock, which demonstrates strong market demand for its innovative therapies and enhances the company's financial capacity to support R&D.
- Stable Share Pricing: Common stock was sold at $58.00 per share, while pre-funded warrants were priced at $57.9999 each, indicating investor optimism about Nektar's future prospects, which could drive stock price appreciation.
- Strong Underwriter Team: The involvement of Jefferies, TD Cowen, and Piper Sandler as joint bookrunning managers adds credibility to the offering, enhancing market confidence in Nektar while providing expert capital market support.
- Effective Registration Statement: The offering was conducted under a shelf registration statement filed on November 12, 2025, ensuring compliance and transparency, which further boosts investor confidence.
See More
U.S. Stock Futures Rise as Jobless Claims Data Looms
- Jobless Claims Data: Investors are set to monitor the Initial Jobless Claims report due at 8:30 AM ET today to gauge the Fed's future rate direction, especially after Wednesday's jobs report indicated accelerated growth in January, although the 2025 data was revised down by nearly 900,000 jobs, potentially impacting market sentiment.
- Retail Trader Sentiment: Despite the uptick in futures, retail trader sentiment on Stocktwits remains cautious, with the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) showing a ‘bearish’ outlook and the Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) reflecting an ‘extremely bearish’ sentiment, indicating uncertainty about future market movements.
- Earnings Reports Watch: Companies such as Airbnb (ABNB), Applied Materials (AMAT), and Rivian (RIVN) are scheduled to report earnings after market close today, and investors will closely watch these reports for potential impacts on stock prices, particularly in the current economic climate.
- Economic Data Releases: In addition to jobless claims, existing home sales data for January will also be released today, and investor reactions to these economic indicators could influence the Fed's policy decisions, further affecting market trends.
See More
Nektar Therapeutics Prices $400M Upsized Public Offering
- Offering Size: Nektar Therapeutics has priced an upsized public offering of approximately 6.6 million shares at $58.00 each, aiming for gross proceeds of $400 million, indicating strong market confidence in its immunotherapy pipeline.
- Use of Proceeds: The net proceeds from this offering are expected to fund general corporate purposes, including research and development, clinical development, and manufacturing costs, reflecting the company's commitment to advancing its drug candidates.
- Underwriter's Option: The underwriters have a 30-day option to purchase an additional ~1.03 million shares, enhancing the flexibility of the financing and potentially providing the company with additional capital support.
- Closing Date: The offering is anticipated to close on February 13, 2026, marking a proactive approach by the company in capital markets to support its long-term strategic objectives.
See More
