Citi Initiates Coverage on Nektar with Buy Rating, Launches 'Positive Catalyst Watch'
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Nov 26 2025
0mins
Should l Buy NKTR?
Citi's Coverage Initiation: Citi has initiated coverage of Nektar with a Buy rating and a price target of $102.
Positive Catalyst Watch: The firm has placed Nektar on a "positive 90-day catalyst watch" in anticipation of Phase 2b alopecia areata data expected in December.
Competitive Data Outlook: Citi believes that the data for rezpegaldesleukin in atopic dermatitis appears competitive within a crowded market.
Investment Opportunity: The firm sees an "asymmetrical upside" opportunity for Nektar's shares leading up to the December data readout.
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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: 77.850
Low
102.00
Averages
123.43
High
165.00
Current: 77.850
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.
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- Allegations of False Statements: The complaint alleges that Nektar made materially false and misleading statements during this period, particularly regarding the enrollment in the REZOLVE-AA trial, which did not follow applicable instructions and protocol standards, likely leading to significant negative impacts on trial results.
- Trial Integrity Compromised: Due to these issues, the complaint asserts that the overall integrity and prospects of the REZOLVE-AA trial were overstated, severely undermining investor confidence in the company's future and potentially affecting its stock performance.
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- Investor Rights Reminder: The firm reminds investors that May 5, 2026, is the deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in the filed federal securities class action, and failure to act promptly may result in loss of rights and potential compensation opportunities.
- Contact Information Provided: Partner Josh Wilson has provided direct contact numbers, encouraging affected investors to call 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310) to discuss their legal options, demonstrating the firm's commitment to supporting investors.
- Background on Securities Class Action: This investigation is related to an already filed federal securities class action, highlighting the legal challenges Nektar may face, prompting investors to stay informed about the case's progress to protect their rights effectively.
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- Class Action Notice: Rosen Law Firm reminds investors who purchased Nektar Therapeutics (NASDAQ:NKTR) securities between February 26, 2025, and December 15, 2025, that they must apply to be lead plaintiff by May 5, 2026, to participate in the class action and potentially receive compensation.
- Fee Arrangement: Participants are not required to pay any upfront fees or costs, as the law firm operates on a contingency fee basis, which lowers the financial barrier for investors seeking legal recourse without incurring out-of-pocket expenses.
- Case Background: The lawsuit alleges that the defendants failed to adhere to applicable instructions and protocol standards in the REZOLVE-AA trial, leading to overstated integrity and prospects of the trial, resulting in investor losses once the true details were disclosed.
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- Class Action Initiation: Bragar Eagel & Squire has filed a class action lawsuit against Nektar Therapeutics in the Northern District of California on behalf of investors who purchased Nektar securities between February 26, 2025, and December 15, 2025, with a deadline of May 5, 2026, for investors to apply as lead plaintiffs.
- Allegation Details: The lawsuit alleges that Nektar failed to adhere to applicable instructions and protocol standards in the REZOLVE-AA trial, which likely overstated the trial's integrity and prospects, rendering the company's public statements materially false and misleading during the relevant period.
- Significant Stock Drop: Following the December 16, 2025, announcement that the REZOLVE-AA trial did not achieve statistical significance, Nektar's stock price plummeted by $4.14, or 7.77%, closing at $49.16 per share, indicating a severe loss of investor confidence in the company's future.
- Investor Rights Advocacy: Bragar Eagel & Squire encourages all investors who suffered losses during the class period to reach out for more information on their claims, demonstrating the firm's commitment to protecting investor rights and interests.
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- Class Action Notice: Rosen Law Firm reminds investors who purchased Nektar Therapeutics (NASDAQ: NKTR) securities between February 26, 2025, and December 15, 2025, that they must apply to be lead plaintiff by May 5, 2026, to represent other investors in the class action lawsuit.
- Fee Arrangement: Investors participating in the class action will not incur any upfront costs, as attorney fees will be collected through a contingency fee arrangement, allowing them to seek compensation without financial burden.
- Case Background: The lawsuit alleges that defendants failed to adhere to applicable instructions and standards in the REZOLVE-AA trial, raising concerns about the trial's integrity and leading to investor losses when the true details emerged.
- Law Firm's Advantage: Rosen Law Firm specializes in securities class actions, having recovered over $438 million for investors in 2019 alone, and was ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services in 2017, demonstrating its expertise and success in the field.
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