Exelixis Collaborates with Natera for STELLAR-316 CRC Study
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 08 2026
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Source: NASDAQ.COM
- Clinical Trial Launch: Exelixis' collaboration with Natera for the STELLAR-316 study will evaluate the efficacy of the novel oral kinase inhibitor zanzalintinib in patients with resected stage II/III colorectal cancer, expected to initiate in mid-2026, which, if successful, could position zanzalintinib as the first MRD-guided treatment option, significantly enhancing the company's competitiveness in oncology.
- Strong Market Performance: Exelixis' stock rose 6% on January 7, with a 33.9% increase over the past year, significantly outperforming the industry’s 17.2% gain, reflecting positive market sentiment regarding its drug development and boosting investor confidence.
- Key Endpoint Establishment: The primary endpoint of the STELLAR-316 trial is disease-free survival, with Natera's Signatera test being utilized to assess circulating tumor DNA clearance, which will provide patients with a more precise treatment approach and enhance clinical outcomes.
- Product Line Expansion: The successful development of zanzalintinib will broaden Exelixis' oncology portfolio, reducing reliance on Cabometyx, while laying the groundwork for market share growth in colorectal cancer and other solid tumors.
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Analyst Views on EXEL
Wall Street analysts forecast EXEL stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for EXEL is 44.09 USD with a low forecast of 30.00 USD and a high forecast of 52.00 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.
16 Analyst Rating
7 Buy
8 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 42.660
Low
30.00
Averages
44.09
High
52.00
Current: 42.660
Low
30.00
Averages
44.09
High
52.00
About EXEL
Exelixis, Inc. is an oncology company. The Company has produced four marketed pharmaceutical products, two of which are formulations of its flagship molecule, cabozantinib. It is also advancing and evolving its product pipeline portfolio, including its lead investigational asset, zanzalintinib. Cabozantinib is an inhibitor of multiple tyrosine kinases, including MET, AXL, VEGF receptors and RET and has been also approved as CABOMETYX tablets for advanced renal cell carcinoma, for previously treated hepatocellular carcinoma and for previously treated, radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer, and as COMETRIQ capsules for progressive, metastatic medullary thyroid cancer. The Company's other two products are COTELLIC, an inhibitor of MEK approved as part of multiple combination regimens to treat specific forms of advanced melanoma and MINNEBRO an oral, non-steroidal, selective blocker of the mineralocorticoid receptor approved the treatment of hypertension in Japan.
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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