Gilead to Acquire Tubulis for $3.15B
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Apr 07 2026
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Should l Buy STRO?
Leerink analyst Andrew Berens notes Gilead (GILD) announced plans to acquire Tubulis for $3.15B in cash plus up to $1.85B in contingent milestone payments for a total potential acquisition value of $5B. This acquisition serves as further validation of the antibody-drug conjugate space and should be a tailwind for other ADC platform companies including Sutro Biopharma (STRO), as well as Immunome (IMNM) and Zymeworks (ZYME) in the firm's coverage, Leerink says. This deal underscores the strategic value of an ADC discovery platform anchored to a lead asset to large pharma. However, while there are a number of similarities between Tubulis' platform and portfolio and that of Sutro, it is possible the acquisition price may have been supported by potential expansion of the Tubulis chemistry and technology beyond oncology and into inflammation and virology. Leerink believes Sutro represents a similar set-up, although earlier in clinical development and technological validation.
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Analyst Views on STRO
Wall Street analysts forecast STRO stock price to fall
7 Analyst Rating
4 Buy
2 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 39.830
Low
8.00
Averages
20.00
High
51.00
Current: 39.830
Low
8.00
Averages
20.00
High
51.00
About STRO
Sutro Biopharma, Inc. is an oncology company engaged in developing site-specific and novel-format antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), enabled by its proprietary integrated cell-free protein synthesis platform, XpressCF, and its site-specific conjugation platform, XpressCF+. It designs and develops therapeutics using the relevant and potent modalities, including ADCs, bispecific ADCs, immunostimulatory ADCs, and dual conjugate ADCs. Enabled through its XpressCF and XpressCF+ platforms, it has entered multi-target, product-focused collaborations with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in the field of oncology, with its ongoing relationships that include licensing to Ipsen, on an exclusive basis, the right to research, develop, manufacture and commercialize STRO-003. STRO-003 is developed for the treatment of solid tumors. Its XpressCF and XpressCF platforms supports Vaxcyte, focused on discovery and development of vaccines for the treatment and prophylaxis of infectious disease.
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.
Sutro Biopharma Reports Breakthroughs in ADC Research
- STRO-004 Preclinical Data: STRO-004 demonstrated robust and consistent antitumor activity across various patient-derived xenograft models, achieving significant tumor control at a clinically relevant dose of 5 mg/kg, indicating its potential to provide new treatment options for multiple tumor types in clinical settings.
- STRO-006 Antitumor Activity: STRO-006 exhibited dose-dependent antitumor activity in multiple solid tumor models, particularly in non-small cell lung cancer and head and neck cancers, with a favorable pharmacokinetic and tolerability profile at a 5 mg/kg dose, with IND submission planned for 2026 to advance its clinical development.
- STRO-227 Dual Payload Design: STRO-227, a PTK7-targeting dual payload ADC, showed superior antitumor activity compared to single payload ADCs in breast, ovarian, and non-small cell lung cancer models, supporting its potential as a broadly applicable ADC, with IND submission expected in late 2026.
- Collaboration with Astellas: Sutro's partnership with Astellas on ASP2998 highlighted its potent efficacy and favorable safety profile in nonclinical models, combining cytotoxic and immune-stimulatory mechanisms, potentially surpassing traditional anti-TROP2 ADCs, thereby expanding Sutro's therapeutic platform.
See More
Sutro Biopharma Reports Promising ADC Preclinical Data
- STRO-004 Preclinical Data: At the AACR Annual Meeting, Sutro Biopharma presented robust preclinical data for STRO-004, demonstrating strong and consistent antitumor activity across various TF-expressing solid tumor PDX models, achieving significant tumor control at a clinically relevant dose of 5 mg/kg, indicating its potential for clinical application.
- Performance of STRO-006 and STRO-227: STRO-006 exhibited dose-dependent antitumor activity across multiple solid tumor models, including non-small cell lung cancer, at a 5 mg/kg dose, while STRO-227 showed improved efficacy over single-payload ADCs in breast and ovarian cancers, supporting its potential as a next-generation ADC.
- Strategic Significance of Dual-Payload ADCs: The TROP2-targeted immunostimulatory ADC program partnered with Astellas highlights the development potential of dual-payload ADCs, emphasizing Sutro's platform's versatility and innovation in cancer treatment, potentially providing new therapeutic options for patients.
- Future Clinical Trial Outlook: Sutro anticipates releasing initial results from the Phase 1 study of STRO-004 in mid-2026, further validating its application potential across various indications, showcasing the company's strategic positioning and market opportunities in cancer therapy.
See More
Biotech Stocks Reach New 52-Week Highs
- Relay Therapeutics Progress: Relay Therapeutics' drug candidate Zovegalisib showed promising results in clinical trials, with a 7.64% stock price increase to $14.64 on Wednesday, indicating the company's potential in treating HR+/HER2- breast cancer, with initial data expected in the first half of 2026.
- MapLight Therapeutics High: MapLight Therapeutics' stock reached $25.79 during trading yesterday, up from its IPO price of $17.00, reflecting market optimism for its drug ML-007C-MA targeting schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease, with trial results anticipated in Q3 2026.
- Oruka Therapeutics Development: Oruka Therapeutics' ORKA-001 and ORKA-002 are in clinical trials for psoriasis, with the stock hitting $64.61, showcasing market confidence in its drugs, and significant data expected in Q2 2026.
- Spyre Therapeutics Clinical Trials: Spyre Therapeutics' stock reached $54.33 yesterday, reflecting market interest in its investigational therapies, particularly the SKYLINE trial for active ulcerative colitis, with preliminary data expected in Q3 2026.
See More
Gilead Acquires Tubulis to Expand ADC Capabilities
- Acquisition Details: Gilead has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Tubulis for $3.15 billion in cash, with potential milestone payments of up to $1.85 billion, aimed at enhancing its antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) capabilities.
- Market Reaction Analysis: Leerink analyst Andrew Berens notes that this acquisition further validates the ADC space and is expected to benefit other ADC platform companies like Sutro Biopharma, despite Gilead's stock falling by 1%.
- Value of Tubulis Assets: Tubulis's lead asset, TUB-040, is in development for treating ovarian and non-small cell lung cancer, and Gilead's acquisition is set to significantly enhance its competitive edge in cancer treatment, with the transaction expected to close in Q2 2026.
- Investor Sentiment Shift: While Gilead's stock has risen 31% this year, retail sentiment remains bearish, contrasting with Sutro's stock, which has nearly quadrupled, indicating strong market interest in the ADC sector.
See More
Wave Life Sciences Shares Surge 9.5% Amid Trading Volume Spike
- Price Rebound: Wave Life Sciences shares surged 9.5% in the last trading session to close at $7.25, with trading volume significantly higher than usual, indicating market interest in its future performance despite a 52.2% decline over the past four weeks.
- Earnings Expectations: The company is expected to report a quarterly loss of $0.34 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 17.2%, while revenues are projected at $10.73 million, up 16.8%, suggesting potential growth despite challenges.
- Earnings Estimate Revision: Over the past 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate for Wave Life Sciences has been revised 1.2% lower, which typically correlates with a lack of price appreciation, prompting investors to monitor whether the recent price jump can sustain itself.
- Industry Context: Wave Life Sciences operates within the biomedical and genetics sector, currently holding a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), while its peer Sutro Biopharma has seen a 17.3% increase in share price over the past month, highlighting competitive dynamics within the industry.
See More
SUTRO BIOPHARMA INC.: WELLS FARGO INCREASES TARGET PRICE FROM $8 TO $27
- Stock Price Increase: Sutro Biopharma's stock price has risen significantly, increasing from $8 to $27.
- Market Reaction: The substantial rise in stock price indicates positive market sentiment towards Sutro Biopharma's performance or potential developments.
See More
Sutro Biopharma Reports Breakthroughs in ADC Research
- STRO-004 Preclinical Data: STRO-004 demonstrated robust and consistent antitumor activity across various patient-derived xenograft models, achieving significant tumor control at a clinically relevant dose of 5 mg/kg, indicating its potential to provide new treatment options for multiple tumor types in clinical settings.
- STRO-006 Antitumor Activity: STRO-006 exhibited dose-dependent antitumor activity in multiple solid tumor models, particularly in non-small cell lung cancer and head and neck cancers, with a favorable pharmacokinetic and tolerability profile at a 5 mg/kg dose, with IND submission planned for 2026 to advance its clinical development.
- STRO-227 Dual Payload Design: STRO-227, a PTK7-targeting dual payload ADC, showed superior antitumor activity compared to single payload ADCs in breast, ovarian, and non-small cell lung cancer models, supporting its potential as a broadly applicable ADC, with IND submission expected in late 2026.
- Collaboration with Astellas: Sutro's partnership with Astellas on ASP2998 highlighted its potent efficacy and favorable safety profile in nonclinical models, combining cytotoxic and immune-stimulatory mechanisms, potentially surpassing traditional anti-TROP2 ADCs, thereby expanding Sutro's therapeutic platform.
See More
Sutro Biopharma Reports Promising ADC Preclinical Data
- STRO-004 Preclinical Data: At the AACR Annual Meeting, Sutro Biopharma presented robust preclinical data for STRO-004, demonstrating strong and consistent antitumor activity across various TF-expressing solid tumor PDX models, achieving significant tumor control at a clinically relevant dose of 5 mg/kg, indicating its potential for clinical application.
- Performance of STRO-006 and STRO-227: STRO-006 exhibited dose-dependent antitumor activity across multiple solid tumor models, including non-small cell lung cancer, at a 5 mg/kg dose, while STRO-227 showed improved efficacy over single-payload ADCs in breast and ovarian cancers, supporting its potential as a next-generation ADC.
- Strategic Significance of Dual-Payload ADCs: The TROP2-targeted immunostimulatory ADC program partnered with Astellas highlights the development potential of dual-payload ADCs, emphasizing Sutro's platform's versatility and innovation in cancer treatment, potentially providing new therapeutic options for patients.
- Future Clinical Trial Outlook: Sutro anticipates releasing initial results from the Phase 1 study of STRO-004 in mid-2026, further validating its application potential across various indications, showcasing the company's strategic positioning and market opportunities in cancer therapy.
See More
Biotech Stocks Reach New 52-Week Highs
- Relay Therapeutics Progress: Relay Therapeutics' drug candidate Zovegalisib showed promising results in clinical trials, with a 7.64% stock price increase to $14.64 on Wednesday, indicating the company's potential in treating HR+/HER2- breast cancer, with initial data expected in the first half of 2026.
- MapLight Therapeutics High: MapLight Therapeutics' stock reached $25.79 during trading yesterday, up from its IPO price of $17.00, reflecting market optimism for its drug ML-007C-MA targeting schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease, with trial results anticipated in Q3 2026.
- Oruka Therapeutics Development: Oruka Therapeutics' ORKA-001 and ORKA-002 are in clinical trials for psoriasis, with the stock hitting $64.61, showcasing market confidence in its drugs, and significant data expected in Q2 2026.
- Spyre Therapeutics Clinical Trials: Spyre Therapeutics' stock reached $54.33 yesterday, reflecting market interest in its investigational therapies, particularly the SKYLINE trial for active ulcerative colitis, with preliminary data expected in Q3 2026.
See More
Gilead Acquires Tubulis to Expand ADC Capabilities
- Acquisition Details: Gilead has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Tubulis for $3.15 billion in cash, with potential milestone payments of up to $1.85 billion, aimed at enhancing its antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) capabilities.
- Market Reaction Analysis: Leerink analyst Andrew Berens notes that this acquisition further validates the ADC space and is expected to benefit other ADC platform companies like Sutro Biopharma, despite Gilead's stock falling by 1%.
- Value of Tubulis Assets: Tubulis's lead asset, TUB-040, is in development for treating ovarian and non-small cell lung cancer, and Gilead's acquisition is set to significantly enhance its competitive edge in cancer treatment, with the transaction expected to close in Q2 2026.
- Investor Sentiment Shift: While Gilead's stock has risen 31% this year, retail sentiment remains bearish, contrasting with Sutro's stock, which has nearly quadrupled, indicating strong market interest in the ADC sector.
See More
Wave Life Sciences Shares Surge 9.5% Amid Trading Volume Spike
- Price Rebound: Wave Life Sciences shares surged 9.5% in the last trading session to close at $7.25, with trading volume significantly higher than usual, indicating market interest in its future performance despite a 52.2% decline over the past four weeks.
- Earnings Expectations: The company is expected to report a quarterly loss of $0.34 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 17.2%, while revenues are projected at $10.73 million, up 16.8%, suggesting potential growth despite challenges.
- Earnings Estimate Revision: Over the past 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate for Wave Life Sciences has been revised 1.2% lower, which typically correlates with a lack of price appreciation, prompting investors to monitor whether the recent price jump can sustain itself.
- Industry Context: Wave Life Sciences operates within the biomedical and genetics sector, currently holding a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), while its peer Sutro Biopharma has seen a 17.3% increase in share price over the past month, highlighting competitive dynamics within the industry.
See More
SUTRO BIOPHARMA INC.: WELLS FARGO INCREASES TARGET PRICE FROM $8 TO $27
- Stock Price Increase: Sutro Biopharma's stock price has risen significantly, increasing from $8 to $27.
- Market Reaction: The substantial rise in stock price indicates positive market sentiment towards Sutro Biopharma's performance or potential developments.
See More
