Sagimet Plans to Initiate Phase 3 Acne Trial in H2 2026
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 12 2026
0mins
"Our recent strategic decision to focus on dermatology marks a turning point for Sagimet, and we are excited about the path ahead. In the near term, we are targeting the second half of 2026 to initiate a Phase 3 clinical trial of denifanstat in moderate to severe acne in the U.S. We believe that denifanstat, with its differentiated mode of action, could potentially offer a convenient oral once-daily treatment option for those living with moderate to severe acne. The clinical community caring for patients with acne has waited more than 40 years for an innovative oral treatment," said David Happel, Chief Executive Officer of Sagimet. "We recently strengthened Sagimet's ability to move forward with its innovative dermatology programs with the completion of a $175 million equity financing. Combined with our existing cash balance, we are well capitalized to fund our programs through 2028 including data readout of our planned denifanstat Phase 3 clinical trial in moderate to severe acne."
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Analyst Views on SGMT
Wall Street analysts forecast SGMT stock price to rise
10 Analyst Rating
9 Buy
1 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 7.220
Low
8.00
Averages
27.00
High
37.00
Current: 7.220
Low
8.00
Averages
27.00
High
37.00
About SGMT
Sagimet Biosciences Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing fatty acid synthase (FASN) inhibitors that are designed to target dysfunctional metabolic and fibrotic pathways in diseases resulting from the overproduction of the fatty acid, palmitate. The Company's lead drug candidate, denifanstat, is an oral, once-daily pill and selective FASN inhibitor in development for the treatment of metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Denifanstat has been granted Breakthrough Therapy designation by the FDA for the treatment of non-cirrhotic MASH with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis. The Company is also exploring the use of its FASN inhibitors, which include denifanstat and its pipeline product candidate, TVB-3567, in acne and in select forms of cancer. Denifanstat is being tested in China by its license partner, Ascletis BioScience Co. Ltd., for moderate to severe acne vulgaris and recurrent glioblastoma multiforme in combination with bevacizumab.
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.
Sagimet Biosciences Secures $175M Equity Financing for Acne Trials
- Successful Financing: Sagimet Biosciences completed a $175 million equity financing in April 2026 by issuing 29,166,700 shares of Series A common stock at $6.00 per share, providing substantial funding for its dermatology projects and ensuring operations through 2028.
- Clinical Trial Plans: The company plans to initiate a Phase 3 clinical trial of denifanstat for moderate to severe acne patients in the U.S. in the second half of 2026, with the innovative oral treatment expected to fill a 40-year gap in the market for effective acne therapies.
- Improved Financial Position: As of March 31, 2026, Sagimet reported cash and cash equivalents of $104.5 million, with research and development expenses significantly reduced to $7 million from $15.3 million in the same quarter of 2025, indicating effective cost management.
- Market Demand Analysis: Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the U.S., affecting approximately 50 million Americans annually, with around 10 million suffering from moderate to severe acne, highlighting the significant unmet need that Sagimet's innovative treatment could address.
See More
SAGIMET BIOSCIENCES INC: CANACCORD GENUITY INCREASES TARGET PRICE FROM $28 TO $49
Company Overview: Canaccord Genuity has raised its price target for a specific stock.
New Price Target: The new price target is set at $49, an increase from the previous target of $28.
See More
Sagimet Biosciences Announces New Drug Trial Plans
- Stock Surge: Sagimet Biosciences' shares surged 45.2% to $8.65 following the announcement of plans to initiate Phase 3 trials of denifanstat in the U.S., reflecting strong investor confidence in the company's future prospects.
- Market Opportunity: With 10 million acne sufferers in the U.S. alone, and the global acne treatment market currently valued at approximately $11 billion, projected to grow to nearly $17 billion by 2034, Sagimet stands to gain significantly in this lucrative sector.
- Funding Strategy: Sagimet plans to raise $175 million by issuing over 29 million new shares at $6.00 each, which will dilute existing shareholders but is expected to provide essential funding for the next stages of denifanstat's testing.
- Clinical Trial Progress: Following the successful completion of Phase 3 trials in China, Sagimet aims to launch U.S. Phase 3 trials in the second half of 2026, further advancing its entry into the acne treatment market and enhancing its competitive position.
See More
Sagimet Plans Phase 3 Trial Launch for Denifanstat in 2026
- Funding Strategy: Sagimet priced a public offering of approximately 29.2 million shares of its Series A common stock at $6 per share, aiming to raise about $175 million in gross proceeds, which is a 2.4% premium over Friday's closing price, ensuring funding for its acne treatment programs through 2028.
- Clinical Trial Advancement: The company plans to launch a Phase 3 U.S. trial of Denifanstat in the second half of 2026, following positive late-stage results in China that demonstrated good safety and sustained improvement in patients with moderate to severe acne, marking a significant advancement in its acne treatment portfolio.
- Positive Market Reaction: Following the latest financing announcement, Sagimet's shares surged over 40%, recording their largest single-day gain in more than 27 months and breaking the 200-day moving average for the first time, reflecting strong investor confidence in the company's future prospects.
- Pipeline Expansion: In addition to Denifanstat, Sagimet plans to advance TVB-3567 into Phase 2 studies later this year, further enriching its acne treatment pipeline, although development in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) will be paused until non-dilutive funding is secured.
See More
NASDAQ 100 Pre-Market Activity Overview
- Market Performance: The NASDAQ 100 Pre-Market Indicator is down 22.14 points to 27,281.53, indicating cautious market sentiment that may influence short-term investor decisions.
- Active Stocks: Organon & Co. (OGN) rises by $1.91 to $13.17 with a trading volume of 34,420,118 shares, currently priced at 146.33% of its target price, reflecting optimistic market expectations for its future performance.
- Earnings Forecast: Intel Corporation (INTC) has had three upward revisions in earnings forecasts over the past four weeks, with a current stock price of $82.86 and an expected EPS of $0.08 for the fiscal quarter ending June 2027, showcasing market confidence in its future profitability.
- Short Interest Data: Sagimet Biosciences Inc. (SGMT) and Intellia Therapeutics, Inc. (NTLA) have days to cover of 10.41 and 15.42 respectively, indicating high short-term trading activity for these stocks, which may impact their price volatility.
See More
Sagimet Biosciences Stock Surges 30% on $175M Offering Announcement
- Significant Fundraising: Sagimet Biosciences successfully priced an underwritten offering of approximately 29 million shares at $6.00 per share, expecting gross proceeds of $175 million, which will provide robust financial support for its clinical trials.
- Advancing Clinical Trials: The funding will be utilized to support the Phase 3 trial of denifanstat for acne treatment while advancing TVB-3567 and a topical FASN inhibitor, indicating the company's strategic focus in dermatological therapies.
- Planned Use of Funds: Sagimet intends to combine net proceeds with existing capital to sustain its acne program operations through 2028 and cover general corporate expenses, reflecting the company's confidence in its future growth.
- Positive Market Reaction: Following the fundraising announcement, Sagimet's stock surged approximately 30% in pre-market trading on Monday, indicating investor optimism regarding the company's prospects, particularly in its drug development potential.
See More
Sagimet Biosciences Secures $175M Equity Financing for Acne Trials
- Successful Financing: Sagimet Biosciences completed a $175 million equity financing in April 2026 by issuing 29,166,700 shares of Series A common stock at $6.00 per share, providing substantial funding for its dermatology projects and ensuring operations through 2028.
- Clinical Trial Plans: The company plans to initiate a Phase 3 clinical trial of denifanstat for moderate to severe acne patients in the U.S. in the second half of 2026, with the innovative oral treatment expected to fill a 40-year gap in the market for effective acne therapies.
- Improved Financial Position: As of March 31, 2026, Sagimet reported cash and cash equivalents of $104.5 million, with research and development expenses significantly reduced to $7 million from $15.3 million in the same quarter of 2025, indicating effective cost management.
- Market Demand Analysis: Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the U.S., affecting approximately 50 million Americans annually, with around 10 million suffering from moderate to severe acne, highlighting the significant unmet need that Sagimet's innovative treatment could address.
See More
SAGIMET BIOSCIENCES INC: CANACCORD GENUITY INCREASES TARGET PRICE FROM $28 TO $49
Company Overview: Canaccord Genuity has raised its price target for a specific stock.
New Price Target: The new price target is set at $49, an increase from the previous target of $28.
See More
Sagimet Biosciences Announces New Drug Trial Plans
- Stock Surge: Sagimet Biosciences' shares surged 45.2% to $8.65 following the announcement of plans to initiate Phase 3 trials of denifanstat in the U.S., reflecting strong investor confidence in the company's future prospects.
- Market Opportunity: With 10 million acne sufferers in the U.S. alone, and the global acne treatment market currently valued at approximately $11 billion, projected to grow to nearly $17 billion by 2034, Sagimet stands to gain significantly in this lucrative sector.
- Funding Strategy: Sagimet plans to raise $175 million by issuing over 29 million new shares at $6.00 each, which will dilute existing shareholders but is expected to provide essential funding for the next stages of denifanstat's testing.
- Clinical Trial Progress: Following the successful completion of Phase 3 trials in China, Sagimet aims to launch U.S. Phase 3 trials in the second half of 2026, further advancing its entry into the acne treatment market and enhancing its competitive position.
See More
Sagimet Plans Phase 3 Trial Launch for Denifanstat in 2026
- Funding Strategy: Sagimet priced a public offering of approximately 29.2 million shares of its Series A common stock at $6 per share, aiming to raise about $175 million in gross proceeds, which is a 2.4% premium over Friday's closing price, ensuring funding for its acne treatment programs through 2028.
- Clinical Trial Advancement: The company plans to launch a Phase 3 U.S. trial of Denifanstat in the second half of 2026, following positive late-stage results in China that demonstrated good safety and sustained improvement in patients with moderate to severe acne, marking a significant advancement in its acne treatment portfolio.
- Positive Market Reaction: Following the latest financing announcement, Sagimet's shares surged over 40%, recording their largest single-day gain in more than 27 months and breaking the 200-day moving average for the first time, reflecting strong investor confidence in the company's future prospects.
- Pipeline Expansion: In addition to Denifanstat, Sagimet plans to advance TVB-3567 into Phase 2 studies later this year, further enriching its acne treatment pipeline, although development in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) will be paused until non-dilutive funding is secured.
See More
NASDAQ 100 Pre-Market Activity Overview
- Market Performance: The NASDAQ 100 Pre-Market Indicator is down 22.14 points to 27,281.53, indicating cautious market sentiment that may influence short-term investor decisions.
- Active Stocks: Organon & Co. (OGN) rises by $1.91 to $13.17 with a trading volume of 34,420,118 shares, currently priced at 146.33% of its target price, reflecting optimistic market expectations for its future performance.
- Earnings Forecast: Intel Corporation (INTC) has had three upward revisions in earnings forecasts over the past four weeks, with a current stock price of $82.86 and an expected EPS of $0.08 for the fiscal quarter ending June 2027, showcasing market confidence in its future profitability.
- Short Interest Data: Sagimet Biosciences Inc. (SGMT) and Intellia Therapeutics, Inc. (NTLA) have days to cover of 10.41 and 15.42 respectively, indicating high short-term trading activity for these stocks, which may impact their price volatility.
See More
Sagimet Biosciences Stock Surges 30% on $175M Offering Announcement
- Significant Fundraising: Sagimet Biosciences successfully priced an underwritten offering of approximately 29 million shares at $6.00 per share, expecting gross proceeds of $175 million, which will provide robust financial support for its clinical trials.
- Advancing Clinical Trials: The funding will be utilized to support the Phase 3 trial of denifanstat for acne treatment while advancing TVB-3567 and a topical FASN inhibitor, indicating the company's strategic focus in dermatological therapies.
- Planned Use of Funds: Sagimet intends to combine net proceeds with existing capital to sustain its acne program operations through 2028 and cover general corporate expenses, reflecting the company's confidence in its future growth.
- Positive Market Reaction: Following the fundraising announcement, Sagimet's stock surged approximately 30% in pre-market trading on Monday, indicating investor optimism regarding the company's prospects, particularly in its drug development potential.
See More
