Shares of Abivax (+12.60%, at 112.60 euros) recorded the strongest gain on the SBF 120 index today. This surge, mirroring last week’s performance, is attributed to persistent press rumors suggesting an acquisition interest from the American pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly for the French biotechnology firm.
Eli Lilly’s Interest: A Treasury Meeting Confirmed
According to strategic information daily La Lettre, a delegation from Eli Lilly visited the French Treasury’s Directorate General in early December. The purpose of this initial contact was to assess the feasibility of an Abivax acquisition under French foreign investment control regulations. This move signals a serious consideration from Eli Lilly regarding a potential takeover.
Abivax Joins Nasdaq Biotechnology Index
Last Thursday, Abivax announced its inclusion in the Nasdaq Biotechnology Index, effective before the market opened this Monday, December 22nd. Didier Blondel, the company’s Chief Financial Officer, stated, “Our integration into the Nasdaq Biotech index marks a major milestone for Abivax. It reflects the significant progress we have made as a company, particularly in advancing obefazimod through the successful ABTECT phase 3 induction trials in ulcerative colitis, and underscores Abivax’s growing visibility and recognition within the international biotechnology community.”
Phenomenal Stock Performance in 2025
Since the beginning of the year, Abivax’s stock has skyrocketed by nearly 1,500%, climbing from 6.76 euros on December 31st of last year to 107.60 euros at Friday’s close. This remarkable ascent is largely due to a single trading session on July 23rd, when the stock surged from 8.90 to 54.30 euros, an astounding jump of 510.11%.
Positive Phase 3 Trial Results for Obefazimod
This dramatic increase followed the clinical-stage biotechnology company’s announcement of positive results from two Phase 3 trials evaluating Obefazimod for the treatment of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis. The 50mg dose of Obefazimod, administered once daily, demonstrated a highly significant clinical remission rate of 16.4% for both pooled studies, adjusted for the placebo effect at week 8. All key secondary endpoints were also met, and the product exhibited a favorable safety profile.
Strong Financial Position and Future Outlook
Recently, on December 15th, the company released its third-quarter 2025 results, reporting a cash and cash equivalents position of 589.7 million euros as of September 30th, 2025. This provides financial autonomy until the fourth quarter of 2027, bolstering investor confidence.
Key Highlights of Abivax’s Strategy:
- Obefazimod Focus: Abivax specializes in combating intestinal inflammation through its lead compound, obefazimod, which leverages the body’s natural regulatory mechanisms, particularly microRNA miR-124.
- Market Entry Strategy: The company aims for a three-stage rollout: launching the anti-ulcerative colitis drug in the United States in 2027-28, followed by global expansion in 2029-30, and then extending the drug’s application to Crohn’s disease.
- Financial Agility: Abivax has demonstrated its ability to attract investors and partners, securing support from institutions like Institut Curie, IGMM Montpellier, Soffinova, and Truffle Capital, and listing on Euronext Paris and Nasdaq.
- Innovation-Driven: The company holds a portfolio of over 20 patents developed under license from leading research institutions, continuously expanding its chemical compound library through research focused on obefazimod’s mechanical concept and potential drug combinations.
- Secured Funding: Following a successful capital increase on Nasdaq in July, which raised 597 million euros, combined with 60.9 million euros in cash at the end of June, Abivax has secured its financial needs until the end of 2027.
Challenges Ahead:
- Profitability: Abivax is not yet profitable, with activities currently in the clinical trial stage.
- Valuation Sensitivity: The company’s valuation is highly sensitive to the success of its clinical trials.
- Upcoming Milestones: An announcement regarding a candidate drug for combination with obefazimod is expected by the end of the year. In the second half of 2026, results from the final therapeutic trials for ulcerative colitis are anticipated, potentially leading to an FDA marketing application for obefazimod. Progress in Phase 2 trials for Crohn’s disease is also expected.
- Projected Losses: After a net loss of 100.8 million euros in the first half of the year, further losses are anticipated for the coming years as the company continues its research and development efforts.
Source: https://bourse.fortuneo.fr/actualites-amp/la-valeur-du-jour-a-paris-abivax-grimpe-de-nouvelles-rumeurs-sur-un-interet-d-eli-lilly-5768422
