Baird raises Biohaven Pharma stock price target on NDA acceptance

Baird has increased its price target for Biohaven Pharma shares to $48 from $42. The company is maintaining an Outperform rating for Biohaven following positive developments for its drug candidate, troriluzole, now known as Vyglxia. Baird noted that the New Drug Application (NDA) acceptance for Vyglxia is a significant positive surprise.

The firm explained that this NDA acceptance, with a first-quarter 2027 PDUFA date, reduces key risks for the drug candidate. Biohaven currently has a strong current ratio of 4.73, but it is facing challenges with cash burn, a common issue for biotech firms in late-stage development. The NDA submission and acceptance are two events that reduce risk for the drug candidate.

Baird anticipates debate leading up to the Advisory Committee meeting and PDUFA date. The firm has assigned a 50% probability of approval for Vyglxia, which influenced the updated price target of $48. Additionally, Biohaven Pharma has entered a licensing agreement with Ono Pharmaceuticals, which will bring in $80 million upfront and $20 million in milestone payments within a year, along with royalties on future net sales.