Ladenburg Thalmann Starts Exicure (XCUR) at Buy

Ladenburg Thalmann initiates coverage on Exicure (OTC: XCUR) with a Buy rating and a price target of $18.00.

Analyst Wangzhi Li commented, "XCUR is a clinical-stage biotech company developing first-in-class spherical nucleic acid (SNA) therapeutics. SNA consists of densely packed synthetic nucleic acid oligos radially arranged outside on a nanoparticle core. XCUR discovered that this spherical 3D structure leads to transformational new properties that can address current key challenges in developing nucleic acid therapeutics (NAT) with: 1) High cellular uptake through natural scavenger receptors-mediated endocytosis, vs limited uptake of linear NAT; 2) Broad tissue applicability; 3) Stability without chemical modifications; 4) Versatility to deliver both DNA and RNA. XCUR has built a broad IP portfolio protecting SNA technology, and has developed a large pipeline of SNA products for indications in dermatology, immunology, oncology, neurology, ophthalmology, respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases. Lead programs XCUR17 (topic gel for down-regulating IL-17RA expression in psoriasis skin) and AST-008 (novel TLR9 agonist for immuno-oncology) are in Phase 1 trials with data readout in 3Q18. XCUR’s SNA version of Spinraza also showed superior efficacy in preclinical SMA model and expects to start clinical study in 2019."

For an analyst ratings summary and ratings history on Exicure click here. For more ratings news on Exicure click here.

Shares of Exicure closed at $5.65 yesterday.

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