Molecular Partners' Promising Oncology Developments and Strategic Focus Earn Analyst Buy Rating

Molecular Partners' recent oncology pipeline developments, including promising data on Radio-DARPin candidate MP0726, have earned a Buy rating from Charles Zhu of LifeSci Capital. Zhu cites the candidate's strong binding affinity, favorable tumor accumulation metrics, and design to overcome historical challenges associated with mesothelin-targeting therapies. The company's strategic focus and extended cash runway also contribute to the positive outlook. Zhu has an average return of -8.5% and a 38.94% success rate on recommended stocks.

Molecular Partners AG (SIX: MOLN; NASDAQ: MOLN), a clinical-stage biotech company, has presented encouraging preclinical data for its Radio-DARPin candidate MP0726. The candidate targets mesothelin (MSLN) and is intended for the treatment of ovarian cancer. The data was presented at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) in New Orleans, LA, USA [1].

MP0726 demonstrated high affinity and selectivity for membrane-bound MSLN, overcoming the historical challenges associated with shed MSLN acting as a decoy receptor. In vivo studies showed favorable biodistribution with substantial uptake in MSLN-positive tumors and limited accumulation in other organs. At 24 hours post injection, tumor accumulation reached up to 34%, resulting in a tumor to kidney ratio of up to 4.5 [1].

The unique properties of DARPins, combined with the optimally balanced safety and tumor-killing capabilities of 212Pb, make MP0726 a promising candidate. The collaboration between Molecular Partners and Orano Med, a pioneer in targeted alpha-particle therapies, has accelerated the development of MP0726. The strategic partnership leverages Molecular Partners' DARPin platform and Orano Med's expertise in 212Pb-based radiopharmaceuticals [1].

The positive preclinical data for MP0726 has earned a Buy rating from Charles Zhu of LifeSci Capital. Zhu highlighted the candidate's strong binding affinity, favorable tumor accumulation metrics, and design to overcome historical challenges associated with MSLN-targeting therapies. The company's strategic focus and extended cash runway also contribute to the positive outlook [2].

Molecular Partners' first Radio-DARPin program, MP0712 targeting DLL3, is on track to dose the first patient in a Phase 1 study in the US in the second half of 2025. The company is developing targeted alpha radio-therapeutics against up to ten targets, including DLL3 and MSLN [1].

References:
[1] https://investors.molecularpartners.com/news-releases/news-release-details/molecular-partners-and-orano-med-present-preclinical-data
[2] LifeSci Capital's rating on Molecular Partners AG