Nurix Therapeutics (NRIX) Shares Surge 12.28% Intraday on Phase 2 Trial Initiation for BTK Degrader

Nurix Therapeutics (NRIX) shares surged 2.02% on Wednesday, marking a three-day winning streak with a cumulative gain of 8.03%. The stock hit its highest level since October 2025, climbing 12.28% intraday, driven by progress in its pivotal clinical pipeline.

The rally followed the initiation of the Phase 2 DAYBreak trial for bexobrutideg (NX-5948), a BTK degrader targeting relapsed or refractory CLL/SLL patients. The 600 mg once-daily oral dose, validated by prior Phase 1b data and aligned with global regulators, aims to demonstrate an objective response rate (ORR) to support accelerated approval. The trial addresses a high unmet need in patients with limited treatment options after triple prior therapy.

Bexobrutideg’s mechanism distinguishes it from conventional BTK inhibitors by leveraging the ubiquitin-proteasome system to degrade the entire BTK protein, including resistant mutants. Phase 1a/b data showed an 80.9% ORR in heavily pre-treated patients, with no new-onset atrial fibrillation—a common side effect in existing therapies. Its CNS-penetrant properties also suggest potential for central nervous system malignancies.

Analysts have reinforced optimism, with an average $28.14 one-year price target (170.84% upside) and “Strong Buy” ratings. The drug’s potential to disrupt the $11.4 billion BTK inhibitor market stems from its ability to overcome resistance and offer an oral, brain-penetrant formulation. Nurix’s $250 million capital raise in October 2025 further solidified its liquidity, with cash reserves projected to fund operations until mid-2027.

The trial’s success could validate TPD as a transformative therapeutic approach, aligning with regulatory initiatives like the FDA’s Project Optimus. Nurix’s partnerships with Gilead, Sanofi, and Pfizer provide additional resources to advance its pipeline, including NX-1607 for immuno-oncology and GS-6791 for autoimmune diseases. However, challenges remain, including high competition and regulatory hurdles, requiring strategic execution to sustain momentum.