Autolus Therapeutics shares surge 5.35% on strategic upgrade from Needham & Co.

Shares of Autolus Therapeutics surged 5.35% in pre-market trading on December 31, 2025, driven by renewed analyst optimism following a strategic upgrade from Needham & Co.

The firm raised its price target for the biotech stock to $11 from $10 while maintaining a "Buy" rating. Needham highlighted Aucatzyl’s strong commercial performance—$76 million in sales to date—as a key catalyst, though it acknowledged lingering investor skepticism about Autolus’ path to profitability. Analysts noted the company’s revised breakeven timeline, projecting profitability by 2028 based on Aucatzyl’s revenue alone, which contrasts with current market doubts.

Needham also emphasized untapped potential in Autolus’ pipeline, particularly its obe-cel therapy for lupus nephritis. The firm argued that current valuation metrics fail to reflect the drug’s clinical progress, with pivotal data from the FELIX trial and relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia studies expected to expand the therapy’s market reach. These updates, slated for the first half of 2026, could reshape investor sentiment.

Analysts remain cautious about potential regulatory risks, particularly around FDA approval timelines for obe-cel. However, the company’s growing cash reserves and reduced R&D spending suggest improved operational efficiency, which could support its projected 2028 profitability. Market observers will closely watch clinical milestones and investor behavior over the next year to gauge long-term confidence in the stock.