Kazia Therapeutics (KZIA) Soars 51.36% on Pipeline Progress as Maxim Upgrades Target to $20

Kazia Therapeutics (KZIA) surged 51.36% in pre-market trading on November 26, 2025, marking a sharp reversal from its 6.18% decline at the previous session’s close. The biotech firm, focused on oncology therapies, has seen its shares rebound amid speculation tied to its clinical-stage pipeline advancements.

The company’s lead candidate, paxalisib, remains in Phase II/III trials for glioblastoma and is being evaluated for multiple central nervous system (CNS) cancers. Recent updates suggest ongoing pre-clinical work for triple-negative breast cancer, while EVT801, a vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor, progresses in Phase I trials for advanced solid tumors. These developments underscore Kazia’s potential to diversify its therapeutic applications, a critical factor for investor optimism.

Analyst activity has also intensified. Maxim Group upgraded KZIA’s price target from $15 to $20, maintaining a “Buy” rating, citing the pipeline’s differentiation in oncology. This follows Kazia’s collaboration expansions with global research entities, including the Australian and New Zealand Children’s Haematology/Oncology Group, which could accelerate trial timelines. However, the stock’s volatility—highlighted by a 257.26% surge over six months—reflects the sector’s inherent risk profile.

Backtest assumptions suggest a momentum-driven strategy could capitalize on KZIA’s recent volatility. A hypothetical approach targeting key resistance levels above $12.79, combined with trailing stop-losses, aligns with the stock’s high beta of 1.72. Traders might consider entering long positions near $10.32 (the pre-market bid) with a target at $16.46, the average analyst price estimate. However, caution is warranted given the company’s negative earnings (TTM: -$12.22 EPS) and reliance on clinical milestones.