ProKidney Corp. (NASDAQ:PROK) Surges 5.77% on H.C. Wainwright Buy Rating Initiation

ProKidney Corp. (NASDAQ:PROK) surged 5.7692% in pre-market trading on December 17, 2025, driven by a new Buy rating from H.C. Wainwright & Co. The firm set a $12.00 price target, signaling over 475% potential upside from its current level. This marks the first analyst coverage for the clinical-stage biotechnology company, which is developing REACT, a cell therapy targeting chronic kidney disease.

The positive momentum follows a strategic shift in analyst sentiment, with H.C. Wainwright’s Joseph Pantginis highlighting ProKidney’s proprietary platform for autologous cell therapy.

The move aligns with the company’s focus on disease-modifying treatments for severe diabetic kidney disease, positioning it as a potential disruptor in the nephrology space. Analysts have historically shown divided views, but the latest initiation underscores renewed institutional interest.

ProKidney’s pipeline remains centered on advancing REACT through clinical trials, aiming to slow disease progression using patient-derived renal cells. While broader market risks persist, the firm’s elevated target price reflects confidence in its long-term therapeutic value and unmet medical needs in kidney disease treatment.