XCUR Plunges 25% Amid Biotech Sector Volatility: What's Driving the Selloff?

Summary
• Exicure (XCUR) trades at $5.45, down 25.24% from its $7.29 previous close
• Intraday range spans $5.32 to $6.42, reflecting sharp bearish momentum
• Positive Phase 2 data for Burixafor in multiple myeloma presented at ASH 2025 fails to arrest decline
• Sector peers like Enveric Biosciences (ENVB) and NovaBay (NBY) see double-digit gains while XCUR struggles
Exicure's 25% intraday collapse has sparked urgent scrutiny in the biotech sector. Despite presenting encouraging Phase 2 data for its multiple myeloma candidate Burixafor at ASH 2025, the stock has been battered by technical selling pressure and sector-wide volatility. With the biotech index showing mixed momentum and AMGN leading sector gains, investors are left deciphering whether this selloff signals a short-term correction or deeper structural concerns.

Positive Phase 2 Data Fails to Stem Sell-Off as Short-Term Technicals Deter Investors
The selloff defies the positive Phase 2 data presented at ASH 2025, where Exicure reported favorable results for Burixafor in multiple myeloma. However, the market appears to be prioritizing technical factors over fundamental news. The stock's 200-day moving average at $7.68 acts as a critical resistance level, and today's breakdown below this threshold has triggered algorithmic selling. Additionally, the RSI at 69.6 suggests the stock is nearing overbought territory, prompting profit-taking. The MACD histogram's positive divergence (0.267) indicates weakening bullish momentum, further exacerbating the decline.

Biotech Sector Mixed as AMGN Gains, XCUR Falters
While Exicure's shares crumbled, the broader biotech sector showed divergent performance. Amgen (AMGN) rose 0.53%, leading the sector as investors rotated into more established names. Gainers like Enveric Biosciences (ENVB, +77%) and NovaBay (NBY, +17.43%) demonstrated strong momentum in the same sector, suggesting the selloff in XCUR is stock-specific rather than sector-wide. However, the sector's overall volatility—evidenced by 90% declines in WOK and ATPC—highlights the fragile risk/reward profile for speculative biotech plays.

Technical Setup Points to Short-Term Volatility: ETFs and Options Strategies in Focus
• MACD: 0.484 (bullish divergence) • RSI: 69.6 (approaching overbought) • Bollinger Bands: Price at $5.45 near lower band ($2.44) • 200D MA: $7.68 (critical resistance) • Support/Resistance: 30D support at $4.12, 200D support at $4.16
Exicure's technical profile suggests a high-volatility environment. The RSI's proximity to overbought territory and MACD's weakening divergence indicate potential for a short-term rebound. Traders should monitor the $4.12-4.16 support corridor, with a break below triggering deeper bearish momentum. While no options are available for analysis, leveraged ETFs (if available) could offer exposure to sector rotation. The 200-day moving average remains a critical psychological level—breaking below $4.16 would validate a bearish trend.

Backtest Exicure Stock Performance
The backtest of XCUR's performance after a -25% intraday plunge from 2022 to now shows favorable results, with win rates and returns indicating resilience and potential for recovery:

XCUR at Critical Juncture: Watch for Breakout or Breakdown Amid Sector Uncertainty
Exicure's 25% decline has created a pivotal technical inflection point. The stock's ability to hold above $4.12 will determine whether this is a short-term correction or the start of a deeper bearish phase. With Amgen (AMGN) leading the biotech sector higher, investors should monitor XCUR's interaction with key moving averages and RSI levels. A decisive break below $4.16 would validate bearish momentum, while a rebound above $6.42 could reignite short-term optimism. Given the sector's mixed performance and XCUR's fragile technical setup, position sizing and stop-loss placement are critical. Watch AMGN's 0.53% gain as a barometer for sector sentiment.