Yi Chen Maintains Buy Rating on Lipocine Amid LPCN 1154's Promising PPD Treatment Potential

Analyst Yi Chen at H.C. Wainwright reiterated a Buy rating for Lipocine, citing the promising potential of LPCN 1154 in treating postpartum depression. LPCN 1154 offers a rapid onset of action and favorable safety profile, distinguishing it from current treatments. Chen expects a Phase 3 trial to confirm these benefits, leading to a New Drug Application submission. He reiterates a Buy rating with an $8 price target, highlighting LPCN 1154's potential to address a significant unmet healthcare need.

Lipocine Inc. continues to make strides in the development of LPCN 1154, an oral brexanolone therapy for postpartum depression (PPD). Analyst Yi Chen at H.C. Wainwright reiterated a Buy rating for Lipocine, citing the potential of LPCN 1154 to address a significant unmet healthcare need. The oral formulation offers a rapid onset of action and a favorable safety profile, distinguishing it from current treatments [1].

Chen expects a Phase 3 trial to confirm these benefits, leading to a New Drug Application (NDA) submission. The trial, which began in March 2025, follows pharmacokinetic bridging data comparing LPCN 1154 with the reference drug. Lipocine plans to use the results from this trial to support an NDA submission, targeted for mid-2026 [1].

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a type of mood disorder affecting women after childbirth, characterized by extreme sadness, anxiety, fatigue, and emotional distress. Unlike the "baby blues," which typically resolve within a few days, PPD can last for weeks or months if untreated. Current treatments include counseling, antidepressant medications, and support groups [2].

LPCN 1154's rapid onset of action and favorable safety profile are notable advantages. Traditional treatments often require continuous medical monitoring, which can be burdensome for patients. LPCN 1154, on the other hand, can be administered in an outpatient setting, reducing the need for continuous medical supervision [1].

The global PPD market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by increasing research and development efforts and the establishment of the pathophysiology of the condition. Emerging therapies like LPCN 1154 have the potential to address the limited treatment options currently available [2].

Chen reiterated a Buy rating with an $8 price target, reflecting LPCN 1154's potential to make a significant impact on the PPD market. The oral formulation could provide a more convenient and effective treatment option for women suffering from PPD [1].

References:
[1] https://www.barchart.com/story/news/33299230/postpartum-depression-pipeline-2025-detailed-clinical-trials-and-fda-approved-therapies-review-by-delveinsight-sage-therapeutics-brii-biosciences-limited-reunion-neuroscience-gh-research
[2] https://www.delveinsight.com/report-store/postpartum-depression-pipeline-insight