SVB Leerink initiated coverage of Affimed NV (NASDAQ:AFMD) with an “outperform” rating and $8 price target. The stock closed at $4.17 on March 27.
“Our positive view is fuelled by the potential of the company’s novel pipeline of innate-cell engagers,” writes analyst Daina Graybosch.
She said Affimed is the leader in developing bispecific innate-cell engagers to harness the killing power of natural killer cells through antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and macrophages through antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis.
“We view innate engagement as a step improvement on traditional and Fc- optimized monoclonal antibodies, including extending benefit to patients with low-antigen expressing tumors and/or immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments,” she added.
Ms. Graybosch said innate-cell engagement is potentially complementary to many other immuno-oncology mechanisms and “promising data from [Affimed’s] AFM13 plus pembrolizumab in Hodgkin lymphoma supports this hypothesis.”
A recent development partnership with Genentech provides strong validation of Affimed’s platform and “could translate into significant value creation, with potential for $5-billion in milestones,” she said.
