** Jefferies initiates coverage of drug developer BioAge Labs with "buy" rating and price target of $42
** Brokerage says BIOA's lead candidate, azelaprag, has a novel mechanism to be used as an additional therapy with popular GLP-1 drugs for obesity and could help address certain unmet needs in an increasingly competitive market
** BIOA plans to test its drug along with Eli Lilly's
Zepbound and Novo Nordisk's Wegovy in mid-stage studies
** Jefferies models peak revenues of nearly $2 bln for the drug; says it targets "energy expenditure" compared to energy intake that other drugs target
** Based on early data, brokerage expects drug could help achieve more weight loss vs with Zepbound/Wegovy alone and with fewer side effects
** Jefferies says azelaprag could also help preserve muscle mass while increasing fat loss and provide a convenient oral dosing alternative
** As of last close, stock up ~30% since Nasdaq debut on Sept. 26
(Reporting by Bhanvi Satija in Bengaluru)
((Bhanvi.Satija@thomsonreuters.com; Outside U.S. +91 9873062788;))
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