Overview
Chardan Research highlighted Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals as its top selection in the biotechnology and pharmaceuticals sector for 2026, assigning a Buy rating and a $90 price target.
Clinical Pipeline and Upcoming Catalysts
- Arrowhead is awaiting the Phase III SHASTA‑3/4 readout for its Redemplo (plozasiran) program targeting severe hypertriglyceridemia, with data expected in Q3 2026. Chardan expects this data to validate the company’s near‑term cardiometabolic strategy and to underpin a potential 2027 launch in the indication.
- During a recent R&D webinar, cardiometabolic expert Steven Nissen of the Cleveland Clinic indicated a preference for plozasiran over the recently approved Tryngolza, citing better tolerability, longer duration of action, and potentially superior efficacy.
- The company is also advancing zodasiran toward a potential 2027 New Drug Application for homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.
- Arrowhead is developing ARO‑DIMER‑PA, a dual‑targeting PCSK9/APOC3 siRNA, described by management and Dr. Nissen as a differentiated approach to residual cardiovascular disease risk in mixed hyperlipidemia. Success would require simultaneous, durable reductions in LDL‑cholesterol and triglycerides with an acceptable safety profile.
- New clinical data were presented for the plozasiran program, and interim positive results were disclosed for the obesity candidate ARO‑INHBE.
Financial Performance
- Arrowhead reported second‑quarter 2026 revenue of $74 million and an earnings‑per‑share loss of $0.93, both of which beat analyst forecasts.
Analyst Outlook
- Chardan expects the forthcoming SHASTA‑3/4 data to substantiate the near‑term cardiometabolic strategy and support a 2027 launch in severe hypertriglyceridemia. The firm also views ARO‑DIMER‑PA as a high‑upside program, contingent on early clinical data demonstrating the targeted lipid reductions and safety.