Key Takeaways
- Shares of Moderna climbed 13% to reach $67.50, approaching levels not seen since September 2024
- The biotechnology company unveiled mRNA-6007, its inaugural in vivo CAR-T therapy targeting conditions such as lupus
- Development timeline shows clinical trials for mRNA-6007 expected to commence in 2027
- Jefferies’ Andrew Tsai boosted his target from $45 to $53; Piper Sandler increased its target from $69 to $77
- The stock has surged over 100% in 2025 amid rising enthusiasm for its diversified development portfolio
Shares of Moderna (MRNA) experienced a remarkable 13% surge to $67.50 during Friday’s trading session, establishing the company as the top gainer within the S&P 500 index. This rally positions the biotech stock for its strongest closing price since late summer 2024.
The dramatic price movement followed the company’s Thursday investor presentation, during which Moderna detailed comprehensive plans to diversify its business beyond coronavirus vaccine development.
The centerpiece announcement introduced mRNA-6007, representing the company’s inaugural in vivo CAR-T therapy program. This innovative methodology reprograms T-cells directly within patients’ bodies instead of through external laboratory processes. The approach offers significant advantages in cost reduction and treatment speed compared to conventional ex vivo CAR-T methodologies.
The company has mapped out a 2027 launch timeline for mRNA-6007’s clinical development phase. Initial therapeutic applications will concentrate on B-cell-mediated autoimmune disorders, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus — a chronic condition characterized by the immune system attacking the body’s own healthy tissues.
This strategic move places Moderna alongside other pharmaceutical giants pursuing similar innovations. Eli Lilly (LLY), which also posted a 6% gain Friday due to separate developments, recently finalized an acquisition of Orna Therapeutics to secure access to its proprietary in vivo CAR-T technology platform.
Aggressive Portfolio Development
Beyond the CAR-T initiative, Moderna presented a comprehensive pipeline structured across three strategic phases. The initial phase encompasses advanced-stage candidates and existing commercial offerings. Subsequent phases venture into emerging programs spanning cancer treatment, respiratory ailments, and orphan diseases.
Jefferies’ Andrew Tsai highlighted that the early-stage oncology portfolio “can meaningfully diversify the mRNA pipeline.” He specifically identified T-cell engager therapies targeting multiple myeloma and ovarian cancer as particularly promising assets.
While Tsai elevated his price target from $45 to $53, he retained his Hold rating. From his perspective, the most significant near-term catalyst isn’t the CAR-T program — rather, it’s the anticipated Phase III melanoma trial results scheduled for late 2026, which he characterized as “a major event” for investor sentiment.
Piper Sandler analyst Edward Tenthoff expressed stronger optimism. He upgraded his price target from $69 to $77 while maintaining an Overweight rating, pointing to the comprehensive advancement demonstrated throughout the investor presentation.
Transformation Beyond Pandemic Products
Moderna’s current revenue base remains predominantly dependent on three vaccine products. However, Jefferies’ Tsai projects this could expand to over seven commercialized products spanning various therapeutic areas within a 24-month timeframe.
This would represent a transformative evolution from 2020, when the company’s entire commercial portfolio consisted solely of the Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine.
The stock has experienced explosive year-to-date growth, more than doubling in value as market participants grow increasingly confident in this strategic transformation. The melanoma candidate, developed in partnership with Merck, has served as a primary catalyst for this renewed investor enthusiasm.
Friday’s investor presentation intensified this momentum, with the CAR-T program revelation emerging as the session’s most significant surprise announcement.
