Merus (MRUS) Price Target Raised at BMO After Positive Phase 2 Data

BMO Capital Markets maintained its Outperform rating on Merus N.V. (NASDAQ:MRUS) shares on May 24 while raising its price target from $96 to $110.

The revision comes after encouraging Phase 2 data for Merus’ drug candidates petosemtamab and pembrolizumab (pembro) were released. The drugs are intended to treat recurrent or metastatic Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), Merus’ updated data included findings from an analysis of 43 evaluable patients conducted on February 27, 2025. With a confirmed Objective Response Rate (ORR) of 63%, the study demonstrated robust and long-lasting responses. Notably, a 79% survival rate was shown by the 12-month Overall Survival data. The standard of care for pembrolizumab, which carries a reported survival rate of roughly 50–59%, compares favorably to this.

The market’s response to the ASCO presentation indicates that petosemtamab’s clinical potential to take the HNSCC treatment landscape to new heights is well-supported. The price target increase and revised estimates also demonstrate growing investor confidence in the drug’s prospects. Evan David Seigerman of BMO Capital backed this assessment after the approval probability rose from 85% to 90%, pointing to favorable safety data.

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Read More: 10 Defensive Stocks Billionaire Ken Fisher Is Betting On and 10 Best Stocks to Buy According to Billionaire Steve Cohen.

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