Biotech Rally Led by Hematology Breakthroughs: Exicure Soars 72% on Phase 2 Trial Success

Biotechnology sector exhibited robust momentum in after-hours trading Monday, driven primarily by positive clinical announcements and equity offerings. The sector-wide strength was anchored by multiple significant developments across pipeline programs.

Exicure’s Commanding Surge on Hematology Milestone

The standout performer was Exicure, Inc. (XCUR), which delivered a remarkable 72.61% jump to $9.20 in extended trading, representing a $3.87 gain from the $5.33 closing price during the regular session (which itself gained 3.50%). The dramatic ascent was catalyzed by the company’s disclosure of Phase 2 trial results for burixafor (GPC-100) administered alongside propranolol and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). The investigational therapy demonstrated substantial efficacy in mobilizing hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) in multiple myeloma patients preparing for autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT), with approximately 90% of trial participants achieving the designated primary endpoint. The results were unveiled at the 67th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida, providing substantial validation for the treatment approach.

Assembly Biosciences Advances HSV Inhibitor Portfolio

Assembly Biosciences, Inc. (ASMB) extended gains of 5.96% in after-hours trading to $37.49 (up $2.11), following a modest 1.06% regular session advance that closed shares at $35.38. The company reported positive interim data from two Phase 1b studies evaluating its investigational long-acting herpes simplex virus (HSV) helicase-primase inhibitors. Notably, this dataset marked the first reported human results for ABI-1179 administered via weekly oral dosing, alongside data for ABI-5366 with monthly oral dosing regimen, building upon previously disclosed positive findings from earlier-stage evaluations.

Wave Life Sciences Capitalizes on Market Momentum

Wave Life Sciences Ltd. (WVE) demonstrated exceptional intraday performance, surging 147.26% during regular trading to close at $18.52, with an additional 4.97% appreciation in after-hours activity to $19.44 (adding $0.92). The substantial rally was propelled by the company’s announcement of a $250 million underwritten public offering of ordinary shares and pre-funded warrants, with underwriters receiving a 30-day option to acquire up to an incremental 15% of the offering size.

Supporting Momentum Across Sector

Several other biotechnology names demonstrated meaningful after-hours appreciation despite varying intraday patterns. Artiva Biotherapeutics, Inc. (ARTV) recovered 10.39% in extended trading to $3.40 following a 8.33% decline during regular hours that left shares at $3.08. iBio, Inc. (IBIO) advanced 8.38% after-hours to $1.81, complementing an impressive 39.17% regular session gain that concluded at $1.67.

Additional gainers included Cartesian Therapeutics, Inc. (RNAC) rising 6.55% to $7.16 after regular session weakness; Metagenomi, Inc. (MGX) climbing 7.18% to $1.94 following a modest 1.69% regular session advance; DiaMedica Therapeutics Inc. (DMAC) gaining 4.77% to $9.18; BioAtla, Inc. (BCAB) advancing 4.81% to $0.85; and ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. (PMN) appreciating 3.02% to $7.85 following a 3.61% intraday decline.

The biotechnology sector’s broader strength reflected growing investor confidence in advancing clinical pipelines and continued capital formation activity within the industry.