Jefferies Upgrades Abivax as Obefazimod Safety Concerns Ease

By EC Assets · Published 1 July 2026

Jefferies has upgraded Abivax to Buy, efficacy data for obefazimod. The French biotech company's stock rose significantly after additional data from its late-stage trial for the experimental drug eased safety concerns. Jefferies also increased its price target for Abivax. Abivax stock climbed more than 30% on Tuesday as new obefazimod safety data became available. Abivax Société Anonyme shares jumped 35% on news from its Phase 3 ulcerative colitis data. Another report indicated a nearly 40% surge in the French biotechnology firm's shares on Tuesday. Jefferies analysts noted that the efficacy of obefazimod strengthens with every additional data release. The drug is a potential oral treatment for inflammatory bowel disease. New data on Abivax's obefazimod indicated that malignancies in patients taking the drug were consistent with normal levels for those with ulcerative colitis. This eased previous concerns regarding cancer risk, which analysts believe boosts the drug's approval odds. Morgan Stanley analysts agree that obefazimod's efficacy profile is considered close to best-in-disease. They also suggest its potential to be accepted as an efficacious, safe oral treatment. Abivax plans to file a New Drug Application (NDA) with the FDA for obefazimod during the fourth quarter of 2026. A launch of the drug could be possible in 2027. Jefferies upgraded Abivax to Buy from Hold and raised its price target to $158 from $108. This article is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice.