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Upturn AI SWOT - About
Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc (IONS)
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Upturn Advisory Summary
07/07/2025: IONS (2-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.
Upturn Star Rating
Below Average Performance
These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, often underperform the market, warranting careful consideration before investing.
Number of Analysts
26 Analysts rated it
Well-followed company, solid analyst reports, reliable data for confident investing.
1 Year Target Price $57.89
1 Year Target Price $57.89
| 12 | Strong Buy |
| 5 | Buy |
| 8 | Hold |
| 1 | Sell |
| 0 | Strong Sell |
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit 41.17% | Avg. Invested days 57 | Today’s Advisory Consider higher Upturn Star rating |
Upturn Star Rating | Upturn Advisory Performance  4.0 | Stock Returns Performance  3.0 |
| Profits based on simulation | Last Close 07/07/2025 |
Key Highlights
Company Size Mid-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 6.84B USD | Price to earnings Ratio - | 1Y Target Price 57.89 |
Price to earnings Ratio - | 1Y Target Price 57.89 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 26 | Beta 0.18 | 52 Weeks Range 23.95 - 52.34 | Updated Date 07/7/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 23.95 - 52.34 | Updated Date 07/7/2025 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) - | Basic EPS (TTM) -2.99 |
Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth
Revenue by Products
Product revenue - Year on Year
Earnings Date
Report Date - | When - | Estimate - | Actual - |
Profitability
Profit Margin -63.86% | Operating Margin (TTM) -111.59% |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) -10.59% | Return on Equity (TTM) -118.62% |
Valuation
Trailing PE - | Forward PE 90.91 | Enterprise Value 6108799257 | Price to Sales(TTM) 9.54 |
Enterprise Value 6108799257 | Price to Sales(TTM) 9.54 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 8.52 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA -22.08 | Shares Outstanding 159159008 | Shares Floating 157748949 |
Shares Outstanding 159159008 | Shares Floating 157748949 | ||
Percent Insiders 0.81 | Percent Institutions 108.13 |
Upturn AI SWOT
Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc
Company Overview
History and Background
Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc. was founded in 1989 by Stanley Crooke and is a pioneer in RNA-targeted therapeutics. It has developed a proprietary antisense technology platform for drug discovery and development, achieving multiple FDA approvals and commercial successes.
Core Business Areas
- Drug Discovery and Development: Ionis focuses on discovering and developing drugs using its antisense technology platform. These drugs target RNA to treat various diseases.
- Commercialization and Partnerships: Ionis commercializes some of its drugs directly and also partners with other pharmaceutical companies for development and commercialization of its products. They receive milestone payments and royalties.
- Platform Licensing: Ionis out-licenses its platform to other companies for independent drug discovery, generating revenue through licensing fees and royalties on partner-developed drugs.
Leadership and Structure
Brett P. Monia serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc. The organizational structure includes departments for research and development, clinical operations, commercialization, and corporate functions.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- SPINRAZA (nusinersen): SPINRAZA is a treatment for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), developed in partnership with Biogen (BIIB). Biogen is responsible for the commercialization. As of 2023, SPINRAZA generated ~$1.9B in revenue for Biogen. Competitors include Zolgensma (AVXS) by Novartis and Evrysdi by Roche (RHHBY).
- TEGSEDI (inotersen): TEGSEDI is a treatment for hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (hATTR) polyneuropathy. Market share is estimated at ~15% within the hATTR market. Alnylam Pharmaceuticals' Onpattro and Amvuttra are primary competitors.
- WAYLIVRA (volanesorsen): WAYLIVRA is a treatment for familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS). It is a niche product with limited market share and high pricing and reimbursement challenges. Competitors are developing gene therapies for FCS. Revenue generated less than $10 million in 2023.
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The pharmaceutical industry is driven by innovation, regulatory approvals, and market demand. RNA-targeted therapeutics are a growing field with potential for treating a wide range of diseases.
Positioning
Ionis is a leader in antisense technology. Its competitive advantage lies in its validated platform and experience in developing RNA-targeted drugs. However, competition is intensifying with the emergence of other RNA-based therapies.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The TAM for RNA-targeted therapeutics is estimated to reach billions of dollars annually, driven by advancements in gene therapy and personalized medicine. Ionis is positioned to capture a significant portion of this TAM, particularly in rare diseases.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Validated antisense technology platform
- Experienced management team
- Strong intellectual property portfolio
- Multiple FDA-approved drugs
- Established partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies
Weaknesses
- High drug development costs
- Reliance on partnerships for commercialization
- Competition from other RNA-based therapies
- Pricing pressure and reimbursement challenges
- Slow sales growth of some products
Opportunities
- Expanding pipeline of RNA-targeted drugs
- Increasing adoption of personalized medicine
- Strategic partnerships with other companies
- Expanding into new therapeutic areas
- Potential for platform licensing to generate revenue
Threats
- Regulatory hurdles and delays
- Clinical trial failures
- Competition from biosimilars and generics
- Patent expiration
- Economic downturn and healthcare reforms
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- ALNY
- BIIB
- RHHBY
Competitive Landscape
Ionis has a strong technology platform but faces competition from Alnylam, which has a broader portfolio of RNAi-based therapeutics. Biogen is a key partner and competitor in the SMA market. Roche competes in the hATTR market.
Major Acquisitions
Akcea Therapeutics
- Year: 2020
- Acquisition Price (USD millions): 500
- Strategic Rationale: Consolidated ownership of key commercialized products and pipeline assets related to lipid disorders.
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: Ionis has experienced moderate revenue growth, driven by royalties from SPINRAZA and milestone payments. Growth has been uneven due to R&D investments and clinical trial outcomes.
Future Projections: Analysts project revenue growth driven by new drug approvals and expanded partnerships. EPS is expected to improve as the pipeline matures and commercialized products gain traction.
Recent Initiatives: Ionis has focused on advancing its pipeline, securing new partnerships, and expanding its RNA-targeted technology platform.
Summary
Ionis Pharmaceuticals is a leader in RNA-targeted therapies with a strong technology platform and multiple FDA-approved drugs. While it faces competition and high R&D costs, its partnerships and expanding pipeline position it for future growth. However, reliance on partnerships and variable cash flows need to be monitored. Pipeline successes and regulatory approvals will be critical for continued success.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc. Annual Reports
- SEC Filings
- Analyst Reports
- Company Press Releases
Disclaimers:
This analysis is based on publicly available information and is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice. Market conditions and company performance may change. Consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc
Exchange NASDAQ | Headquaters Carlsbad, CA, United States | ||
IPO Launch date 1991-05-17 | Founder, CEO & Director Dr. Brett P. Monia Ph.D. | ||
Sector Healthcare | Industry Biotechnology | Full time employees 1069 | Website https://www.ionis.com |
Full time employees 1069 | Website https://www.ionis.com | ||
Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a commercial-stage biotechnology company, provides RNA-targeted medicines in the United States. The company offers TRYNGOLZA reduces triglyceride levels in adults with familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) and acute pancreatitis; WAINUA for the treatment of the polyneuropathy of hereditary transthyretin-medicated amyloidosis (ATTRv-PN) in adults; and SPINRAZA for pediatric and adult patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). It also provides QALSODY for the treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS); TEGSEDI for the treatment of ATTRv-PN in adults; and WAYLIVRA for treatment for FCS and familial partial lipodystrophy. It also develops products under Phase 3 clinical trials, such as Olezarsen for patients with hypertriglyceridemia (SHTG) and cardiovascular disease (CVD); Donidalorsen for patients with hereditary angioedema; and Zilganerse, a potential treatment for people with genetically confirmed Alexander disease, as well as ION582 that has completed Phase 2 clinical trial for the potential treatment of AS, a rare genetic neurological disease. In addition, the company develops Eplontersen to degrade mutant and wild-type TTR mRNA through binding to the TTR mRNA; Pelacarsen to inhibit the production of apolipoprotein(a) in the liver to offer a direct approach for reducing lipoprotein(a); Bepirovirsen to inhibit the production of viral proteins associated with hepatitis B virus; Sefaxersen to reduce the production of complement factor B and lower activation of the alternative complement pathway; and Ulefnersen to reduce the production of the fused in sarcoma, as well as other mid-stage pipeline investigational medicines. It has a strategic collaboration with Biogen for the treatment of neurological disorders; and collaboration and license agreement with GSK, AstraZeneca, Novartis, and Roche, as well as with Metagenomi. The company was incorporated in 1989 and is headquartered in Carlsbad, California.
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