Jefferies analyst Maury Raycroft believes Novartis' (NVS) acquisition of AveXis (AVXS) provides additional validation for the progress and potential of gene therapy. The deal brings attention to Abeona Therapeutics (ABEO) specifically, based on the company's use of AAV9, which is the same vector AveXis has been evaluating with its lead program AVXS-101, Raycroft tells investors in a research note. He thinks yesterday's takeover puts an updated value on gene therapy, implying long-term potential and "sufficient de-risking has occurred." The analyst feels the premium paid for AveXis shows value in Abeona, Sangamo (SGMO) and Ultragenyx (RARE).

TD Cowen analyst Yaron Werber raised the firm's price target on BeiGene (BGNE) to $236 from $235 and keeps a Buy rating on the shares. The firm updated its model to reflect lower collaborative revenue given termination of Novartis (NVS) agreement for tisle in Sep 2023.