Apellis Pharmaceuticals Faces Increased Bearish Sentiment Amid Options Activity
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 4d ago
0mins
Should l Buy APLS?
Source: Coinmarketcap
Apellis Pharmaceuticals Inc (APLS) experienced a significant price drop of 16.37% as it crossed below its 5-day SMA, reflecting heightened bearish sentiment among investors.
The surge in options volume, particularly the $25 strike put option expiring on January 16, 2026, which traded 7,553 contracts, indicates a strong expectation of further declines in APLS's stock price. This activity suggests that investors are increasingly betting against the stock, contributing to its downward movement.
The implications of this bearish sentiment could lead to increased volatility for APLS in the near term, as investors react to the heightened options activity and reassess their positions in light of market conditions.
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Analyst Views on APLS
Wall Street analysts forecast APLS stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for APLS is 43.25 USD with a low forecast of 22.00 USD and a high forecast of 117.80 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
14 Analyst Rating
9 Buy
5 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 22.560
Low
22.00
Averages
43.25
High
117.80
Current: 22.560
Low
22.00
Averages
43.25
High
117.80
About APLS
Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company. The Company is focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel therapeutic compounds to treat diseases with high unmet needs through the inhibition of the complement system. SYFOVRE (pegcetacoplan injection) is the Company’s approved treatment for geographic atrophy secondary to age-related macular degeneration (GA). Its EMPAVELI (pegcetacoplan) is for the treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). Its Aspaveli (pegcetacoplan) for the treatment of adults with PNH who are anemic after treatment with a C5 inhibitor for at least three months. Systemic pegcetacoplan has also been approved for the treatment of PNH in Japan, Saudi Arabia, Australia, the United Kingdom and other jurisdictions. Systemic pegcetacoplan is marketed under the trade name EMPAVELI in the United States, Saudi Arabia and Australia and Aspaveli in the European Union, Japan and the United Kingdom.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Early Commercial Performance: In Q3, Empaveli generated $27 million in U.S. net product revenue, with 267 new patient start forms recorded since its late July approval, indicating a 5% market penetration and strong acceptance.
- Competitive Advantage: The broader label of Empaveli is driving early uptake, with management asserting its efficacy surpasses Novartis' Fabhalta, projecting peak U.S. sales of $508 million by 2033, which could further elevate the company's valuation.
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- EU Approval Boost: Apellis' partner Sobi recently received EU approval for the drug against C3G and IC-MPGN, further enhancing Empaveli's competitive position in international markets.
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- Regulatory Consistency: The approval aligns with the positive opinion issued by the European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) in December, reflecting regulatory recognition of Aspaveli's efficacy and laying a foundation for Sobi's further development in the European market.
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