Arcutis and Kowa Terminate ZORYVE Promotion Agreement
Arcutis Biotherapeutics announced that on January 23, 2026, the Company and Kowa Pharmaceuticals America mutually agreed to terminate their promotion agreement. The agreement covered sales and promotion of ZORYVE by Kowa to primary care physicians and pediatricians in the United States. Following the termination, Arcutis plans to assume responsibility for sales and promotion of ZORYVE in the pediatric and primary care settings. The Company is finalizing its plans for promotion to these clinicians and will provide further updates during the Q4 earnings call on February 25, 2026. This initiative is distinct from and in addition to the targeted expansion of the Company's dermatology salesforce, which will remain focused on serving dermatology clinicians and growing prescriptions of ZORYVE in dermatology practices.
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- Position Change: On February 5, Tejara Capital reported the complete sale of its 520,503 shares in Arcutis Biotherapeutics for approximately $9.81 million, indicating a significant decrease in the value of its holdings in the company.
- Portfolio Adjustment: This sale reduced Tejara's exposure to Arcutis from 5.1% of AUM last quarter to zero, reflecting a reassessment of risk, likely as a risk management strategy rather than a negative outlook on the business.
- Performance Metrics: As of February 4, Arcutis shares were priced at $26.08, marking a 99.1% increase over the past year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's 14% gain, underscoring the company's strong fundamentals.
- Future Outlook: Management projects net product sales of approximately $455 million to $470 million for 2026, indicating sustained demand growth, suggesting that Tejara's exit does not undermine the company's long-term growth potential.

- Significant Sales Growth: Since its launch in 2022, Arcutis' ZORYVE product has seen sales reach $59.6 million in 2023 and $166.5 million in 2024, reflecting strong physician adoption and market demand, with 2025 YTD revenue hitting $244.6 million, further solidifying its market position in chronic inflammatory skin disease treatment.
- Substantial Market Potential: Arcutis anticipates net product revenue for ZORYVE to range between $455 million and $470 million in 2026, with peak sales projected to reach $2.6 billion to $3.5 billion, indicating significant growth opportunities in the dermatology market and potential to displace traditional topical corticosteroids.
- Ongoing Clinical Research: The company is conducting safety studies for ZORYVE cream 0.05% in infants aged 3 months to 24 months, with topline data expected this quarter, while also exploring ZORYVE foam 0.3% for vitiligo and hidradenitis suppurativa, expanding its indications.
- Strong Cash Position: As of September 30, 2025, Arcutis reported $191.4 million in cash and cash equivalents, ensuring sufficient funding for future R&D and market expansion, thereby enhancing its viability in the competitive biopharmaceutical landscape.

- ETF Performance Decline: The Sprott Silver Miners & Physical Silver ETF fell approximately 2.3% in Wednesday afternoon trading, reflecting a weak sentiment towards silver mining stocks that could impact investor confidence.
- Individual Stock Weakness: Shares of Americas Gold and Silver dropped about 2.8%, while Vizsla Silver declined by approximately 1.6%, indicating the vulnerability of these companies in the current market environment, potentially leading to capital outflows.
- Market Trend Analysis: The overall decline of the ETF is linked to fluctuations in silver prices and investor risk aversion towards mining stocks, which may influence future investment decisions and capital allocation.
- Investor Focus: As silver mining stocks continue to struggle, investors may need to reassess their allocations within precious metal portfolios to mitigate potential market risks.
- Reduction Activity: Suvretta Capital sold nearly 1.1 million shares of Arcutis Biotherapeutics during the quarter ending September 30, reducing its position by $35.78 million, which lowered its stake to approximately 10.48 million shares valued at $197.51 million, reflecting a risk management strategy amid market volatility.
- Holding Proportion Change: This transaction decreased Suvretta's stake in Arcutis to about 5.06%, yet Arcutis remains the fund's largest reported holding, indicating ongoing confidence in its future potential despite the reduction.
- Market Performance: As of November 13, Arcutis shares were priced at $30, marking a staggering 100% increase over the past year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's 15% rise, which underscores market recognition of its product line and growth prospects.
- Regulatory Progress: Arcutis recently received FDA acceptance for a supplemental NDA for ZORYVE cream for children, with a target action date of June 29, which will aid the company in expanding its presence in the pediatric dermatology market and further solidify its market position.

- Reduction Dynamics: Suvretta Capital Management sold nearly 1.1 million shares of Arcutis Biotherapeutics (ARQT) in Q3, resulting in a decline of approximately $35.78 million in overall position value, indicating a risk management strategy in response to market volatility.
- Holding Status: As of September 30, Suvretta still holds about 10.48 million shares of ARQT valued at $197.51 million, which constitutes 5.06% of its $3.91 billion 13F reportable assets, confirming that ARQT remains its largest holding.
- Market Performance: As of November 13, ARQT shares were priced at $30, reflecting a staggering 100% increase over the past year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's 15% rise, showcasing market confidence in its growth potential.
- Strategic Implications: Despite the reduction, Suvretta's strong conviction in ARQT suggests that execution on pediatric expansion and sustained prescription growth will be critical for future success.
Biotech Industry Performance: The biotech sector has shown resilience in 2025, driven by new drug approvals and a surge in mergers and acquisitions, despite challenges from tariffs and geopolitical tensions.
Key Players and Innovations: Companies like Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Amicus Therapeutics, and ANI Pharmaceuticals are highlighted for their strong performance and innovative drug pipelines, particularly in rare diseases and advanced therapies.
Mergers and Acquisitions: The industry is experiencing a wave of consolidation, with major companies acquiring smaller firms to enhance their product portfolios, particularly in oncology, obesity, and gene-editing sectors.
Market Outlook and Challenges: While the demand for innovative treatments remains high, biotech companies face hurdles such as pipeline setbacks, high development costs, and the need for successful commercialization to achieve profitability.








