BioNTech SE could evolve into an “oncology powerhouse” after emerging as a premier vaccine player during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Truist Securities. The investment bank initiated research coverage of the German biotechnology company, which develops both vaccines and immunotherapies, with a buy rating on Thursday. Truist’s $172 per share price target on BioNTech’s Nasdaq-traded American depositary receipts implies nearly 41% upside from Thursday’s $122.15 close. BNTX 1Y mountain BioNTech SE stock over the past year. Analyst Asthika Goonewardene noted that BioNTech’s efforts in the oncology sector could be a significant growth driver for the company in the future, while still maintaining its vaccine segment. Specifically, the analyst pointed toward BioNTech’s late-stage clinical asset BNT327, which targets proteins PD-L1 and VEGF-A, both tied to the human body’s immune reaction to cancer. “While in previous years, the Oncology pipeline got little value, 2024 helped clarify which assets deserved excitement, and 2025 is set up with potentially stock-moving read-outs for these key assets, presenting ample opportunity for BNTX to grow into our potential $172 PT,” Goonewardene said. “Importantly, BNTX has billions to fund an aggressive development plan for BNT327, which we think will be critical for the drug to live up to its potential. This differentiates BNT327 from a majority of its class,” the analyst added. BioNTech stock has advanced more than 15% over the past year.
