Key Highlights
- Shares of Moderna climbed 13% to reach $67.50 on June 26, tracking toward the company’s strongest closing price since September 2024
- Management unveiled mRNA-6007, its inaugural in vivo CAR-T initiative focused on autoimmune conditions, with clinical trials scheduled to begin in 2027
- Jefferies analyst Andrew Tsai identifies melanoma Phase III results anticipated in late 2026 as the critical upcoming catalyst; maintains Hold rating with $53 price objective
- Edward Tenthoff of Piper Sandler increased his price objective to $77 while keeping an Overweight stance
- Jim Cramer of CNBC declared Moderna “finally investable again” while recommending investors wait for a price correction before entering
Shares of Moderna experienced a 13% surge to $67.50 on June 26, securing the top position among S&P 500 gainers that trading session while heading toward the company’s strongest close in nine months. The rally followed the biotech firm’s investor day presentation, which outlined an expansive development pipeline extending far beyond its coronavirus vaccine origins.
The centerpiece revelation involved Moderna’s inaugural in vivo CAR-T program, designated mRNA-6007. Clinical development is slated to commence in 2027, initially targeting B-cell-mediated autoimmune conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus.
The in vivo CAR-T methodology involves engineering a patient’s T-cells to combat disease directly within the body — eliminating the need for external laboratory processing. This approach offers speed and cost advantages over conventional ex vivo techniques, which require extracting cells, modifying them outside the body, and reintroducing them to the patient.
Moderna faces competition in this emerging field. Eli Lilly entered the space earlier in 2025, announcing plans to acquire Orna Therapeutics to gain access to its in vivo CAR-T technology. Lilly’s shares also rose 6% on June 26, driven by favorable EU regulatory feedback on Jaypirca, its oral cancer treatment.
Analyst Perspectives
Andrew Tsai of Jefferies characterized the early-stage cancer programs as having the potential to “meaningfully diversify the mRNA pipeline.” However, he emphasized that Phase III melanoma results expected during the latter half of 2026 represent the more significant near-term catalyst for share performance. Tsai maintains a Hold recommendation, increasing his price objective to $53 from $45.
Edward Tenthoff at Piper Sandler expressed greater optimism, elevating his target to $77 from $69 while maintaining an Overweight rating. He attributed the adjustment to the pipeline advancements showcased during investor day.
On July 1, Jim Cramer on CNBC described Moderna as “finally investable again,” highlighting its oncology pipeline development and improved pathway to profitability. He observed that shares have jumped nearly 150% in 2026, ranking among the S&P 500’s top performers this year.
Nevertheless, Cramer counseled caution. “I recommend waiting for a pullback before you buy,” he advised during Mad Money.
Development Portfolio Expands
Moderna’s investor day materials structured its development portfolio into three distinct “horizons.” The initial horizon encompasses advanced-stage and commercialized assets. Tsai from Jefferies projects the company could launch over seven products across respiratory, oncology, and rare disease categories within the next two years.
This would represent substantial growth from its current three-vaccine commercial lineup. The company’s first commercial product — the Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine — debuted in 2020.
Oncology initiatives under active development span mid and late-stage trials for melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and bladder cancer. A late-stage trial evaluating Moderna’s Intismeran combined with Merck’s Keytruda as adjuvant melanoma therapy is projected to yield results later this year.
Regarding regulatory milestones, an FDA advisory committee recently endorsed approval of Moderna’s investigational influenza vaccine prior to an August 5 decision deadline. The European Commission has previously authorized the company’s combined Covid-flu vaccine.
Get 3 Free Stock Ebooks
Discover top-performing stocks in AI, Crypto, and Technology with expert analysis.
- Top 10 AI Stocks - Leading AI companies
- Top 10 Crypto Stocks - Blockchain leaders
- Top 10 Tech Stocks - Tech giants
