Analyst Ratings February 17, 2026

Guggenheim Sticks With Buy on EyePoint After Competitor’s Positive Phase III Results

Analyst sees class de-risking for TKIs; EyePoint positioned with two large non-inferiority trials and a mid-2026 data timeline

By Derek Hwang EYPT
Guggenheim Sticks With Buy on EyePoint After Competitor’s Positive Phase III Results
EYPT

Guggenheim has reaffirmed a Buy rating and $68.00 price target on EyePoint Inc. following encouraging Phase III data from a rival’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) for wet age-related macular degeneration. The firm says the competitor’s success reduces risk across the TKI class and strengthens the case for EyePoint’s DURAVYU program, which now has full enrollment and is expected to begin data readouts in mid-2026.

Key Points

  • Guggenheim reaffirmed a Buy rating and $68.00 price target on EyePoint, citing de-risking of the TKI class after competitor Phase III success - impacts biotech and healthcare sectors, as well as equity markets tracking clinical milestones.
  • Ocular Therapeutix’s SOL-1 trial (344 patients) showed Axpaxli superior to a single aflibercept injection at Week 36 against Eylea 2 mg, which Guggenheim says reduces class risk for long-acting TKIs like EyePoint’s DURAVYU - impacts clinical development and regulatory expectations in ophthalmology.
  • EyePoint has completed enrollment of over 900 patients across two identical non-inferiority Phase III trials, with data readouts expected to begin in mid-2026; the company also reports more cash than debt, providing financial flexibility - relevant to investors and the small-cap biotech market.

Summary of analyst reaction

Guggenheim maintained a Buy rating and a $68.00 price target on EyePoint Inc. (NASDAQ:EYPT) after Ocular Therapeutix reported positive Phase III results for its Axpaxli treatment in wet age-related macular degeneration. The price target is materially higher than EyePoint’s current share price of $13.82, while third-party data shows the stock has returned 99% over the past 12 months despite marked volatility.


Competitor trial and what it means for the TKI class

Ocular Therapeutix announced that its Phase III SOL-1 study for Axpaxli met the trial’s primary endpoint, showing superior visual acuity compared with a single injection of aflibercept at Week 36. The SOL-1 trial enrolled 344 patients and compared the tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy against a 2 mg dose of Eylea. Guggenheim interpreted these results as de-risking for the broader TKI class, explicitly including EyePoint’s long-acting TKI insert, DURAVYU.


EyePoint’s clinical program and timing

EyePoint is pursuing two identical non-inferiority Phase III trials for its TKI insert, with combined enrollment now reported at over 900 patients across the two studies. The company has completed enrollment and expects the first data readouts to begin in mid-2026. Guggenheim highlighted EyePoint’s approach as more robust and differentiated due to the two large non-inferiority studies that directly compare the insert to the standard of care.


Regulatory and market positioning

According to Guggenheim, the landscape already includes multiple approved treatments for wet AMD, and regulatory approval will likely require two adequately controlled studies. The firm expressed an expectation that EyePoint could be first to market among long-acting TKI inserts based on its trial design and execution, and it named EyePoint as one of its top picks.


Valuation and balance sheet notes

Guggenheim contrasted the current market capitalizations of the two companies, placing Ocular Therapeutix at roughly $2 billion and EyePoint at about $1.1 billion. The firm expects the valuation gap to narrow over time. Third-party InvestingPro data cited in the analyst commentary indicates EyePoint carries more cash than debt, a balance-sheet position that Guggenheim views as providing financial flexibility while the company advances its clinical programs.


Other analyst perspectives and near-term catalysts

Outside Guggenheim, analysts at RBC Capital and Mizuho have reiterated positive stances on EyePoint. RBC Capital retained an Outperform rating with a $39.00 price target, and Mizuho also reiterated an Outperform with a $33.00 price target. RBC highlighted EyePoint’s long-acting TKIs as a central reason for its favorable view, while Mizuho noted that EyePoint’s recent stock performance has tracked that of competitor Ocular Therapeutix even as EyePoint shares have declined over the year-to-date period.


Near-term financial reporting

Investors will receive another company update at the next earnings release, scheduled for March 5, which Guggenheim and others expect could shed further light on EyePoint’s financial position ahead of mid-2026 data readouts.


Context and outlook

Taken together, the competitive Phase III success reported by Ocular Therapeutix and EyePoint’s completed enrollment for its two Phase III trials form the basis for Guggenheim’s continued positive stance. The firm’s $68.00 price target reflects an expectation of meaningful upside from current levels should EyePoint’s trials and subsequent regulatory path proceed as anticipated.


Risks

  • Clinical-readout risk: EyePoint’s pivotal data are not due until mid-2026, creating a long time horizon during which trial outcomes could vary - affects biotech investors and equity valuations in the healthcare sector.
  • Regulatory requirement uncertainty: Approval pathways noted by Guggenheim suggest two adequately controlled studies are likely needed, meaning regulatory outcomes depend on both trials - impacts commercialization timelines and market access for AMD therapies.
  • Market and share-price volatility: Despite a 99% return over the past year, EyePoint’s shares have experienced significant year-to-date declines and high volatility, introducing market risk for equity holders and potential valuation swings.

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