Wedbush has initiated coverage of Zura Bio Ltd. (NASDAQ: ZURA) with an Outperform rating and a price target of $15.00, the research house said on Monday. That target implies a substantial premium to Zura Bio's most recent share price of $5.92.
The firm pointed to the company’s programmatic progress and upcoming clinical milestones as foundations for its constructive stance. Zura Bio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing dual-pathway biologics intended to block multiple disease pathways with a single therapeutic agent, according to Wedbush’s note. The research house underscored the company’s lead program, tibulizumab, a bispecific antibody that simultaneously targets BAFF and IL-17.
Wedbush highlighted expected Phase 2 readouts for tibulizumab in two indications: a hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) trial scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026, and a systemic sclerosis trial with results anticipated in the first half of 2027. The firm observed that both target indications have prior clinical precedent for activity against one or the other pathway, and it flagged additional upside if tibulizumab is advanced into other indications or if Zura progresses other pipeline assets including crebankitug and torudokimab.
On valuation and recent performance, InvestingPro data cited in the note showed the stock has gained 180.47% over the past year but appears to be trading above its Fair Value. Zura Bio’s market capitalization was listed at $443.5 million. The company is not yet profitable, though Wedbush described its financial position as strong.
Wedbush laid out a near-term thesis that expects share appreciation through 2026 as the market anticipates the first clinical readout for an IL-17 combination candidate in hidradenitis suppurativa. The firm also expects a sequence of de-risking clinical data over the following 12-18 months that could influence the stock’s trajectory.
Leadership update
In separate company news, Zura Bio announced the appointment of Sandeep Kulkarni, M.D., as Chief Executive Officer, effective January 21, 2026. Dr. Kulkarni will continue to serve as a Director of the company. He succeeds Kim Davis, J.D., who had been acting as Interim CEO since October 2025. The change in the CEO role follows the resignation of former CEO Robert Lisicki, who is stepping down from both the chief executive position and his seat on the board.
The company disclosed the leadership change in a press release. The transition represents a notable shift in the executive team as Zura Bio advances its development programs toward pivotal readouts.
Context and implications
Wedbush’s initiation with an Outperform rating and a $15.00 target establishes a measurable upside scenario relative to the current market price. The firm’s expectation of share appreciation is tied directly to the timing of clinical data from tibulizumab in HS and systemic sclerosis and to potential advancement of other pipeline candidates. Investors will likely watch those clinical milestones and the new CEO’s leadership as near-term drivers of market sentiment.