AbCellera’s Non-Hormonal Menopause Treatment Boosts Stock by 40% After Successful Trial
AbCellera, a Nasdaq-listed pharmaceutical company, announced a successful clinical trial for its non-hormonal drug targeting hot flashes in menopausal women. The trial involved 92 participants and showed an 83% reduction in hot flash frequency compared to 33% in the placebo group, along with improved sleep quality and minimal side effects such as headaches and fatigue. Following the announcement, AbCellera’s stock surged 40%, reaching a market valuation of $2.9 billion, with a 172% increase since the start of the year.
Currently, about 75% of menopausal women experience hot flashes, with hormone therapy being the primary treatment despite concerns about cancer risks. AbCellera’s drug operates on a brain network regulating temperature affected by estrogen deficiency, similar but not identical to competitors Veozah by Astellas and Lynkuet by Bayer. Unlike these oral medications, AbCellera’s treatment is administered monthly by injection and appears more effective. The company expects further trial results and ongoing FDA monitoring of side effects, with analyst Evan Sigerman from BMO projecting peak revenues exceeding $2 billion.
In related industry news, Israeli brokerage Psagot Sigma has resumed coverage of the biomedical sector, highlighting selective investment in GLP-1 obesity drugs dominated by Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, and noting AstraZeneca as an interesting pharmaceutical player. The report also discusses the impact of AI on drug discovery and clinical trial management, recommending IQVIA in the CRO space. The brokerage foresees potential benefits for US hospital stocks if Democrats win the upcoming midterm elections, which could prevent cuts to health insurance subsidies and research budgets.
Separately, Israeli cannabis company Tikun Olam received court approval for a debt settlement, with investor Barak Rosen acquiring its shell company for 5 million shekels. Tikun Olam, once a market leader, has faced regulatory and financial challenges, including a 99% stock decline since 2019 and a 16.5 million shekel debt.
Additionally, Israeli cancer drug developer Eurogen reported strong Q2 2026 results, with its new bladder cancer drug Zusduri generating $50.4 million in revenue, a 73% increase from Q1. Despite FDA advisory committee debates, the market responded positively, lifting Eurogen’s stock by 19% and 150% over the past year. The company continues clinical trials for next-generation treatments and expects patent protections through 2044.
