Abivax Rises 4.63% Midday, Driven by Target Revisions Following Acquisition Speculation

Current Trading Dynamics

As of 11 AM on Thursday, January 15, Abivax's stock has gained 4.63%, trading at 113 euros up from 108 euros at the previous day's close. Trading volume remains limited at 0.06% of the capital, indicating continued investor caution. The stock is now above its 50-day moving average of 102.55 euros, confirming a short-term bullish momentum. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) at 44 remains in a neutral zone, with no signs of overextension or overselling, as the stock approaches a major resistance at 122.40 euros. This increase is part of a positive weekly dynamic of 3.1% and an impressive quarterly rise of 35.17%, itself driven by an exceptional annual performance of 1,765%. Technically, the MACD Histogram at -0.84 indicates a slowdown in bullish momentum, with the MACD line lagging behind its signal line. The stock is trading within a range defined by the Bollinger Bands between 89.43 euros and 125.81 euros, suggesting that the movement remains within a normal volatility zone. The immediate support at 93.30 euros provides a defensive floor in case of a correction. This recovery follows a consolidation phase that saw the stock decline from a peak of 132 euros on January 13, reached during the surge triggered by unconfirmed rumors of an offer from Eli Lilly.

Factors Influencing the Stock's Performance

The stock's rise this Thursday is partly explained by a series of target price revisions recently published by several investment banks. On January 13, Kepler Cheuvreux raised its target from 70 euros to 130 euros, while Leerink Partners and Piper Sandler had previously raised their targets to 138 euros and 142 euros in mid-December, respectively. Truist Securities initiated coverage with a target of 140 euros and a buy recommendation on December 19. These revisions occur in a context of intense stock market speculation triggered in early January by unconfirmed rumors of a 15 billion euro acquisition offer from Eli Lilly, reported by the French media outlet La Lettre. Although the French Ministry of Finance has denied receiving an investment authorization request, these rumors have refocused investor attention on Abivax. The stock had jumped 27% on Monday, January 12, before correcting mid-week. Additionally, the biotech announced on January 7 that it expects full results from its phase 3 maintenance trial for obefazimod by the end of the second quarter of 2026, with a filing for marketing authorization in the United States planned for the end of 2026. The company has financial visibility until the fourth quarter of 2027, having raised nearly 590 million euros in the third quarter of 2025.