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Pliant Therapeutics Inc (PLRX)



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Upturn Advisory Summary
03/20/2025: PLRX (3-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit 175.13% | Avg. Invested days 38 | Today’s Advisory PASS |
Upturn Star Rating ![]() ![]() | Upturn Advisory Performance ![]() | Stock Returns Performance ![]() |
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Key Highlights
Company Size Small-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 83.89M USD | Price to earnings Ratio - | 1Y Target Price 10.06 |
Price to earnings Ratio - | 1Y Target Price 10.06 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 4488909 | Beta 1.19 | 52 Weeks Range 1.24 - 16.52 | Updated Date 04/1/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 1.24 - 16.52 | Updated Date 04/1/2025 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) - | Basic EPS (TTM) -3.47 |
Earnings Date
Report Date - | When - | Estimate - | Actual - |
Profitability
Profit Margin - | Operating Margin (TTM) - |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) -31.4% | Return on Equity (TTM) -54.09% |
Valuation
Trailing PE - | Forward PE - | Enterprise Value -212863008 | Price to Sales(TTM) 3071.82 |
Enterprise Value -212863008 | Price to Sales(TTM) 3071.82 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 1376.69 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA -2.54 | Shares Outstanding 61236300 | Shares Floating 50199674 |
Shares Outstanding 61236300 | Shares Floating 50199674 | ||
Percent Insiders 3.27 | Percent Institutions 117.05 |
Analyst Ratings
Rating 4.62 | Target Price 40.18 | Buy 5 | Strong Buy 8 |
Buy 5 | Strong Buy 8 | ||
Hold - | Sell - | Strong Sell - | |
Strong Sell - |
Upturn AI SWOT
Pliant Therapeutics Inc

Company Overview
History and Background
Pliant Therapeutics, Inc. was founded in 2016. It focuses on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel therapies for fibrotic diseases. The company's approach targets integrins and TGF-u03b2 signaling pathways to treat diseases like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).
Core Business Areas
- Drug Development: Pliant focuses on developing small molecule therapeutics for fibrotic diseases.
- Clinical Trials: Conducting clinical trials to assess the safety and efficacy of their drug candidates.
- Research and Discovery: Engaged in research to identify novel targets and develop new therapies.
Leadership and Structure
Bernard Coulie is the President and CEO. The company has a management team overseeing research, clinical development, and corporate operations.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- Bexotegrast (PLN-74809): An oral, selective u03b1vu03b26/u03b1vu03b21 integrin inhibitor in development for IPF and PSC. Currently in Phase 2b for IPF. Market share is currently near 0 as it is not approved. Competitors include Boehringer Ingelheim (Ofev) and Roche (Esbriet).
- PLN-1474: A selective u03b1vu03b21 inhibitor in development for liver fibrosis associated with NASH. Currently in Phase 1. Market share is currently near 0 as it is not approved. Competitors are numerous companies in the NASH space.
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The pharmaceutical industry for fibrotic diseases is growing due to the increasing prevalence of conditions like IPF and NASH. There is a significant unmet need for effective therapies.
Positioning
Pliant is focused on specific integrin targets that are believed to be key drivers of fibrosis. This targeted approach differentiates them from broader anti-fibrotic therapies.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The TAM for IPF and NASH is estimated to be in the billions of dollars annually. Pliant's positioning with targeted therapies could allow them to capture a significant portion of this market if their drugs are approved.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Targeted approach to fibrosis treatment
- Promising clinical trial results for Bexotegrast
- Strong intellectual property portfolio
- Experienced management team
Weaknesses
- Limited commercialized products
- Reliance on successful clinical trial outcomes
- Competition from larger pharmaceutical companies
- Relatively small size compared to competitors
Opportunities
- Expansion into new fibrotic disease indications
- Potential for partnerships with larger pharmaceutical companies
- Advancements in diagnostics for fibrotic diseases
- Favorable regulatory environment for orphan drug designations
Threats
- Clinical trial failures
- Regulatory hurdles and delays
- Competition from new therapies
- Patent challenges
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- GILD
- BMY
- MRK
- VRTX
Competitive Landscape
Pliant faces competition from larger pharmaceutical companies with established products and greater resources. Pliant's targeted approach and promising clinical data provide a competitive advantage.
Major Acquisitions
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: Growth is characterized by advancement of clinical programs rather than revenue generation.
Future Projections: Future growth depends on successful clinical trial outcomes and potential regulatory approvals. Analyst estimates vary widely based on clinical trial success probabilities.
Recent Initiatives: Initiatives include advancing Bexotegrast in Phase 2b trials for IPF and preparing for potential Phase 3 trials. Progressing PLN-1474 in Phase 1 for NASH.
Summary
Pliant Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotech company with a promising targeted approach to treating fibrotic diseases. Bexotegrast's clinical trial results are a key strength. However, the company is pre-revenue, heavily reliant on clinical success, and faces competition from larger firms, highlighting the need for continued positive trial outcomes and strategic partnerships.
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BMY

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GILD

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MRK

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ROG

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VRTX

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Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Pliant Therapeutics Investor Relations
- SEC Filings
- Analyst Reports
- Industry Publications
Disclaimers:
The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Market share estimates are approximate and may vary based on the source.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About Pliant Therapeutics Inc
Exchange NASDAQ | Headquaters South San Francisco, CA, United States | ||
IPO Launch date 2020-06-03 | President, CEO & Director Dr. Bernard Coulie M.B.A., M.D., Ph.D. | ||
Sector Healthcare | Industry Biotechnology | Full time employees 171 | Website https://pliantrx.com |
Full time employees 171 | Website https://pliantrx.com |
Pliant Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company, discovers, develops, and commercializes novel therapies for the treatment of fibrosis and related diseases. The company's lead candidate is bexotegrast, an oral, small-molecule, dual selective inhibitor of avß6 and avß1 integrins, which is in phase 2b trials for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and in phase 2a trial for primary sclerosing cholangitis. It also develops PLN-1474, an oral, small-molecule selective inhibitor of avß1 for the treatment of liver fibrosis associated with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis; PLN-101095, a dual inhibitor of integrins avß8 and avß1 for the treatment of solid tumors; and PLN-101325 for treatment of the muscular dystrophies. Pliant Therapeutics, Inc. was incorporated in 2015 and is headquartered in South San Francisco, California.
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