ABIVAX Shares Surge on Takeover Buzz and Pipeline Progress, Despite CEO Denials
Shares of French biotech firm ABIVAX (NASDAQ:ABVX) have been on a historic run, catapulting the company into the ranks of the year's top performers. The dramatic ascent, which saw gains exceed 2000% between July and December 2025, has been driven by a potent mix of market speculation and genuine pipeline momentum.
The primary catalyst has been persistent rumors that pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly is considering an acquisition of ABIVAX. This speculation reached a fever pitch in late December, pushing the stock to an intraday high of $145. However, the rally cooled slightly after the French government indicated it was not involved in any discussions. On January 20, 2026, ABIVAX CEO Marc De Garidel sought to quell the rumors definitively, labeling them as "noise" and clarifying that no formal talks with the French state or the company have occurred.
"Any informal conversations do not meet regulatory standards," De Garidel stated, emphasizing that a public announcement would precede any foreign investment review. He urged investors to look past the distraction and focus on the company's core progress, particularly with obefazimod, its flagship drug candidate for ulcerative colitis. While the program is funded through late 2027, the CEO acknowledged ongoing financing needs, a point underscored during recent meetings with potential investors at the JPMorgan Healthcare Conference.
Analysts note that the takeover speculation, however unfounded, has cast a spotlight on ABIVAX's broader portfolio. The company is developing antiviral therapies and vaccines targeting conditions like chronic hepatitis B, Ebola, and dengue, alongside commercial vaccines for typhoid and meningococcal disease.
Market Reaction & Expert Commentary
The volatility highlights the sensitive nature of biotech investing, where rumor and clinical data often collide. We spoke to several market observers for their take:
"This is a classic case of substance meeting speculation," said David Chen, a portfolio manager at Horizon Life Sciences Fund. "ABIVAX's obefazimod data is genuinely compelling, which gives the buyout rumors a plausible veneer. The stock's run reflects both hope for a premium exit and belief in the science."
"The CEO is right to shut this down," argued Dr. Anya Sharma, a biotech analyst. "This noise destabilizes the stock and distracts from milestone execution. The company needs steady capital to navigate Phase 3 trials, not speculative day-traders."
"It's outrageous manipulation, plain and simple," fumed Marcus Thorne, an independent investor and frequent critic of market practices. "A 2000% pump on baseless rumors, then a gentle let-down? Retail investors are left holding the bag while insiders might have capitalized on the volatility. The regulatory silence is deafening."
"The underlying value proposition remains intact," countered Sophie Laurent, a venture partner at a European healthtech fund. "Whether Lilly buys them or not, ABIVAX has carved a valuable niche in immunology. The recent financing talks are a healthy step for long-term independence."
As the dust settles on the acquisition talk, the focus now returns to ABIVAX's clinical catalysts and its ability to secure the necessary funding to bring its promising therapies to market.