U.S. Stock Market Midday Update
WAVE Life Sciences rose 12.27%. Based on recent key news:
<ol>
<li>
On December 20, HC Wainwright &amp; Co. raised the target price for WAVE Life Sciences from $22 to $30, driving the stock price up.
</li>
<li>
On December 19, analyst Fein maintained a buy rating on WAVE Life Sciences based on clinical, mechanistic, and market dynamics, and raised the target price. Wedbush also maintained a buy rating with a target price of $33, further supporting the stock price increase. The U.S. stock market has seen increased volatility recently, and risks should be monitored.
</li>
</ol>
Stocks with High Trading Volume in the Industry
Eli Lilly rose 0.36%. Based on recent key news:
<ol>
<li>
On December 22, Eli Lilly may acquire the French biotechnology company Abivax. This news drove Abivax's stock price up 8%, making it the best-performing stock in the SBF120 index. The meeting between Eli Lilly and the French Ministry of Finance indicates that acquisition negotiations may have reached a preliminary agreement, which the market reacted positively to.
</li>
<li>
On December 20, the potential of the obesity drug market has garnered widespread attention. Eli Lilly's oral tirzepatide is expected to be launched in 2026, and the expansion of insurance coverage will further drive market demand and enhance sales potential.
</li>
<li>
On December 22, analysts maintained a moderate buy rating on Eli Lilly but believe that five other stocks offer better investment value. Eli Lilly did not make it onto the list of stocks recommended by top analysts, reflecting the market's cautious attitude towards its future performance. Demand in the obesity drug market is expanding, with significant capital inflow.
</li>
</ol>
Merck rose 3.35%. Based on recent news:
<ol>
<li>
On December 19, U.S. President Trump announced a new drug pricing agreement with nine global pharmaceutical companies, with Merck agreeing to lower the prices of some drugs in the U.S. market by up to 70%. This move aims to alleviate the medical burden on American patients and promote the &#34;Most Favored Nation&#34; drug pricing policy. This news boosted Merck's stock price.
</li>
<li>
On December 20, Merck reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce to delay the implementation of tariffs for three years. Merck committed to expanding access to medications and reducing drug costs for the American public, including offering cash prices for eligible U.S. patients for Januvia, Janumet, and Janumet XR at about 70% of the current list price. This news further boosted investor confidence.
</li>
<li>
On December 22, China's National Medical Products Administration approved Beigene's (pimavanserin capsules) as the first global regulatory approval. Merck, as its partner, holds the commercialization rights for Beigene globally. The approval of this drug will help Merck expand its business in the Chinese market, driving the stock price up. The pharmaceutical industry has shown strong overall performance recently, with favorable policies emerging.
</li>
</ol>
Johnson &amp; Johnson rose 0.75%, with increased trading volume. Based on recent key news:
<ol>
<li>
On December 20, Johnson &amp; Johnson received FDA approval for its RYBREVANT FASPRO in combination with lazertinib for first-line treatment of EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer
This approval has enhanced market confidence in Johnson &amp; Johnson's innovative drugs, driving up the stock price.
</li>
<li>
On December 19, the Trump administration reached a drug price reduction agreement with several pharmaceutical companies, including Johnson &amp; Johnson. This move may lower drug prices and affect the company's profit expectations, but it also secures tariff reductions, leading to a positive market reaction.
</li>
<li>
On December 22, the European Commission approved Johnson &amp; Johnson's Tremfya for the treatment of pediatric patients with plaque psoriasis. This approval expands Johnson &amp; Johnson's drug coverage in the European market and further boosts the company's stock price. The drug price reduction agreement impacts industry profit expectations.
</li>
</ol>
Stocks ranked among the top in industry market capitalization
AstraZeneca rose by 0.26%. Based on recent news,
<ol>
<li>
On December 22, AstraZeneca announced a global exclusive licensing agreement with Amgen for the pan-KRAS inhibitor JAB-23E73. Under the terms of the agreement, Amgen will receive a $100 million upfront payment and is eligible for up to $1.915 billion in additional development and commercialization milestone payments, as well as tiered royalties on net sales achieved outside of China. AstraZeneca will be responsible for all clinical development, regulatory submissions, and commercialization activities for JAB-23E73 in markets outside of China. This news boosted market confidence and drove up the stock price.
</li>
<li>
On December 22, AstraZeneca's Enhertu was granted breakthrough therapy designation for the treatment of early breast cancer following neoadjuvant therapy. This news further strengthened investors' expectations for the company's future growth, driving up the stock price.
</li>
<li>
On December 22, AstraZeneca announced that its experimental drug ceralasertib, in combination with the approved cancer treatment drug Imfinzi, failed to meet its primary endpoint in a late-stage clinical trial for advanced lung cancer. Nevertheless, AstraZeneca stated that it will continue to focus on developing new drugs through its industry-leading portfolio to meet the urgent need for improved treatment outcomes for lung cancer patients. This news had a minimal impact on the stock price. The biotechnology sector has been active recently, with significant capital inflows
</li>
</ol>

WAVE Life Sciences rose 12.27%; Eli Lilly rose 0.36%, with a transaction volume of USD 2.714 billion; Merck rose 3.35%, with a transaction volume of USD 1.161 billion; Johnson & Johnson rose 0.75%, with a transaction volume of USD 888 million; AstraZeneca rose 0.26%, with a market capitalization of USD 284.1 billion

U.S. stock market update: Target price raised to $30, WAVE Life Sciences up 12.27%