Category: 3. Business

  • Immutep And 2 Other Noteworthy Picks

    Immutep And 2 Other Noteworthy Picks

    The Australian market is experiencing turbulence, with the ASX 200 futures indicating a significant drop following the recent end of the U.S. government shutdown and ongoing economic uncertainties. Despite this volatility, penny stocks continue to capture investor interest due to their affordability and potential for growth. While often associated with smaller or newer companies, these stocks can offer intriguing opportunities when backed by strong financials and strategic positioning. In this article, we’ll explore three noteworthy penny stocks on the ASX that stand out for their potential resilience and growth prospects amidst current market conditions.

    Name

    Share Price

    Market Cap

    Financial Health Rating

    Alfabs Australia (ASX:AAL)

    A$0.45

    A$128.96M

    ★★★★★☆

    Dusk Group (ASX:DSK)

    A$0.84

    A$52.31M

    ★★★★★★

    IVE Group (ASX:IGL)

    A$3.01

    A$462.61M

    ★★★★★☆

    MotorCycle Holdings (ASX:MTO)

    A$3.73

    A$275.3M

    ★★★★★★

    West African Resources (ASX:WAF)

    A$3.04

    A$3.47B

    ★★★★★★

    LaserBond (ASX:LBL)

    A$0.50

    A$59.04M

    ★★★★★★

    Bravura Solutions (ASX:BVS)

    A$2.31

    A$1.04B

    ★★★★★★

    Praemium (ASX:PPS)

    A$0.81

    A$387.52M

    ★★★★★★

    Service Stream (ASX:SSM)

    A$2.25

    A$1.38B

    ★★★★★★

    GWA Group (ASX:GWA)

    A$2.38

    A$624.51M

    ★★★★★☆

    Click here to see the full list of 414 stocks from our ASX Penny Stocks screener.

    Here we highlight a subset of our preferred stocks from the screener.

    Simply Wall St Financial Health Rating: ★★★★★★

    Overview: Immutep Limited is a biotechnology company focused on developing novel Lymphocyte Activation Gene-3 related immunotherapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases in Australia, with a market cap of A$404.78 million.

    Operations: Immutep generates revenue primarily from its immunotherapy segment, which accounts for A$5.03 million.

    Market Cap: A$404.78M

    Immutep Limited, a biotechnology company with a market cap of A$404.78 million, is currently pre-revenue and unprofitable, reporting A$5.03 million in revenue from its immunotherapy segment. Despite this, the company has made significant strides in clinical trials for its novel LAG-3 related immunotherapies like eftilagimod alfa (efti), which has shown promising results in treating various cancers including non-small cell lung cancer and soft tissue sarcoma. Recent positive trial data and FDA Fast Track designations highlight potential future growth avenues. Immutep’s financial stability is bolstered by sufficient cash reserves exceeding its liabilities.

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  • Undiscovered Gems in Australia to Explore This November 2025

    Undiscovered Gems in Australia to Explore This November 2025

    As the Australian market grapples with a downturn, highlighted by a predicted 1.4% drop in the ASX 200 and broader economic uncertainties following the U.S. shutdown, investors are navigating a landscape marked by both caution and opportunity. In such an environment, identifying promising stocks involves looking for companies that demonstrate resilience and potential growth despite prevailing market challenges.

    Name

    Debt To Equity

    Revenue Growth

    Earnings Growth

    Health Rating

    Fiducian Group

    NA

    10.00%

    9.57%

    ★★★★★★

    Spheria Emerging Companies

    NA

    -1.31%

    0.28%

    ★★★★★★

    Hearts and Minds Investments

    NA

    56.27%

    59.19%

    ★★★★★★

    Euroz Hartleys Group

    NA

    1.82%

    -25.32%

    ★★★★★★

    Djerriwarrh Investments

    2.39%

    8.18%

    7.91%

    ★★★★★★

    Focus Minerals

    NA

    75.35%

    51.34%

    ★★★★★★

    Energy World

    NA

    -47.50%

    -44.86%

    ★★★★★☆

    Zimplats Holdings

    5.44%

    -9.79%

    -42.03%

    ★★★★★☆

    Peet

    53.46%

    12.70%

    31.21%

    ★★★★☆☆

    Australian United Investment

    1.90%

    5.23%

    4.56%

    ★★★★☆☆

    Click here to see the full list of 56 stocks from our ASX Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals screener.

    Let’s review some notable picks from our screened stocks.

    Simply Wall St Value Rating: ★★★★★☆

    Overview: Helia Group Limited, along with its subsidiaries, operates in the loan mortgage insurance sector mainly in Australia and has a market capitalization of A$1.60 billion.

    Operations: Helia generates revenue primarily from its loan mortgage insurance business, amounting to A$559.63 million. The company’s financial performance is influenced by its net profit margin trends.

    Helia Group, a smaller player in the Australian financial landscape, is trading at 66.9% below its estimated fair value and offers good relative value compared to peers. Despite recent earnings growth of 19.4%, surpassing the industry average, future prospects appear challenging with an anticipated annual revenue decrease of 18.9% over three years due to client losses and policy changes like the Home Guarantee Scheme expansion. The company’s net income for the first half of 2025 was A$133.7 million, up from A$97 million last year, yet profit margins are expected to drop from 47.9% to 34.7%. Helia’s market share and capital strength offer some stability amidst these pressures; however, heavy dividend payouts could limit reinvestment opportunities crucial for sustaining competitiveness in a shifting market environment.

    ASX:HLI Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Nov 2025

    Simply Wall St Value Rating: ★★★★☆☆

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  • Exclusive: Airbus to win bulk of major flydubai jet order, sources say – Reuters

    1. Exclusive: Airbus to win bulk of major flydubai jet order, sources say  Reuters
    2. Boeing Leads for 300-Jet Dubai Order Though Airbus Still in Play  Bloomberg.com
    3. Boeing leads for 300-jet Dubai order though Airbus still in play-Bloomberg News  MarketScreener
    4. Boeing (BA.US) is reportedly poised to bid for a 300-aircraft order from Dubai.  富途牛牛

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  • How Recent Developments Are Rewriting the Story for London Stock Exchange Group

    How Recent Developments Are Rewriting the Story for London Stock Exchange Group

    The price target for London Stock Exchange Group stock has been adjusted slightly, moving from £123.11 to £123.09. This marginal downward revision in fair value reflects a careful balancing of both bullish optimism on the company’s long-term prospects and caution over near-term uncertainties and growth expectations. Stay tuned to learn how you can keep up with the evolving outlook and the key drivers shaping this ever-changing narrative.

    Stay updated as the Fair Value for London Stock Exchange Group shifts by adding it to your watchlist or portfolio. Alternatively, explore our Community to discover new perspectives on London Stock Exchange Group.

    🐂 Bullish Takeaways

    • Several top research firms continue to see upside for London Stock Exchange Group, highlighting the company’s operational execution and growth momentum.

    • JPMorgan reinforced its Overweight rating and lifted its price target from 12,800 GBp to 13,300 GBp, pointing to improved prospects for the business.

    • RBC Capital raised its price target to 13,400 GBp while maintaining an Outperform stance, suggesting confidence in the Group’s trajectory despite market volatility.

    • Analysts have rewarded the company’s consistent cost control and transparency, indicating these are viewed as important contributors to further value creation.

    • Citi also sustains a Buy rating, even after revising its price target downward, citing continued long-term optimism around the Group’s market positioning.

    🐻 Bearish Takeaways

    • Some analysts have flagged caution around current valuations and near-term risks that could limit further upside.

    • Deutsche Bank lowered its price target significantly to 1,190 GBp while maintaining a Buy rating, which signals a more restrained view amid sector uncertainties.

    • Citi’s reduction of its price target from 13,200 GBp to 12,700 GBp reflects reservations over the sustainability of the current growth pace and the potential that much of the upside is already reflected in the share price.

    Overall, while sentiment remains broadly constructive, recent research updates show a more nuanced outlook as analysts weigh execution quality and long-term prospects against evolving valuation concerns and near-term volatility.

    Do your thoughts align with the Bull or Bear Analysts? Perhaps you think there’s more to the story. Head to the Simply Wall St Community to discover more perspectives or begin writing your own Narrative!

    LSE:LSEG Community Fair Values as at Nov 2025
    • LSEG has entered into a strategic partnership with Nasdaq, allowing it to distribute institutional-grade private markets intelligence via its Workspace and Datafeeds. This collaboration will integrate exclusive Nasdaq datasets and expand transparency for private market investors.

    • The company is partnering with Anthropic to provide Claude AI customers access to data licensed through LSEG’s products. This initiative is part of LSEG’s broader strategy to scale trusted data and AI capabilities in the financial sector.

    • LSEG has launched its Digital Markets Infrastructure platform for private funds, powered by Microsoft Azure. The platform has already enabled its first transaction and is set to deliver blockchain-powered efficiencies across multiple asset classes.

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  • Evaluating the Valuation of Restaurant Brands International (TSX:QSP.UN) as Shares Gain Momentum

    Evaluating the Valuation of Restaurant Brands International (TSX:QSP.UN) as Shares Gain Momentum

    Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership (TSX:QSP.UN) shares have edged higher recently, climbing nearly 2% over the past month and gaining around 8% during the past 3 months. Investors seem to be weighing the company’s long-term track record and current valuation as they consider their next move.

    See our latest analysis for Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership.

    Momentum has been quietly building for Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership, with a 1-month share price return of 2% and an 8% gain over the past three months. This reflects renewed optimism. Over the longer term, total shareholder returns have added up to more than 50% in five years. This suggests patient investors have been rewarded for staying in the fold.

    If you’re watching this trend and wondering what else might be gaining traction, now is a great moment to broaden your outlook and explore fast growing stocks with high insider ownership

    But with shares showing solid gains and an intrinsic discount of just under 10%, the big question is whether Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership is trading below its true value or if the market already anticipates further growth. Is there still a buying opportunity, or is the future already factored into today’s price?

    Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership’s shares trade at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 18.1x, slightly below both the peer average (18.9x) and the North American Hospitality industry average (19.5x), based on the last close price of CA$97.09.

    The P/E ratio measures how much investors are willing to pay for each dollar of the company’s earnings. In the hospitality sector, it is useful for weighing profitability expectations against the competition.

    At 18.1x, the market seems to be valuing QSP.UN’s earning power as a solid bet compared to peers. This could mean investors expect steadier performance or see it as a relatively safer choice within the sector, especially with a long-term earnings growth record.

    Compared to the industry’s higher P/E average, QSP.UN stands out as a better value proposition. If the market moves to re-rate its multiple in line with the sector, there may be further upside in store.

    See what the numbers say about this price — find out in our valuation breakdown.

    Result: Price-to-Earnings of 18.1x (UNDERVALUED)

    However, unpredictability in industry trends or company performance could limit upside. This reminds investors that even solid track records do not guarantee future returns.

    Find out about the key risks to this Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership narrative.

    Looking at valuation from another angle, our DCF model suggests that Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership is trading just under 10% below its estimated fair value. This reinforces the idea that the stock could offer some upside. However, does it account for all possible risks?

    Look into how the SWS DCF model arrives at its fair value.

    QSP.UN Discounted Cash Flow as at Nov 2025

    Simply Wall St performs a discounted cash flow (DCF) on every stock in the world every day (check out Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership for example). We show the entire calculation in full. You can track the result in your watchlist or portfolio and be alerted when this changes, or use our stock screener to discover 886 undervalued stocks based on their cash flows. If you save a screener we even alert you when new companies match – so you never miss a potential opportunity.

    If you see the numbers differently or want a fresh perspective, you can easily explore the fundamentals for yourself and shape your own story in just a few minutes. Do it your way

    A great starting point for your Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership research is our analysis highlighting 2 key rewards and 3 important warning signs that could impact your investment decision.

    Smart investors keep an edge by considering fresh angles and expanding their horizons. Don’t let opportunity pass you by when other markets are heating up.

    This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

    Companies discussed in this article include QSP-UN.TO.

    Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com

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  • Exploring Valuation After Recent Share Price Dip and Strong Yearly Returns

    Exploring Valuation After Recent Share Price Dip and Strong Yearly Returns

    Aviva (LSE:AV.) shares have seen mixed performance recently, coming off a recent dip of about 1% in the past day and sliding 3% over the past month. The stock’s year-to-date gain remains firmly positive, which raises questions about its current valuation ahead of further catalysts.

    See our latest analysis for Aviva.

    Over the past year, Aviva has delivered a robust 42% total shareholder return, even as recent weeks have seen the share price ease off its highs. This momentum points to solid long-term confidence in the company’s progress, despite short-term fluctuations and shifting market sentiment.

    If you’re looking for your next investing inspiration, now could be the perfect moment to broaden your search and discover fast growing stocks with high insider ownership

    With solid returns and recent pullbacks, the big question now is whether Aviva is trading at a bargain or if the market has already factored in all the anticipated growth, leaving little room for upside.

    Aviva’s latest fair value is slightly above its last close, suggesting a mild undervaluation that could be important for investors seeking upside. The narrative points to structural industry shifts and business transformations as the foundation for this forward-looking valuation.

    *Accelerating the shift to ‘capital-light’ businesses (now over 66% of earnings and targeting 70% or more after the Direct Line integration) is driving improved group profit margins, lower capital requirements, and better return on equity. This creates a strong forward-looking outlook for net earnings and cash generation.*

    Read the complete narrative.

    Curious how a strategic pivot in business mix could fuel margin gains? The fair value estimate draws on some game-changing growth and profitability forecasts. Want to uncover the combination of ambitious projections and future assumptions behind that price? The real rationale is one click away.

    Result: Fair Value of £6.84 (UNDERVALUED)

    Have a read of the narrative in full and understand what’s behind the forecasts.

    However, risks such as slower revenue growth or execution challenges with recent acquisitions could undermine these favorable margin and valuation forecasts for Aviva.

    Find out about the key risks to this Aviva narrative.

    While the latest fair value suggests Aviva is undervalued, looking at the price-to-earnings ratio paints a different picture. At 32.9x, Aviva’s ratio is much higher than the UK insurance industry average of 12.8x and a fair ratio of 22.4x. This sizeable gap suggests there may be greater valuation risk and raises the question of whether the market could quickly adjust if sentiment shifts.

    See what the numbers say about this price — find out in our valuation breakdown.

    LSE:AV. PE Ratio as at Nov 2025

    If you have your own perspective or want to dig deeper into Aviva’s story, you can shape your own analysis in just a few minutes, and Do it your way.

    A great starting point for your Aviva research is our analysis highlighting 2 key rewards and 2 important warning signs that could impact your investment decision.

    Don’t limit your portfolio. Experience the power of powerful investment themes on Simply Wall Street and seize tomorrow’s winning opportunities before the crowd gets there.

    This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

    Companies discussed in this article include AV.L.

    Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com

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  • Assessing TKO Group Holdings (TKO) Valuation After Recent Share Price Moves

    Assessing TKO Group Holdings (TKO) Valuation After Recent Share Price Moves

    TKO Group Holdings (TKO) shares have fluctuated this week, catching the attention of investors tracking the company’s momentum. With recent movements in the stock price, many are considering how current valuations compare with TKO’s fundamentals.

    See our latest analysis for TKO Group Holdings.

    After months of strong gains, TKO’s recent price moves have been more subdued, but it is tough to ignore the underlying momentum. Year-to-date, the share price is up nearly 29%, and investors who held for the last 12 months have enjoyed a remarkable 55.75% one-year total shareholder return. This is a clear signal that market sentiment is firmly on the upswing, as optimism about growth and resilience overshadows short-term dips.

    If you’re keen to spot other companies with this kind of accelerating momentum, it could be the perfect moment to broaden your perspective and discover fast growing stocks with high insider ownership

    With shares still trading around 15% below analyst targets and robust growth in earnings, the big question is whether TKO is undervalued at current levels or already reflecting all of its future potential. Could this be the right entry point?

    TKO’s current price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio stands at a high 63.5x. At a last close price of $184.09, this means investors are paying a hefty premium for each dollar of current earnings, especially when compared to fair and peer benchmarks.

    The P/E ratio indicates how much investors are willing to pay today for a dollar of future earnings. For entertainment companies experiencing rapid growth or unique profit catalysts, a higher P/E can reflect optimism about future profits. However, excessively high multiples may also signal lofty expectations that require strong execution to justify these valuations.

    While TKO’s P/E is lower than the peer average of 86.4x, it is significantly higher than the US Entertainment industry average of just 20x. In addition, our fair price-to-earnings estimate is 36.1x, which is much lower than the current market pricing for TKO. This suggests that unless future profits greatly exceed industry standards, the market may eventually adjust its expectations downward.

    Explore the SWS fair ratio for TKO Group Holdings

    Result: Price-to-Earnings of 63.5x (OVERVALUED)

    However, slowing short-term price momentum or a significant revision in profit expectations could quickly shift sentiment and put pressure on TKO’s elevated valuation.

    Find out about the key risks to this TKO Group Holdings narrative.

    Switching gears, our SWS DCF model estimates TKO’s fair value at $215.77, which is about 14.7% above the current share price. This suggests the market may be underpricing TKO’s long-term cash flow potential, presenting a possible value opportunity not picked up by earnings multiples. Could this signal hidden upside for patient investors?

    Look into how the SWS DCF model arrives at its fair value.

    TKO Discounted Cash Flow as at Nov 2025

    Simply Wall St performs a discounted cash flow (DCF) on every stock in the world every day (check out TKO Group Holdings for example). We show the entire calculation in full. You can track the result in your watchlist or portfolio and be alerted when this changes, or use our stock screener to discover 886 undervalued stocks based on their cash flows. If you save a screener we even alert you when new companies match – so you never miss a potential opportunity.

    If you see things differently, or you’re someone who likes to dig into the numbers yourself, why not build your own take in just a few minutes by using Do it your way

    A great starting point for your TKO Group Holdings research is our analysis highlighting 4 key rewards and 1 important warning sign that could impact your investment decision.

    Don’t let standout opportunities pass you by. Use the power of the Simply Wall Street Screener to confidently find your next smart stock move today.

    This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

    Companies discussed in this article include TKO.

    Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com

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  • ‘Kindness Is Costless But Also Priceless,’ Warren Buffett Urges Decency In His Annual Address

    ‘Kindness Is Costless But Also Priceless,’ Warren Buffett Urges Decency In His Annual Address

    Warren Buffett published his last annual address as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:BRK, BRK.B)) earlier this week, urging the company’s “unusually generous” shareholders to act kindly and decently in an increasingly greedy world.

    “Greatness does not come about through accumulating great amounts of money, great amounts of publicity or great power in government,” the billionaire investor wrote.

    “When you help someone in any of thousands of ways, you help the world,” he continued. “Kindness is costless but also priceless. Whether you are religious or not, it’s hard to beat The Golden Rule as a guide to behavior.”

    Don’t Miss:

    For decades, Buffett has been dispensing life advice in his missives to shareholders, which has helped establish him not just as an accomplished businessman, but also as someone who has mastered the secrets to living a better life.

    “I write this as one who has been thoughtless countless times and made many mistakes but also became very lucky in learning from some wonderful friends how to behave better (still a long way from perfect, however),” he continued.

    “My advice: Don’t beat yourself up over past mistakes — learn at least a little from them and move on,” he wrote. “It is never too late to improve. Get the right heroes and copy them. You can start with Tom Murphy; he was the best.”

    Trending: Bill Gates Invests Billions in Green Tech — This Tree-Free Material Could Be the Next Big Breakthrough

    Murphy spent decades as the CEO of Capital Cities Communications and was one of the masterminds behind the broadcaster’s merger with ABC and eventually Disney (NYSE:DIS). He was a close friend of Buffett’s and served on Berkshire Hathaway’s board until 2022, when he resigned following a battle with COVID. He died later that year.

    Buffett’s letter to shareholders comes at a similar transition point in his career. In May, he announced that he’d be stepping down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway by the end of the year, naming long-time lieutenant Greg Abel as his successor.

    “I will continue talking to you and my children about Berkshire via my annual Thanksgiving message,” he continued. “Berkshire’s individual shareholders are a very special group who are unusually generous in sharing their gains with others less fortunate. I enjoy the chance to keep in touch with you.”

    See Also: These five entrepreneurs are worth $223 billion – they all believe in one platform that offers a 7-9% target yield with monthly dividends

    At 95, Buffett has long surpassed traditional retirement age. While he wrote that he “generally feel[s] good,” he acknowledged that physical diminishment has pushed him to a point where a step back is necessary.

    “When balance, sight, hearing and memory are all on a persistently downward slope, you know Father Time is in the neighborhood,” he wrote.

    Age may have impacted his ability to put in the long weeks, but it’s only increased his wisdom, he said.

    “Choose your heroes very carefully and then emulate them. You will never be perfect, but you can always be better,” was his closing advice.

    Read Next: Wall Street’s $12B Real Estate Manager Is Opening Its Doors to Individual Investors — Without the Crowdfunding Middlemen

    Image: Imagn

    UNLOCKED: 5 NEW TRADES EVERY WEEK. Click now to get top trade ideas daily, plus unlimited access to cutting-edge tools and strategies to gain an edge in the markets.

    Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga:

    This article ‘Kindness Is Costless But Also Priceless,’ Warren Buffett Urges Decency In His Annual Address originally appeared on Benzinga.com

    © 2025 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

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  • Zanzalintinib in MSS Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

    Zanzalintinib in MSS Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

    Microsatellite-stable metastatic colorectal cancer remains one of the most difficult treatment settings in solid tumor oncology, especially after progression on standard cytotoxic and biologic therapies. Nearly 95% of colorectal cancers are MSS, and these tumors are largely resistant to immunotherapy, leaving clinicians with regorafenib or trifluridine/tipiracil as the primary later-line treatment options, both of which provide modest benefit and substantial toxicity (Grothey et al., Lancet, 2013). The development of zanzalintinib, a next-generation multi-kinase inhibitor designed by Exelixis, reflects growing interest in overcoming angiogenic and microenvironment-driven resistance mechanisms in MSS disease.

    Read About Colorectal Cancer on OncoDaily

    Mechanism of Action

    Zanzalintinib (formerly XL092) is an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets VEGFR2, MET, AXL, and members of the TAM kinase family. These pathways regulate angiogenesis, tumor invasiveness, metastatic potential, and immune suppression. By inhibiting VEGFR2 and MET simultaneously, the drug counteracts key escape mechanisms frequently observed with earlier anti-angiogenic agents. Inhibition of AXL further reduces epithelial–mesenchymal transition, a process responsible for metastasis and therapy resistance. Early pharmacokinetic modeling indicates that zanzalintinib’s shorter half-life and improved kinase selectivity may lead to more predictable exposure and better tolerability compared with cabozantinib, its predecessor (Gao et al., Clin Cancer Res, 2021).

    Why MSS Colorectal Cancer Responds to Zanzalintinib

    MSS CRC is aggressive, immunologically cold, and resistant to checkpoint inhibitors.

    Key features include:

    • low mutation burden
    • high angiogenesis
    • robust immune exclusion
    • strong EMT and metastasis signatures
    • upregulated MET/AXL signaling

    These are precisely the pathways zanzalintinib inhibits.

    By reducing angiogenesis while reversing MET- and AXL-driven immune evasion, zanzalintinib:

    • decreases tumor hypoxia
    • improves T-cell infiltration
    • reduces metastatic behaviors
    • enhances immune priming

    This gradually converts immunologically cold tumors into more susceptible ones.

    The STELLAR-303 Trial

    The phase III STELLAR-303 trial evaluated zanzalintinib in previously treated MSS metastatic colorectal cancer. The trial enrolled patients who had progressed on fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, irinotecan, and bevacizumab—with anti-EGFR therapy incorporated for RAS wild-type tumors—thus representing a heavily pretreated population with limited clinical options. Patients were randomized to receive either zanzalintinib or regorafenib, the established VEGF-targeting agent in this setting.

    STELLAR-303 demonstrated that zanzalintinib improved overall survival and progression-free survival compared with regorafenib, marking one of the first meaningful advances in MSS colorectal cancer in nearly a decade. The survival benefit was consistent across key subgroups, including patients with liver metastases, a group known to derive limited benefit from immunotherapy (STELLAR-303 Investigators, ASCO GI, 2025).

    While the detailed numerical OS and PFS values are still pending full publication, investigators reported a clinically meaningful improvement in disease control, with more durable responses and fewer early discontinuations compared with regorafenib.

    Zanzalintinib in MSS Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

    Read About STELLAR-303 Trial on OncoDaily gi

    Safety and Tolerability

    The safety profile of zanzalintinib reflects the expected pattern of multi-target anti-angiogenic therapies, with hypertension, fatigue, diarrhea, and hand–foot syndrome among the more common adverse events. However, treatment-emergent toxicity appeared more manageable compared with regorafenib, which has historically been limited by dose-limiting hand–foot syndrome and gastrointestinal side effects.

    The improved tolerability is attributed to the optimized kinase selectivity and shorter half-life of zanzalintinib, which allow for more consistent exposure and easier dose adjustments. Fewer grade ≥3 adverse events were reported in the zanzalintinib arm, and dose reductions occurred less frequently than with regorafenib (STELLAR-303 Investigators, ASCO GI, 2025). This tolerability advantage could translate into better treatment adherence and longer therapy duration, both of which are critical in later-line metastatic settings.

    Clinical Significance

    Zanzalintinib addresses several longstanding challenges in MSS metastatic colorectal cancer. The drug directly targets pro-angiogenic and mesenchymal signaling pathways that drive disease progression in MSS tumors, offering a biologically rational approach where traditional cytotoxic therapy provides diminishing returns. Because immunotherapy remains ineffective in nearly all MSS tumors, and because resistance to VEGF blockade is nearly universal, the introduction of a next-generation TKI with multi-pathway inhibition represents an important therapeutic evolution.

    Given the persistent lack of innovation in later-line MSS CRC, the improvement in overall survival observed in STELLAR-303 positions zanzalintinib as a potential new standard of care after progression on first- and second-line therapies.

    Future Directions and Combination Approaches

    Preclinical data suggest that dual VEGFR2/MET blockade may enhance antitumor immunity by improving dendritic cell activation and reducing immunosuppressive signaling in the tumor microenvironment (Feng et al., Cancer Res, 2022). These findings support ongoing studies evaluating zanzalintinib in combination with checkpoint inhibitors, particularly in MSS colorectal cancer, where immune resistance is dominant.

    Additional studies are exploring zanzalintinib in other tumors where MET or AXL signaling plays a role, including renal cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and select sarcoma subtypes. As full data from STELLAR-303 mature and additional combination studies read out, zanzalintinib may join the expanding class of rational multi-target TKIs designed to overcome the biological redundancy that characterizes advanced solid tumors.

    Conclusion

    Zanzalintinib represents a meaningful step forward in the treatment of MSS metastatic colorectal cancer, a disease setting with historically limited therapeutic progress. With improved survival, better tolerability than regorafenib, and a mechanism that addresses multiple resistance pathways simultaneously, the drug offers a rational and clinically impactful option for heavily pretreated patients. As future trials explore its synergy with immunotherapy and its applicability in other solid tumors, zanzalintinib may become a central component of modern targeted therapy strategies.

    You Can Watch More on OncoDaily Youtube TV

    Written by Armen Gevorgyan, MD

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  • Crude oil price analysis: Market uncertainties cap US government deal craze – Invezz

    1. Crude oil price analysis: Market uncertainties cap US government deal craze  Invezz
    2. Oil News: Will Demand Hopes Clash with Supply Fears at 52-Week Moving Average?  FXEmpire
    3. Crude Prices Gain on Dollar Weakness and Energy Demand Optimism  TradingView
    4. US Oil, WTI, rises to approximately $59.50 following a Russian strike and US sanctions  VT Markets
    5. Oil Prices Slump as Global Stockpiles Surge and OPEC Flags a 2026 Glut  Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.com

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