Climb Bio's (CLYM) CLYM116 could stand out in the growing IgA nephropathy treatment market if Thursday's phase 1 data shows strong and lasting APRIL and IgA reductions that support less frequent dosing, Oppenheimer said in a note Wednesday.

The key question for Thursday's results is whether CLYM116 can deliver strong and durable effects that could support an infrequently administered under-the-skin treatment, Oppenheimer said.

The investment firm said other approved and experimental anti-APRIL drugs have already shown that targeting APRIL can work in IgAN, setting a benchmark for CLYM116.

The phase 2 portion of partner Mabworks' phase 1/2 IgAN study is expected to begin before the end of the quarter, with Climb Bio planning to present additional CLYM116 data at a medical meeting in Q4, the firm noted.

Oppenheimer kept its outperform rating and $18 price target for Climb Bio.

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