10 Best Immunology Stocks To Buy Now

4. Exelixis, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXEL)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 46

Exelixis, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXEL) is focused on developing small-molecule therapies for cancer, with its flagship product being CABOMETYX (cabozantinib). The company utilizes a proprietary platform based on comparative genomics and model system genetics to rapidly translate genomic data into insights for drug discovery. This unique approach has enabled the company to build a strong pipeline of potential cancer treatments.

Exelixis, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXEL) has been active in immunology research since the early 2000s, including a 2002 collaboration that identified a new role for the PGRP-LC gene in Drosophila immunity, suggesting similar pathways in humans. The company pursued immuno-oncology collaborations, such as a 2022 agreement with BioInvent, which was terminated in 2024, and a 2024 partnership with Merck to evaluate zanzalintinib in combination with Merck’s immunotherapies for head and neck cancer and renal cell carcinoma. Exelixis, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXEL) is conducting clinical trials, including the STELLAR-001 and STELLAR-305 trials, to explore combinations of its compounds with immunotherapies, while continuing to expand its biotherapeutics pipeline with a focus on tyrosine kinase inhibitors and novel immuno-oncology therapies.

Exelixis, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXEL) reported strong financial performance in Q4 2024, with total revenues of approximately $567 million, driven by a 20% year-over-year increase in U.S. cabozantinib (Cabo) franchise net product revenues, reaching $515 million. Global Cabo revenues totaled about $690 million for Q4, with full-year revenues of $2.5 billion. The company also earned $51.5 million in collaboration revenues, primarily from royalties on cabozantinib sales. Operating expenses were $403 million, and the company achieved a GAAP net income of $139.9 million. The company also repurchased $656 million worth of shares in 2024 and had $1.75 billion in cash and marketable securities at year-end. The growth reflects continued demand for its CABOMETYX treatment for renal cell carcinoma.