Deciphera Pharmaceuticals (DCPH)
Deciphera Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies for cancer treatment by addressing drug resistance mechanisms. Their lead drug candidate, QINLOCK, targets gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), with ongoing research into other cancer treatments.
Company Overview
Deciphera Pharmaceuticals is pioneering switch-control kinase inhibitors to combat drug resistance in cancer, with QINLOCK already approved for GIST and a robust pipeline including vimseltinib and DCC-3116, positioning them for significant growth in targeted oncology therapies.
Investment Thesis
Deciphera Pharmaceuticals presents a compelling investment opportunity due to its focus on overcoming drug resistance in cancer, a significant unmet need. The company's approved drug, QINLOCK, provides a solid revenue base and validates their switch-control kinase inhibition technology. The ongoing INTRIGUE Phase 3 study for QINLOCK in second-line GIST could expand its market potential. Furthermore, the development of vimseltinib for TGCT and DCC-3116 for RAS/RAF mutant cancers offers substantial growth potential. With a gross margin of 97.7%, Deciphera has the potential for significant profitability as its pipeline matures and sales increase. The company's innovative approach and expanding pipeline make it an attractive investment in the targeted oncology space.
Key Highlights
- QINLOCK is approved for fourth-line GIST, providing a foundation for revenue generation.
- Gross margin of 97.7% indicates strong pricing power and efficient manufacturing.
- INTRIGUE Phase 3 study evaluating QINLOCK in second-line GIST represents a near-term catalyst for potential label expansion.
- Vimseltinib, a CSF1R inhibitor, targets tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT), a market with limited treatment options.
- DCC-3116, a preclinical-stage drug, targets RAS/RAF mutant cancers, addressing a significant unmet need in oncology.
Competitors
Strengths
- Proprietary switch-control kinase inhibition technology.
- Approved drug (QINLOCK) with established market presence.
- Strong gross margin (97.7%).
- Diverse pipeline of drug candidates targeting various cancers.
Weaknesses
- Negative profit margin (-119.3%).
- Reliance on QINLOCK for revenue.
- Limited commercial infrastructure compared to larger pharmaceutical companies.
- Ongoing losses and need for additional financing.
Catalysts
- Upcoming: Results from the INTRIGUE Phase 3 study evaluating QINLOCK in second-line GIST.
- Upcoming: Regulatory submission and potential approval of vimseltinib for TGCT.
- Upcoming: Advancement of DCC-3116 into clinical development.
- Ongoing: Continued sales growth of QINLOCK in fourth-line GIST.
- Ongoing: Expansion of commercial infrastructure and market reach.
Risks
- Potential: Failure to achieve positive results in clinical trials.
- Potential: Regulatory delays or rejection of drug applications.
- Potential: Competition from other cancer therapies.
- Ongoing: Dependence on the success of QINLOCK and pipeline assets.
- Ongoing: Need for additional financing to fund operations.
Growth Opportunities
- Expansion of QINLOCK's Label: The ongoing INTRIGUE Phase 3 study evaluating QINLOCK in second-line GIST represents a significant growth opportunity. Positive results could lead to label expansion, increasing the addressable patient population and driving revenue growth. The GIST market is estimated to grow, and capturing a larger share of this market with an earlier line of treatment would be a substantial catalyst.
- Vimseltinib for TGCT: Vimseltinib, Deciphera's CSF1R inhibitor, targets tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT), a rare but debilitating disease with limited treatment options. If approved, vimseltinib could become a standard of care for TGCT, capturing a significant portion of this underserved market. The market size for TGCT treatments is projected to grow as awareness and diagnosis improve.
- DCC-3116 for RAS/RAF Mutant Cancers: DCC-3116, currently in preclinical development, targets RAS/RAF mutant cancers, which are prevalent in various tumor types. Successful development and commercialization of DCC-3116 could address a significant unmet need in oncology, providing a new treatment option for patients with these difficult-to-treat cancers. The RAS/RAF mutant cancer market represents a multi-billion dollar opportunity.
- Strategic Partnerships and Acquisitions: Deciphera could pursue strategic partnerships or acquisitions to expand its pipeline and commercial reach. Collaborating with other companies or acquiring complementary assets could accelerate the development and commercialization of new therapies, further diversifying its portfolio and reducing risk. These partnerships could provide access to new technologies, markets, or expertise.
- Geographic Expansion: Currently focused on the United States and international markets, Deciphera has the opportunity to expand its geographic presence. Entering new markets, particularly in Europe and Asia, could drive revenue growth and increase the company's global footprint. This expansion would require establishing commercial infrastructure and navigating regulatory approvals in each new market.
Opportunities
- Label expansion for QINLOCK in second-line GIST.
- Approval and commercialization of vimseltinib for TGCT.
- Advancement of DCC-3116 into clinical development.
- Strategic partnerships and acquisitions to expand pipeline.
Threats
- Competition from other cancer therapies.
- Regulatory hurdles and potential delays in drug approvals.
- Patent challenges and loss of exclusivity.
- Unfavorable clinical trial results.
Competitive Advantages
- Proprietary switch-control kinase inhibition technology.
- Approved drug (QINLOCK) with established market presence.
- Strong intellectual property portfolio protecting pipeline assets.
- Experienced management team with expertise in drug development and commercialization.
About
Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing, and commercializing innovative therapies to improve the lives of people with cancer. The company focuses on addressing key mechanisms of drug resistance, which often limit the rate and durability of response to existing cancer treatments. Deciphera's approach centers on switch-control kinase inhibition, a technology that allows for the development of highly selective and potent drugs. Their lead product, QINLOCK (ripretinib), is approved for the treatment of adult patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) who have received prior treatment with three or more kinase inhibitors, including imatinib. Beyond QINLOCK, Deciphera is advancing a diverse pipeline of drug candidates targeting various cancers. This includes vimseltinib, an oral CSF1R inhibitor in development for tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT), and DCC-3116, a preclinical-stage drug targeting RAS/RAF mutant cancers. Deciphera's commitment to innovation and patient-centric drug development positions them as a key player in the evolving landscape of targeted cancer therapies, with a growing portfolio of novel treatments designed to overcome drug resistance and improve patient outcomes.
What They Do
- Develop drugs to enhance the lives of cancer patients.
- Address key mechanisms of drug resistance.
- Focus on switch-control kinase inhibition.
- Market QINLOCK for the treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST).
- Develop vimseltinib for the treatment of tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT).
- Advance DCC-3116 to treat RAS/RAF mutant cancers.
Business Model
- Develop and commercialize targeted therapies for cancer.
- Generate revenue through sales of QINLOCK.
- Out-license or partner for development and commercialization of pipeline assets.
- Invest in research and development to expand pipeline.
Industry Context
Deciphera Pharmaceuticals operates within the specialty pharmaceutical industry, which is characterized by a focus on developing niche therapies for specific diseases. The oncology market is a significant driver of growth in this sector, with increasing demand for targeted therapies and personalized medicine. The competitive landscape includes companies like CALT, DICE, EMBC, FUSN, and KDNY, which are also developing novel cancer treatments. Deciphera's focus on overcoming drug resistance positions them favorably in this competitive environment, as resistance mechanisms are a major challenge in cancer therapy.
Key Customers
- Adult patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST).
- Patients with tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT).
- Patients with RAS/RAF mutant cancers.
Financials
Chart & Info
Price Chart
Deciphera Pharmaceuticals (DCPH) stock price: $25.59 (+0.02, +0.08%)
Why Bull
- •Recent insider buying suggests confidence in the company's pipeline, indicating potential for upcoming positive news.
- •Community sentiment has shifted positively, with discussions highlighting optimism around ongoing clinical trials.
- •Analysts have noted Deciphera's innovative approach to targeted therapies, which aligns well with current market trends.
- •The company's recent partnerships could enhance its research capabilities and accelerate drug development timelines.
Why Bear
- •Concerns over the competitive landscape in oncology may dampen investor enthusiasm, as new entrants could pose challenges.
- •Social sentiment has shown some volatility, with mixed opinions on the sustainability of its current projects.
- •Recent regulatory hurdles faced by similar biotech firms have raised alarms about potential delays for Deciphera's products.
- •Market perception remains cautious due to the historically high risk associated with biotech investments, especially in early-stage companies.
Latest News
No recent news available for DCPH.
Technical Analysis
Rationale
AI-generated technical analysis for DCPH including trend direction, momentum, and pattern recognition.
What to Watch
Key support and resistance levels, volume signals, and upcoming events.
Risk Management
Position sizing, stop-loss levels, and risk-reward assessment.
Community
Discussion
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Sentiment
Community sentiment and discussion activity for DCPH.
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Current price: $25.59
Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for DCPH.
Price Targets
Wall Street price target analysis for DCPH.
Insider Flow (30d)
No insider trades in the last 30 days.
MoonshotScore
Score Factors
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Revenue Growth 5/100
Revenue growth data is currently unavailable for this company.
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Gross Margin 5/100
Gross margin data is currently unavailable for this company.
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Operating Leverage 4/100
Limited operating leverage due to slower revenue growth, keeping profit scaling constrained.
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Cash Runway 5/100
Cash position data is currently unavailable for this company.
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R&D Intensity 5/100
R&D spending data is currently unavailable for this company.
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Insider Activity 6/100
No significant insider buying or selling recently, which is neutral for the stock outlook.
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Short Interest 5/100
Float and volume data unavailable for liquidity analysis.
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Price Momentum 0/100
No bullish technical signals detected. The stock lacks upward price momentum currently.
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News Sentiment 5/100
No sentiment data available
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates DCPH's growth potential on a scale of 0-100 across multiple factors including innovation, market disruption, financial health, and momentum.
Competitors & Peers
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. do?
Deciphera Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing innovative therapies for cancer patients. They address key mechanisms of drug resistance that limit the effectiveness of existing cancer treatments. Their lead product, QINLOCK, is approved for the treatment of advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). The company also has a pipeline of drug candidates targeting other cancers, including vimseltinib for tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT) and DCC-3116 for RAS/RAF mutant cancers. Deciphera's business model centers on developing and commercializing targeted therapies that overcome drug resistance and improve patient outcomes.
Is DCPH stock a good buy?
DCPH stock presents a mixed picture. The company has a high gross margin of 97.7%, indicating strong pricing power. The potential label expansion for QINLOCK and the development of vimseltinib offer significant growth opportunities. However, the company's negative profit margin (-119.3%) and reliance on QINLOCK for revenue are concerns. Investors should carefully consider the risks and potential rewards before investing in DCPH, weighing the growth prospects against the financial challenges. Monitor the results of the INTRIGUE Phase 3 study and the progress of vimseltinib for a clearer picture of the company's future prospects.
What are the main risks for DCPH?
The main risks for Deciphera Pharmaceuticals include the potential for clinical trial failures, regulatory delays, and competition from other cancer therapies. The company is heavily reliant on the success of QINLOCK and its pipeline assets, so any setbacks in these areas could significantly impact its financial performance. Additionally, Deciphera has a negative profit margin and may require additional financing to fund its operations, which could dilute existing shareholders. Investors should also be aware of the risks associated with patent challenges and loss of exclusivity, which could erode the company's competitive advantage.
Is DCPH a good stock to buy?
Whether DCPH is a good investment depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. Key factors to evaluate include the company's revenue growth trajectory, profit margins, debt-to-equity ratio, competitive moat, and valuation multiples (P/E, P/S, EV/EBITDA) relative to industry peers. Our AI-generated Investment Thesis and SWOT analysis on this page provide a data-driven starting point. Always do your own research and consider consulting a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
What is the DCPH MoonshotScore?
The MoonshotScore for DCPH is an AI-powered rating from 0 to 100 that evaluates a stock across four dimensions: growth potential (revenue and earnings trajectory), financial health (balance sheet strength, cash flow), market momentum (price trends, volume patterns, institutional flows), and risk factors (volatility, debt levels, sector headwinds). Scores above 70 indicate strong potential, 50-70 moderate, and below 50 suggests caution. The score is recalculated daily using the latest financial data and market signals.
How often is DCPH data updated?
DCPH stock prices are updated in real-time during U.S. market hours (9:30 AM - 4:00 PM ET, Monday through Friday). After-hours and pre-market prices are also tracked. Company fundamentals (earnings, revenue, balance sheet) are refreshed when new quarterly or annual reports are filed. Analyst ratings, price targets, and AI-generated insights are updated daily. Breaking news related to DCPH is aggregated continuously from premium financial news sources throughout the day.
What are the growth catalysts for DCPH?
Growth catalysts for Deciphera Pharmaceuticals (DCPH) can include several categories: product catalysts (new launches, FDA approvals, patent grants), financial catalysts (earnings beats, margin expansion, share buybacks), strategic catalysts (acquisitions, partnerships, market expansion into new regions), and macro catalysts (favorable regulation, industry tailwinds, secular growth trends). Our AI analyzes Deciphera Pharmaceuticals's specific catalysts using earnings transcripts, SEC filings, and news sentiment to identify the most impactful near-term and long-term drivers.
Who are DCPH's main competitors?
Deciphera Pharmaceuticals (DCPH) competes with companies in its industry that target similar customers, markets, or product categories. Competitor analysis involves comparing key metrics: market share, revenue growth rates, profit margins, R&D spending, and valuation multiples. Understanding competitive positioning helps investors assess whether DCPH has a sustainable competitive advantage (moat) through brand strength, network effects, cost leadership, or switching costs. Our Competitors section provides a side-by-side comparison with relevant peers.
What do analysts say about DCPH?
Wall Street analyst coverage for DCPH includes consensus ratings (buy, hold, or sell), 12-month price targets, and earnings estimates. Analyst opinions are aggregated from major investment banks and research firms. Key metrics to watch include the consensus price target (average, high, and low estimates), the number of analysts covering the stock, any recent rating changes (upgrades or downgrades), and how actual earnings compare to analyst estimates (beat or miss history). Our platform aggregates these from multiple data providers for a comprehensive view.
What is DCPH's market cap?
Market capitalization (market cap) for DCPH is calculated by multiplying the current share price by the total number of outstanding shares. It represents the market's total valuation of the company. Stocks are typically categorized as mega-cap ($200B+), large-cap ($10B-$200B), mid-cap ($2B-$10B), small-cap ($300M-$2B), or micro-cap (under $300M). Market cap influences index inclusion, institutional ownership eligibility, and risk profile. Our Key Statistics section shows DCPH's current market cap alongside enterprise value and other valuation metrics.
How has DCPH stock performed recently?
DCPH's recent stock performance can be evaluated across multiple timeframes: daily price changes, week-over-week momentum, monthly trends, and year-to-date returns. Important performance indicators include the stock's 52-week high and low, moving averages (50-day and 200-day SMA), relative strength index (RSI), and volume trends. Comparing DCPH's performance against its sector index and the S&P 500 provides context on whether it is outperforming or underperforming the broader market.
What are the risks of investing in DCPH?
Key risk categories for DCPH include: market risk (overall market downturns affecting stock prices), company-specific risk (management changes, product failures, competitive threats), financial risk (high debt levels, cash burn, dilution from stock issuance), regulatory risk (government policy changes, lawsuits, compliance issues), and macroeconomic risk (interest rate changes, inflation, currency fluctuations). Beta measures DCPH's volatility relative to the market - a beta above 1.0 means higher volatility than the S&P 500. Our AI-generated risk assessment identifies the most relevant risk factors for this specific stock.
Are insiders buying or selling DCPH?
Insider trading activity for DCPH tracks purchases and sales by company executives, directors, and major shareholders (10%+ owners) as reported in SEC Form 4 filings. Insider buying is generally considered a bullish signal because insiders have the deepest knowledge of company operations, while selling may have various motivations (diversification, tax planning, pre-planned 10b5-1 trading plans). Key metrics include the buy-to-sell ratio, total dollar value of insider transactions, and whether multiple insiders are trading in the same direction. Our Insider Flow tab shows recent transactions with dates and dollar amounts.
Is DCPH a good stock for beginners?
Deciphera Pharmaceuticals (DCPH) can be suitable for beginner investors depending on several factors. Look at the MoonshotScore on this page for an overall AI-powered assessment of growth potential and risk. Beginners should also check the company's market cap (larger companies tend to be less volatile), gross margin (higher margins mean stronger business fundamentals), and cash position (healthy cash reduces bankruptcy risk). Always start with a small position size and never invest money you cannot afford to lose.
How risky is DCPH for first-time investors?
Every stock carries risk, including Deciphera Pharmaceuticals (DCPH). First-time investors should review the Risk Factors section on this page for company-specific risks. Key risk indicators include price volatility (check the chart for daily swings), insider selling activity (see Insider Flow tab), and cash runway (see MoonshotScore breakdown). A diversified portfolio with an index fund like the S&P 500 as a core holding is generally recommended before adding individual stocks like DCPH.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.
Data provided for informational purposes only.
- Financial data is based on the most recent available information.
- Future performance is subject to market conditions and company-specific events.
- AI analysis is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice.