4D pharma plc (LBPS) Stock Analysis
For informational purposes only. Not financial advice. Analysis by Sedat ANAK, Founder & Editor-in-Chief | AI-powered analysis. Data sourced from SEC filings and institutional-grade financial providers. Editorially reviewed. Not financial advice.
4D pharma plc (LBPS) trades at $1.65 with AI Score 60/100 (Grade B+). 4D pharma plc is a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of Live Biotherapeutic Products (LBPs) for a range of serious health conditions, including cancer… Sector: Healthcare.
Price as of Jul 20, 2026 · Last analyzed: Jun 15, 2026Analyst Coverage for LBPS: LBPS does not currently have published analyst price targets in our coverage universe. This is common for smaller-cap names with limited Wall Street coverage. In the absence of analyst consensus, our AI model evaluates LBPS against Healthcare peers across nine fundamental dimensions and assigns a mixed fundamental profile based on the underlying data.
LBPS: 1/3 scored disciplines lean bullish. Dominant signal: Seth Klarman bullish.
How is this calculated? →Why this analysis is different
- A 9-signal quantitative MoonshotScore built from filings, insider activity, and market data — computed from the numbers, not from opinion.
- An AI Council read across up to eight perspectives — value, macro, quantitative, and momentum lenses — that shows where they disagree instead of averaging the tension away.
- Figures come straight from FMP and Yahoo Finance filings data. The AI writes the narrative around the numbers — it never edits the numbers.
4D pharma plc (LBPS) Healthcare & Pipeline Overview
4D pharma plc is a UK-based biopharmaceutical company focused on pioneering Live Biotherapeutic Products (LBPs) for various diseases, including cancer and autoimmune conditions. Utilizing its MicroRx platform, the firm develops microbiome-based therapies, collaborating with major pharmaceutical partners to advance its clinical pipeline and address unmet medical needs.
What Is the Investment Thesis for LBPS?
4D pharma plc presents an investment thesis centered on its pioneering role in Live Biotherapeutic Products (LBPs) and its proprietary MicroRx discovery platform. The company's diverse pipeline, addressing significant unmet medical needs across oncology, respiratory, and neurological disorders, offers multiple shots on goal. Key value drivers include the potential for positive clinical trial results for candidates like MRx0518 in cancer, which is being evaluated in combination with Keytruda under a collaboration with Merck & Co., Inc. Strategic partnerships with entities such as Merck KGaA, Pfizer, and the University of Texas MD Anderson validate its scientific approach and provide resources for development. While the company exhibits a 100.0% gross margin, typical for a pre-commercial biotech, its significant negative profit margin of -4448.2% reflects its clinical-stage nature and substantial R&D investments. The high Beta of 3.27 indicates considerable market volatility. Future growth is contingent on advancing its pipeline through clinical stages and achieving regulatory approvals, alongside expanding its intellectual property and commercialization strategies for its novel LBP candidates.
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
LBPS Key Highlights
- Gross Margin of 100.0%, reflecting the company's pre-commercial stage and potential for high-value intellectual property.
- Profit Margin of -4448.2%, indicative of substantial ongoing research and development expenditures typical for a clinical-stage biotechnology firm.
- Beta of 3.27, suggesting significantly higher volatility compared to the broader market, consistent with early-stage biotech investments.
- A workforce of 106 employees, focused on advancing its Live Biotherapeutic Products (LBPs) pipeline and proprietary MicroRx platform.
- Proprietary MicroRx platform serving as the core engine for discovering and developing novel microbiome-based therapeutic candidates.
Who Are LBPS's Competitors?
LBPS is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.
| Company | Price | Change | Market Cap | AI Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VRTX Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated | $481.72 | +0.25% | $122B | 98 |
| REGN Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | $675.02 | +0.43% | $69.5B | 92 |
| ALNY Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | $272.67 | +1.94% | $36.4B | 95 |
| RPRX Royalty Pharma plc | $57.63 | +0.58% | $24.8B | 81 |
| INCY Incyte Corporation | $115.65 | -1.36% | $23.1B | 99 |
| UTHR United Therapeutics Corporation | $535.41 | +1.15% | $22.7B | 99 |
| NBIX Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. | $173.00 | +1.24% | $18.0B | 95 |
| EXEL Exelixis, Inc. | $56.12 | +1.06% | $14.1B | 99 |
AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance
What Are LBPS's Key Strengths?
- Proprietary MicroRx platform for LBP discovery, offering a differentiated approach.
- Diverse pipeline of Live Biotherapeutic Products targeting multiple significant health conditions.
- Strategic collaborations with major pharmaceutical companies (Merck KGaA, Pfizer, Merck & Co., Inc.) and research institutions.
- Focus on the emerging and high-potential field of microbiome therapeutics.
What Are LBPS's Weaknesses?
- Significant negative profit margin (-4448.2%) reflecting its clinical-stage, pre-revenue status.
- High research and development costs inherent in biotechnology drug development.
- Reliance on successful clinical trial outcomes and regulatory approvals for future commercial viability.
- No current revenue generation from product sales.
What Could Drive LBPS Stock Higher?
- Public release of clinical trial results for MRx0518 in cancer and immune-oncology diseases.
- Achievement of key regulatory milestones or approvals for any of its Live Biotherapeutic Product (LBP) candidates.
- Announcement of new or expanded strategic collaborations with pharmaceutical partners for pipeline development.
- Continued progress in the clinical trial evaluating the combination of Keytruda and MRx0518 in solid tumor patients.
- Advancement of discovery and development initiatives for LBPs targeting vaccine purposes with Merck & Co., Inc.
What Are the Key Risks for LBPS?
- High attrition rates inherent in clinical-stage biotechnology development, where many candidates fail to reach commercialization.
- Failure to achieve positive or statistically significant clinical trial results for its diverse pipeline candidates.
- Significant regulatory hurdles and potential delays in obtaining marketing approvals from health authorities.
- Substantial capital requirements to fund ongoing research, development, and clinical trials, potentially leading to future equity dilution.
- Intense competition from other biopharmaceutical companies developing novel therapies in the microbiome space and targeted disease areas.
What Are the Growth Opportunities for LBPS?
- Oncology Pipeline Advancement: The advancement of 4D pharma plc's oncology pipeline, particularly MRx0518 and MRx1299, represents a significant growth opportunity. MRx0518 is being assessed in collaboration with Merck KGaA and Pfizer, and is part of a clinical trial with Merck & Co., Inc. evaluating its combination with Keytruda for solid tumors. The global oncology market is projected to exceed $300 billion by the late 2020s, driven by innovative therapies. Successful clinical trial outcomes and subsequent regulatory approvals for these candidates could unlock substantial market access and revenue streams, positioning 4D pharma as a key player in microbiome-based cancer treatments, offering novel mechanisms of action to improve patient outcomes.
- Expansion into CNS Disorders: The development of MRx0029 and MRx0005 for central nervous system disorders offers another substantial growth avenue. The market for CNS therapeutics, encompassing conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and psychiatric disorders, is vast and largely underserved, with projected market sizes reaching over $150 billion globally. Current treatments often have limited efficacy or significant side effects, creating a high unmet medical need. Successfully advancing these LBP candidates through clinical development could establish 4D pharma plc as a pioneer in addressing neurological conditions through microbiome modulation, potentially offering safer and more effective therapeutic options to a large patient population.
- Respiratory and Autoimmune Diseases: Targeting chronic conditions such as asthma (MRx-4DP0004), rheumatoid arthritis (MRx0006), and multiple sclerosis (MRx0002) presents a broad growth opportunity. These diseases affect millions worldwide, with the global markets for respiratory, autoimmune, and neurological drugs collectively valued at hundreds of billions of dollars. Existing treatments often manage symptoms rather than addressing underlying causes, leaving room for innovative therapies. By developing novel LBPs for these indications, 4D pharma plc aims to provide disease-modifying treatments that could capture significant market share by improving patient quality of life and potentially altering disease progression, thereby addressing critical unmet needs.
- Strategic Partnerships and Licensing: The establishment and expansion of strategic partnerships, such as those with Merck KGaA, Pfizer, and Merck & Co., Inc., are critical growth drivers. These collaborations provide external validation of 4D pharma plc's MicroRx platform and LBP pipeline, offering access to significant resources, expertise, and potential non-dilutive funding through milestone payments and royalties. The growing interest from large pharmaceutical companies in the microbiome space indicates a strong potential for future licensing agreements or co-development deals. Such partnerships can accelerate clinical development, broaden market reach, and de-risk the commercialization process, enhancing the company's long-term value.
- MicroRx Platform Leverage: Leveraging the proprietary MicroRx platform for continuous discovery of new Live Biotherapeutic Products (LBPs) is a foundational growth opportunity. This platform is designed to systematically identify novel LBP candidates for severe illnesses, ensuring a sustainable pipeline beyond current clinical programs. The ability to consistently generate new drug candidates for diverse indications strengthens 4D pharma plc's intellectual property portfolio and competitive advantage. Furthermore, the platform itself could become a source of value through technology licensing agreements with other biopharmaceutical companies, providing additional revenue streams and expanding the reach of 4D pharma's innovative approach to drug discovery.
What Opportunities Does LBPS Have?
- Advancing key pipeline candidates, such as MRx0518, through successful clinical trials and regulatory milestones.
- Expanding existing collaborations and forging new strategic partnerships for development and commercialization.
- Leveraging the MicroRx platform to discover additional LBP candidates for new therapeutic areas.
- Capitalizing on the growing understanding and market potential of microbiome-based therapies.
What Threats Does LBPS Face?
- High attrition rates and inherent risks associated with clinical-stage drug development.
- Intense competition from other biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies in targeted therapeutic areas.
- Potential for regulatory hurdles, delays, or outright rejection of LBP candidates.
- Need for significant future funding to support ongoing R&D and clinical trials, potentially leading to shareholder dilution.
What Are LBPS's Competitive Advantages?
- Proprietary MicroRx discovery platform, enabling the systematic identification and selection of novel LBP candidates.
- A diverse and extensive pipeline of Live Biotherapeutic Products targeting multiple therapeutic areas, offering multiple shots on goal.
- Strategic collaborations with leading pharmaceutical companies (Merck KGaA, Pfizer, Merck & Co., Inc.) providing validation, resources, and expertise.
- Specialized scientific expertise in microbiome research and the development of single-strain LBPs, positioning it in an emerging field.
- Potential for strong intellectual property protection around its unique LBP strains and therapeutic applications.
What Does LBPS Do?
4D pharma plc, headquartered in Leeds, UK, and founded in 2014 (originally Schosween 18 Limited), functions as a biopharmaceutical firm dedicated to pioneering live biotherapeutic products (LBPs). The company's core mission revolves around leveraging the human microbiome to develop novel therapies for a range of serious health issues. At the heart of its discovery efforts is the proprietary MicroRx platform, an advanced technology designed to identify and select specific LBP candidates with therapeutic potential for severe illnesses. The company boasts a diverse and extensive pipeline of therapeutic candidates. This includes MRx0518, which is under development for cancer and immune-oncology diseases, representing a key focus area given the significant unmet needs in oncology. Another candidate, MRx-4DP0004, targets asthma, a chronic respiratory condition. For central nervous system disorders, 4D pharma plc is developing MRx0029 and MRx0005. Furthermore, Blautix is intended for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), while Thetanix focuses on pediatric Crohn's disease. The pipeline is further diversified with MRx1299 for solid tumors, MRx0006 for rheumatoid arthritis, and MRx0002 for multiple sclerosis, showcasing a broad therapeutic reach. To accelerate its development and validate its scientific approach, 4D pharma plc has established several strategic collaborations. A notable partnership involves Merck KGaA (Darmstadt, Germany) and Pfizer for the assessment of MRx0518. The company also maintains a strategic alliance with the University of Texas MD Anderson for the discovery and development of LBPs specifically within oncology. Additionally, an agreement with Merck & Co., Inc. encompasses a clinical trial evaluating the combination of Keytruda, a leading immunotherapy, and MRx0518 in patients with solid tumors. This collaboration also extends to joint initiatives focused on the discovery and development of LBPs for vaccine purposes, indicating a broader application of its microbiome expertise. These partnerships are crucial for advancing its pipeline and navigating the complex landscape of drug development.
What Products and Services Does LBPS Offer?
- Develops Live Biotherapeutic Products (LBPs), a novel class of therapeutics based on the human microbiome.
- Utilizes its proprietary MicroRx platform for the discovery and selection of specific LBP candidates.
- Focuses on a diverse pipeline targeting significant health issues including cancer, asthma, and central nervous system disorders.
- Conducts clinical trials for its therapeutic candidates, such as MRx0518 for cancer and immune-oncology diseases.
- Engages in strategic collaborations with major pharmaceutical companies like Merck KGaA, Pfizer, and Merck & Co., Inc.
- Explores the application of LBPs for vaccine purposes through joint initiatives.
- Aims to address unmet medical needs in areas like irritable bowel syndrome, pediatric Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.
How Does LBPS Make Money?
- Focuses on the research and development of novel Live Biotherapeutic Products (LBPs) for various diseases.
- Seeks to advance its pipeline candidates through clinical trials to achieve regulatory approvals.
- Aims to generate future revenue through the commercialization and sale of approved LBP therapies.
- Leverages strategic partnerships for potential milestone payments, royalties, and shared development costs.
- Maintains and expands its intellectual property portfolio around its MicroRx platform and LBP candidates.
What Industry Does LBPS Operate In?
4D pharma plc operates within the dynamic and rapidly evolving biotechnology industry, specifically carving a niche in the emerging field of microbiome therapeutics. This segment of healthcare is characterized by significant research and development investment, driven by the potential to address diseases through modulating the gut microbiota. The competitive landscape includes both specialized microbiome companies and larger pharmaceutical firms with dedicated R&D programs in this area. 4D pharma differentiates itself through its proprietary MicroRx platform, which allows for the identification and development of single-strain Live Biotherapeutic Products (LBPs). The global microbiome therapeutics market is projected for substantial growth, fueled by increasing understanding of the microbiome's role in health and disease, positioning companies like 4D pharma at the forefront of this innovative sector. However, the industry also faces high regulatory hurdles and the inherent risks associated with novel drug development.
Who Are LBPS's Key Customers?
- Ultimately, patients suffering from the specific diseases targeted by its LBP pipeline, such as cancer, asthma, and CNS disorders.
- Healthcare providers and medical institutions that would prescribe and administer approved Live Biotherapeutic Products.
- Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies for collaborative research, development, and potential licensing opportunities.
- Research institutions, such as the University of Texas MD Anderson, for strategic alliances in discovery and development.
Key Financial Metrics
Return on assets is -54.3%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. A current ratio of 5.21 indicates the company holds enough short-term assets to cover its near-term obligations. Its earnings yield is -178.4%, the inverse of the P/E and a quick read on earnings relative to price.
LBPS Valuation & Market Position
Relative to its peer group, LBPS's quantitative score of 60/100 is below the peer average of 93/100.
Company Profile
4D pharma plc operates in the Biotechnology industry within the Healthcare sector. It is headquartered in Leeds, GB. The company is led by CEO Duncan Joseph Peyton. LBPS has traded publicly since 2021.
LBPS Financials
Fundamental Snapshot
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
Bull Case vs Bear Case
Bull Case
- Recent insider buying suggests confidence in the company's future prospects, indicating that key stakeholders believe in the value of their pipeline.
- Community sentiment has shifted positively, with discussions highlighting the potential of their innovative therapies to address unmet medical needs.
- The company has been making strides in clinical trials, which is generating excitement among investors about potential breakthroughs.
- Market perception is improving as analysts recognize the unique position 4D Pharma holds in the microbiome therapeutic space.
Bear Case
- Concerns about the competitive landscape are growing, with several companies advancing similar therapies that could overshadow 4D Pharma's offerings.
- There have been mixed reviews from the community regarding the pace of development, with some feeling that progress is slower than anticipated.
- Recent volatility in biotech stocks has led to heightened caution among investors, creating a bearish sentiment around riskier assets like 4D Pharma.
- Some analysts remain skeptical about the scalability of their technology, which could impact long-term growth prospects.
AI-generated arguments based on insider flow, news sentiment and technicals — not financial advice · March 2026
LBPS Latest News
No recent news available for LBPS.
LBPS Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for LBPS.
Price Targets
Wall Street price target analysis for LBPS.
LBPS MoonshotScore
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates LBPS 0-100 on quantitative fundamentals — growth, financial health, valuation, momentum, and risk.
Leadership: Duncan Joseph Peyton
CEO
Duncan Joseph Peyton serves as the CEO of 4D pharma plc. His professional background prior to this role is not detailed in the provided source data. However, his leadership is central to the company's strategic direction and operational management, overseeing a team of 106 employees dedicated to pioneering Live Biotherapeutic Products.
Track Record: Under Duncan Joseph Peyton's leadership, 4D pharma plc has advanced its diverse pipeline of Live Biotherapeutic Products (LBPs) and established key strategic collaborations with major pharmaceutical partners like Merck KGaA, Pfizer, and Merck & Co., Inc. His tenure has seen the company focus on leveraging its proprietary MicroRx platform to identify and develop novel microbiome-based therapies for significant health issues.
4D pharma plc ADR Information Sponsored
An American Depositary Receipt (ADR) is a certificate issued by a U.S. bank representing shares in a foreign stock. For LBPS, it allows U.S. investors to trade shares of 4D pharma plc, a UK-based company, on U.S. exchanges, simplifying cross-border investment. This Level 2 ADR means the company has registered with the SEC and provides periodic reports, offering greater transparency than Level 1 ADRs but without raising capital in the U.S. market.
- Home Market Ticker: London Stock Exchange (implied by Leeds, GB)
- ADR Level: 2
- ADR Ratio: 1:1
4D pharma plc Healthcare Stock: Key Questions Answered
What does the AI Score mean for LBPS?
LBPS holds an AI Score of 60/100 (Grade: B+). This is an educational research signal, not a buy or sell recommendation. 4D pharma plc is a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of Live Biotherapeutic Products (LBPs) for a range of serious health conditions, including cancer, asthma, and central …
What is 4D pharma plc's drug pipeline status?
4D pharma plc maintains a diverse and active pipeline of Live Biotherapeutic Products (LBPs) targeting a range of significant health issues, reflecting its status as a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company. Key candidates include MRx0518 for cancer and immune-oncology, MRx-4DP0004 for asthma, and MRx0029/MRx0005 for central nervous system disorders.
How does 4D pharma plc leverage its proprietary MicroRx platform?
4D pharma plc's proprietary MicroRx platform is fundamental to its business model, serving as the engine for the discovery and development of its Live Biotherapeutic Products (LBPs). This advanced platform is specifically designed to systematically identify novel, single-strain LBP candidates with therapeutic potential for severe illnesses.
What are the key collaborations supporting 4D pharma plc's development efforts?
4D pharma plc has established several strategic collaborations that are crucial for advancing its Live Biotherapeutic Products (LBPs) pipeline. A significant partnership involves Merck KGaA (Darmstadt, Germany) and Pfizer, focused on the assessment of MRx0518, an oncology candidate.
What are the key factors to evaluate for LBPS?
4D pharma plc (LBPS) holds an AI score of 60/100 (moderate). Not financial advice.
How frequently does LBPS data refresh on this page?
LBPS's price was last updated on Jul 20, 2026 and refreshes on page view during U.S. market hours — it is not a real-time exchange feed. Fundamentals update after quarterly filings; the MoonshotScore recalculates nightly; news aggregates continuously.
What has driven LBPS's recent stock price performance?
4D pharma plc (LBPS) moves on earnings results, analyst revisions, sector rotation, and market sentiment. Notable catalyst: Proprietary MicroRx platform for LBP discovery, offering a differentiated approach. See the News tab for the latest drivers. Past performance does not predict future results.
Should investors consider LBPS overvalued or undervalued right now?
4D pharma plc (LBPS) has no trailing P/E available here, so lean on price-to-sales and cash flow in the Financials tab. Compare P/E, P/S, and EV/EBITDA against sector peers for a full view.
How do I research LBPS before investing?
Before investing in 4D pharma plc (LBPS), research these four areas: (1) the company's revenue model and competitive position (see Company Overview), (2) financial health through revenue growth, margins, and cash flow (see MoonshotScore), (3) analyst consensus ratings and price targets (see Analyst tab), and (4) specific risk factors that could impact the stock (see Risk Factors section).
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.
Official Resources
Data provided for informational purposes only.
- All information is derived exclusively from the provided source data. No external research or speculative content has been included.