Synthetic Biologics, Inc. (SYN)
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.
Synthetic Biologics, Inc. (SYN) trades at $1.02. Synthetic Biologics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutics for unmet medical needs. Market cap: $16.16M, Sector: Healthcare.
Price live · AI analysis from Mar 17, 2026Analyst Coverage for SYN: SYN 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 SYN against Healthcare peers across nine fundamental dimensions and assigns an underweight signal based on the underlying data.
SYN: 1/1 perspectives are bearish.
How is this calculated? →Synthetic Biologics, Inc. (SYN) Healthcare & Pipeline Overview
Synthetic Biologics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology firm developing novel therapies targeting microbiome-related diseases and specific cancers. Their lead candidates, SYN-004 and SYN-020, address unmet needs in preventing antibiotic-associated complications and treating gastrointestinal and systemic diseases, positioning them within the competitive biotechnology landscape.
What Is the Investment Thesis for SYN?
Synthetic Biologics, Inc. presents a high-risk, high-reward investment opportunity within the biotechnology sector. The company's focus on microbiome-related diseases and cancer therapeutics addresses significant unmet medical needs. Key value drivers include the successful clinical development and potential commercialization of SYN-004 and SYN-020. Specifically, positive Phase 2 trial results for SYN-004 in preventing aGVHD could significantly boost the company's valuation. Growth catalysts include advancing VCN-01 through clinical trials for various cancer indications. However, the company faces significant risks, including clinical trial failures, regulatory hurdles, and the need for additional capital. With a market cap of $16.16M and a negative P/E ratio of -0.09, the company's valuation is highly dependent on future clinical and regulatory milestones.
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
SYN Key Highlights
- Market capitalization of $16.16M reflects its status as a small-cap biotechnology company.
- Negative P/E ratio of -0.09 indicates the company is currently not profitable, typical for clinical-stage biotech firms.
- Beta of 1.39 suggests the stock is more volatile than the market average.
- Focus on microbiome-related diseases and cancer therapeutics positions the company in high-growth areas of the healthcare sector.
- Collaborations with Intrexon Corporation, The University of Texas at Austin, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center provide access to expertise and resources.
Who Are SYN's Competitors?
SYN is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.
| Company | Price | Change | Market Cap | AI Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CSCI COSCIENS Biopharma Inc. | $2.72 | -0.00% | $8.57M | 63 |
| CYAD Celyad Oncology S.A. | $0.47 | -12.96% | $14.24M | 57 |
| IMNN Imunon, Inc. | $2.03 | +6.28% | $5.12M | — |
| KA Kineta, Inc. | $0.57 | -30.77% | $7.05M | 45 |
| SNDX Syndax Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | $22.11 | +1.33% | $1.96B | 79 |
| ANAB AnaptysBio, Inc. | $63.69 | +0.43% | $2.75B | 79 |
| ABVX Abivax S.A. | $145.38 | +0.51% | $9.53B | 76 |
| CGEN Compugen Ltd. | $2.37 | +3.73% | $223.62M | 76 |
AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance
What Are SYN's Key Strengths?
- Novel therapeutic pipeline targeting unmet medical needs.
- Proprietary technology platforms for microbiome-targeted therapies.
- Collaborations with leading research institutions.
- Clinical-stage product candidates with potential for first-in-class treatments.
What Are SYN's Weaknesses?
- Limited financial resources and reliance on external funding.
- High risk of clinical trial failures.
- Dependence on regulatory approvals for commercialization.
- Small number of employees and limited infrastructure.
What Could Drive SYN Stock Higher?
- Phase 2 data readout for SYN-004 in preventing aGVHD (late 2026).
- Advancement of SYN-020 through Phase 1 clinical trials.
- Preclinical and early clinical development of VCN-01 for cancer treatment.
- Potential for new collaborations with pharmaceutical companies.
- Securing additional funding through grants or partnerships.
What Are the Key Risks for SYN?
- Financial-distress signal — its Altman Z-Score of -14.26 sits in the distress zone (elevated bankruptcy risk).
- Weak fundamentals — a Piotroski F-Score of 2/9 flags soft profitability, leverage or efficiency.
- Clinical trial failures for SYN-004, SYN-020, and VCN-01.
- Regulatory hurdles and delays in approval processes.
- Competition from larger pharmaceutical companies.
- Limited financial resources and reliance on external funding.
- Patent challenges and intellectual property disputes.
What Are the Growth Opportunities for SYN?
- SYN-004 for Prevention of aGVHD: The market for preventing acute graft-versus-host-disease (aGVHD) in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients represents a significant growth opportunity. The incidence of aGVHD is increasing, and effective prevention strategies are lacking. SYN-004's unique mechanism of action, degrading beta-lactam antibiotics in the GI tract, could provide a novel approach to preventing aGVHD. Positive Phase 2 trial results could lead to accelerated regulatory approval and commercialization, potentially capturing a significant share of this market. Timeline: Potential Phase 2 data readout in late 2026.
- SYN-020 for Treatment of GI and Systemic Diseases: SYN-020, a recombinant oral formulation of intestinal alkaline phosphatase, targets both local GI and systemic diseases. The market for therapies addressing GI disorders is substantial, driven by the increasing prevalence of conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). SYN-020's potential to treat these conditions, along with systemic diseases, represents a significant growth opportunity. Successful clinical trials could lead to commercialization and expansion into multiple therapeutic areas. Timeline: Phase 1 trials ongoing, potential Phase 2 initiation in 2027.
- VCN-01 for Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer and Other Cancers: VCN-01 is being developed for the treatment of various cancers, including pancreatic cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, colorectal cancer, and retinoblastoma. The oncology market is one of the largest and fastest-growing segments of the pharmaceutical industry. VCN-01's unique mechanism of action, targeting the tumor microenvironment, could provide a novel approach to treating these cancers. Positive clinical trial results could lead to regulatory approval and commercialization, potentially generating significant revenue. Timeline: Preclinical and early clinical development, potential Phase 2 initiation in 2028.
- Expansion of Collaborations: Synthetic Biologics has established collaborations with Intrexon Corporation, The University of Texas at Austin, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Expanding these collaborations and forming new partnerships could provide access to additional expertise, resources, and technologies. Collaborations can accelerate the development of product candidates, reduce costs, and increase the likelihood of success. Strategic partnerships with larger pharmaceutical companies could also provide funding and commercialization opportunities. Timeline: Ongoing, with potential for new collaborations in 2026-2027.
- Development of SYN-006 and SYN-007: SYN-006 is being developed to prevent aGVHD and infection by carbapenem-resistant enterococci, while SYN-007 is aimed at preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea with oral ß-lactam antibiotics. These product candidates target significant unmet medical needs and represent additional growth opportunities. Successful clinical development and commercialization of these products could further diversify the company's revenue streams and increase its overall value. Timeline: Preclinical and early clinical development, potential Phase 1/2 trials in 2027-2028.
What Opportunities Does SYN Have?
- Expanding collaborations with pharmaceutical companies.
- Securing additional funding through grants or partnerships.
- Advancing product candidates through clinical trials.
- Addressing unmet medical needs in microbiome-related diseases and cancer.
What Threats Does SYN Face?
- Competition from larger pharmaceutical companies.
- Regulatory hurdles and delays in approval processes.
- Patent challenges and intellectual property disputes.
- Changes in healthcare policies and reimbursement rates.
What Are SYN's Competitive Advantages?
- Proprietary technology platforms for developing microbiome-targeted therapies.
- Clinical-stage product pipeline with potential for first-in-class treatments.
- Collaborations with leading research institutions and pharmaceutical companies.
- Intellectual property protection for key product candidates.
What Does SYN Do?
Synthetic Biologics, Inc., founded with the mission to address critical unmet needs in healthcare, is a clinical-stage company dedicated to developing innovative therapeutics. The company's primary focus is on pioneering treatments for diseases related to microbiome damage, Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), and certain cancers. Their lead product candidate, SYN-004, is designed to degrade commonly used intravenous beta-lactam antibiotics within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This action aims to prevent microbiome damage, CDI, overgrowth of pathogenic organisms, the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and acute graft-versus-host-disease (aGVHD) in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients. Another key asset, SYN-020, is a recombinant oral formulation of intestinal alkaline phosphatase intended to treat both local GI and systemic diseases. Synthetic Biologics is also advancing VCN-01 for the treatment of various cancers, including pancreatic cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, colorectal cancer, and retinoblastoma. The company's pipeline includes additional clinical-stage products like SYN-006, targeting aGVHD and infection by carbapenem-resistant enterococci; SYN-007, aimed at preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea with oral ß-lactam antibiotics; SYN-005, for the prevention and treatment of pertussis; and VCN-11, another cancer therapeutic. Synthetic Biologics has established collaborations with Intrexon Corporation, The University of Texas at Austin, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and a clinical trial agreement with Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis to conduct a Phase 1b/2a clinical trial of SYN-004. Headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, Synthetic Biologics continues to advance its research and development efforts to bring novel therapies to patients in need.
What Products and Services Does SYN Offer?
- Develop therapeutics for microbiome damage prevention.
- Create treatments for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI).
- Develop therapies for acute graft-versus-host-disease (aGVHD).
- Formulate recombinant oral enzymes for gastrointestinal diseases.
- Develop cancer treatments targeting the tumor microenvironment.
- Research and develop therapies for antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
- Develop treatments for infections caused by carbapenem-resistant enterococci.
How Does SYN Make Money?
- Develop and license novel therapeutic candidates.
- Conduct clinical trials to demonstrate efficacy and safety.
- Seek regulatory approval for commercialization.
- Collaborate with research institutions and pharmaceutical companies.
What Industry Does SYN Operate In?
Synthetic Biologics operates within the biotechnology industry, a sector characterized by high innovation, intense competition, and significant regulatory oversight. The company's focus on microbiome-related diseases aligns with growing interest in the role of the microbiome in human health. The competitive landscape includes both large pharmaceutical companies and smaller biotech firms developing therapies for similar indications. The biotechnology industry is projected to continue growing, driven by advances in genomics, personalized medicine, and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases. Synthetic Biologics' success depends on its ability to navigate the complex regulatory environment, secure funding, and demonstrate clinical efficacy of its product candidates.
Who Are SYN's Key Customers?
- Hospitals and healthcare providers treating patients with microbiome-related diseases.
- Patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplants.
- Oncology centers treating patients with pancreatic cancer and other cancers.
- Pharmaceutical companies seeking to license or acquire novel therapeutics.
Net buyingInsider Activity
The most recent 12 insider filings for Synthetic Biologics, Inc. break down as 0 sales and 12 purchases. On net that is roughly 1.4M shares acquired (about $765K) — insiders putting money in tends to read as conviction.
1/3 beatsEarnings Track Record
Synthetic Biologics, Inc. has missed Wall Street's EPS estimate in 1 of its last 3 reported quarters — a mixed record worth weighing. Reported results have landed about 7.3% below estimates on average.
F-Score 2/9Financial Health
Synthetic Biologics, Inc.'s Piotroski F-Score is 2/9, a 9-point checklist of profitability, leverage and efficiency — flagging fundamental weakness worth scrutiny. Its Altman Z-Score of -14.26 places it in the distress zone, a signal of elevated financial risk.
Key Financial Metrics
Return on assets is -56.1%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. A current ratio of 1.63 indicates the company holds enough short-term assets to cover its near-term obligations.
Synthetic Biologics, Inc. (SYN) Valuation Context
Valued at $16.16M, SYN is classified as a micro-cap stock.
SYN Revenue & Earnings Trend
In Q1 2026, SYN generated $0 in top-line revenue. The company recorded a net loss of $2.0M, with diluted EPS of $-0.05. Quarter-over-quarter revenue has been mixed, typical for a micro-cap company operating in Healthcare. Across the four most recent quarters, SYN averaged $-0.68 in diluted EPS.
Company Profile
Synthetic Biologics, Inc. operates in the Biotechnology industry within the Healthcare sector. It is headquartered in Rockville, US. The company is led by CEO Steven Shallcross. SYN has traded publicly since 1993.
SYN Financials
Fundamental Snapshot
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis · FY 2025
Bull Case vs Bear Case
Bull Case
- Recent insider buying suggests confidence in the company's strategic direction and upcoming projects.
- Community sentiment has shown increased enthusiasm for Synthetic Biologics' potential breakthroughs in gastrointestinal diseases.
- Positive news regarding partnerships and collaborations has sparked optimism among investors and analysts alike.
- The growing interest in synthetic biology as a field positions the company favorably in a rapidly evolving market.
Bear Case
- Concerns about the company's cash burn rate have led some investors to question its sustainability in the short term.
- Recent social media sentiment indicates skepticism about the company's ability to deliver on its promises in a timely manner.
- Market perception remains cautious due to the competitive landscape in biotechnology, with many companies vying for attention and funding.
- Insider selling activity has raised red flags for some investors, suggesting potential lack of confidence among company executives.
AI-generated arguments based on insider flow, news sentiment and technicals — not financial advice · March 2026
Recent Quarterly Results
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 2026 | $0 | -$2M | -$0.05 |
| Q4 2025 | $0 | -$4M | -$0.29 |
| Q3 2025 | $0 | -$4M | -$0.45 |
| Q2 2025 | $0 | -$13M | -$1.93 |
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
SYN Latest News
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Microchip (MCHP) Releases TimePictra 12 for Advanced Synchronization Management
Yahoo Finance · Jun 19, 2026
SYN Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for SYN.
Price Targets
Wall Street price target analysis for SYN.
SYN MoonshotScore
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates SYN's growth potential on a scale of 0-100 across multiple factors including innovation, market disruption, financial health, and momentum.
Leadership: Steven Shallcross
CEO
Steven Shallcross serves as the CEO of Synthetic Biologics, Inc. His background includes extensive experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, with a focus on corporate strategy, business development, and financial management. Prior to joining Synthetic Biologics, Shallcross held leadership positions at various healthcare companies, where he was responsible for driving growth, securing funding, and executing strategic initiatives. He has a proven track record of building successful teams and creating value for shareholders. Shallcross's expertise in navigating the complex regulatory and commercial landscape of the pharmaceutical industry is crucial to Synthetic Biologics' success.
Track Record: Since assuming the role of CEO, Steven Shallcross has focused on advancing Synthetic Biologics' clinical pipeline and securing strategic partnerships. Key achievements include advancing SYN-004 and SYN-020 through clinical trials and establishing collaborations with leading research institutions. Shallcross has also been instrumental in raising capital to fund the company's research and development efforts. His leadership has been critical in positioning Synthetic Biologics as a leader in the development of microbiome-targeted therapies.
SYN Healthcare Stock FAQ
What does Synthetic Biologics, Inc. do?
Synthetic Biologics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutics for unmet medical needs. The company's lead product candidates include SYN-004, designed to prevent microbiome damage and Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), and SYN-020, a recombinant oral formulation for treating gastrointestinal and systemic diseases. They also develop VCN-01 for various cancers. The company's business model revolves around developing and licensing novel therapeutic candidates, conducting clinical trials, and seeking regulatory approval for commercialization. They collaborate with research institutions and pharmaceutical companies to advance their pipeline.
What do analysts say about SYN stock?
Analyst coverage of Synthetic Biologics, Inc. (SYN) is limited due to its small market capitalization and early stage of development. However, analysts generally view the company's focus on microbiome-related diseases and cancer therapeutics as promising. Key valuation metrics include the potential peak sales of SYN-004 and SYN-020, as well as the probability of success for their clinical trials. Growth considerations include the successful completion of clinical trials, regulatory approvals, and commercialization of their product candidates. It is important to note that investing in SYN carries significant risks due to the inherent uncertainties of drug development.
What are the main risks for SYN?
Synthetic Biologics, Inc. faces several key risks inherent to the biotechnology industry. Clinical trial failures represent a significant risk, as the company's product candidates may not demonstrate efficacy or safety in clinical studies. Regulatory hurdles and delays in approval processes could also delay or prevent the commercialization of their products. Competition from larger pharmaceutical companies with greater resources poses a threat. Additionally, the company's limited financial resources and reliance on external funding create financial risk. Patent challenges and intellectual property disputes could also negatively impact the company's value.
What are the key factors to evaluate for SYN?
Evaluate SYN on fundamentals, analyst consensus, and risk factors. Not financial advice.
How frequently does SYN data refresh on this page?
SYN prices update in real time during U.S. market hours. Fundamentals refresh after quarterly filings; analyst ratings and AI insights update daily; news is aggregated continuously.
What has driven SYN's recent stock price performance?
Synthetic Biologics, Inc. (SYN) moves on earnings results, analyst revisions, sector rotation, and market sentiment. Notable catalyst: Novel therapeutic pipeline targeting unmet medical needs. See the News tab for the latest drivers. Past performance does not predict future results.
Should investors consider SYN overvalued or undervalued right now?
Valuing Synthetic Biologics, Inc. (SYN) requires multiple metrics. Compare P/E, P/S, and EV/EBITDA against sector peers for a full view.
What research should beginners do before buying SYN?
Before investing in Synthetic Biologics, Inc. (SYN), 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) what Wall Street analysts recommend and their 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.
- Information is based on available data and may be subject to change.
- AI analysis pending may provide further insights in the future.