Exelixis Aims to Become a Top Oncology Player with Expanding Pipeline
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 3 days ago
0mins
Should l Buy EXEL?
Source: Fool
- Drug Diversification: Exelixis' lead drug cabozantinib (Cabometyx and Cometriq) is approved for kidney, thyroid, and liver cancers, and is currently in a phase 3 trial for advanced neuroendocrine tumors in the lung, thymus, and gastrointestinal tract, which is expected to enhance its market share.
- New Drug Approval: The FDA approved zanzalintinib in combination with atezolizumab for metastatic colorectal cancer on February 2, with a final decision on its application due by December 3, which could significantly bolster Exelixis' product portfolio if successful.
- Strategic Partnerships: Exelixis collaborates with Takeda and Ipsen to sell cabozantinib in Japan, and has partnered with Natera to utilize its Signatera assay for identifying colorectal cancer patients, enhancing the efficacy of zanzalintinib's clinical trials.
- Strong Financial Performance: In 2025, Exelixis reported a 7% revenue increase to $2.3 billion, primarily from cabozantinib, with earnings per share (EPS) reaching $2.78, up 57.9%, reflecting the company's robust market performance and profitability.
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Analyst Views on EXEL
Wall Street analysts forecast EXEL stock price to rise
16 Analyst Rating
7 Buy
8 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 41.030
Low
30.00
Averages
44.09
High
52.00
Current: 41.030
Low
30.00
Averages
44.09
High
52.00
About EXEL
Exelixis, Inc. is an oncology company. The Company has produced four marketed pharmaceutical products, two of which are formulations of its flagship molecule, cabozantinib. It is also advancing and evolving its product pipeline portfolio, including its lead investigational asset, zanzalintinib. Cabozantinib is an inhibitor of multiple tyrosine kinases, including MET, AXL, VEGF receptors and RET and has been also approved as CABOMETYX tablets for advanced renal cell carcinoma, for previously treated hepatocellular carcinoma and for previously treated, radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer, and as COMETRIQ capsules for progressive, metastatic medullary thyroid cancer. The Company's other two products are COTELLIC, an inhibitor of MEK approved as part of multiple combination regimens to treat specific forms of advanced melanoma and MINNEBRO an oral, non-steroidal, selective blocker of the mineralocorticoid receptor approved the treatment of hypertension in Japan.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Exelixis Aims to Expand Beyond Cabozantinib Franchise
- Significant Revenue Growth: In 2025, Exelixis reported a 7% revenue increase to $2.3 billion, primarily driven by its cabozantinib franchise, which not only solidifies its market position but also funds future research and development efforts.
- Improved Profitability: Earnings per share (EPS) reached $2.78, up 57.9%, reflecting the company's success in cost control and sales growth, which further boosts investor confidence in its financial health.
- New Drug Application Approval: The FDA approved the New Drug Application for zanzalintinib in combination with atezolizumab for metastatic colorectal cancer on February 2, with a final decision expected by December 3, potentially opening new revenue streams for the company.
- Expanded Partnerships: Exelixis has partnered with companies like Takeda and Ipsen to sell cabozantinib in Japan, while also collaborating with Natera for clinical trials of zanzalintinib, enhancing its market penetration and research capabilities.
See More
Exelixis Aims to Become a Top Oncology Player with Expanding Pipeline
- Drug Diversification: Exelixis' lead drug cabozantinib (Cabometyx and Cometriq) is approved for kidney, thyroid, and liver cancers, and is currently in a phase 3 trial for advanced neuroendocrine tumors in the lung, thymus, and gastrointestinal tract, which is expected to enhance its market share.
- New Drug Approval: The FDA approved zanzalintinib in combination with atezolizumab for metastatic colorectal cancer on February 2, with a final decision on its application due by December 3, which could significantly bolster Exelixis' product portfolio if successful.
- Strategic Partnerships: Exelixis collaborates with Takeda and Ipsen to sell cabozantinib in Japan, and has partnered with Natera to utilize its Signatera assay for identifying colorectal cancer patients, enhancing the efficacy of zanzalintinib's clinical trials.
- Strong Financial Performance: In 2025, Exelixis reported a 7% revenue increase to $2.3 billion, primarily from cabozantinib, with earnings per share (EPS) reaching $2.78, up 57.9%, reflecting the company's robust market performance and profitability.
See More
Global Oncology Market Expected to Reach $748.17 Billion
- Market Growth Potential: The global oncology market is projected to grow from $279.98 billion in 2026 to $748.17 billion by 2035, indicating strong growth potential and reflecting the ongoing demand for cancer treatments.
- Innovation-Driven Revenue: Cancer drug revenues are expected to reach $335.2 billion by 2033, primarily driven by the adoption of targeted therapies and immunotherapy, indicating a significant shift towards more effective treatment options in the industry.
- Clinical Trial Advancements: Oncolytics Biotech is focusing on registrational programs in anal and colorectal cancer, planning to meet with the FDA in mid-April, and expects to secure approval through a clinical trial involving fewer than 100 subjects, showcasing its strategic advantage in rare cancer indications.
- Strong Clinical Results: In third-line anal cancer patients, pelareorep achieved a 29% response rate, while in second-line or later patients, the response rate was 30%, significantly exceeding the benchmark for FDA-approved immunotherapies, highlighting its potential in treatment efficacy.
See More
Global Oncology Market Expected to Reach $748.17 Billion
- Market Growth Potential: The global oncology market is projected to grow from $279.98 billion in 2026 to $748.17 billion by 2035, indicating strong growth potential driven by the rising demand for cancer treatments.
- Drug Revenue Forecast: Cancer drug revenues are expected to reach $335.2 billion by 2033, primarily fueled by the adoption of targeted therapies and immunotherapy, highlighting the urgent need for innovative treatment options in the market.
- Clinical Trial Progress: Oncolytics Biotech announced its focus on registrational programs in anal and colorectal cancer, with plans to meet with the FDA in mid-April 2026 to seek approval in this rare cancer indication, demonstrating its strategic positioning in clinical research.
- Leadership Changes: Oncolytics Biotech recently appointed John McAdory as EVP of Strategy and Operations and Yujun Wu as Head of Biostatistics, further strengthening the company's leadership capabilities and competitive edge in the oncology treatment sector.
See More
Exelixis Growth Potential Analysis
- Cabometyx Success Factors: Exelixis' cancer drug Cabometyx remains the top-prescribed treatment for renal cell carcinoma, leveraging label expansions through combination therapy with Bristol Myers Squibb's Opdivo, which drives sales growth and demonstrates the company's strong competitive position in the challenging oncology market.
- Solid Financial Performance: Over the past five years, Exelixis has seen revenue, earnings, and free cash flow trending upwards, with its stock slightly outperforming the S&P 500, reflecting a robust financial foundation and investor confidence in the biotech sector.
- New Market Expansion: Cabometyx is expected to gain approval for previously treated advanced neuroendocrine tumors by 2025, opening an entirely new market and further solidifying its market position, despite the looming risk of generics entering the market by 2030.
- New Drug Development Progress: Exelixis is developing a new drug, zanzalintinib, which has completed a phase 3 study for metastatic colorectal cancer, with plans to seek regulatory approval, showcasing the company's innovative capabilities and market adaptability in response to potential competition for Cabometyx.
See More
Exelixis Posts Strong Earnings—Could New Highs Be on the Horizon?
Earnings Report Overview: Exelixis, Inc. reported earnings per share of 94 cents, exceeding consensus estimates by 27%, but its revenue of $598.66 million fell short of expectations, leading to a 2% decline in stock price.
Future Growth Strategy: The company is focusing on expanding its franchise strategy and investing in research and development, particularly around its drug candidate, zanidatamab, which targets colorectal cancer.
Market Positioning: Exelixis is transitioning from a single-product company to a multi-franchise player in oncology, with forecasts suggesting potential peak annual sales of $5 billion if zanidatamab receives regulatory approval.
Investment Outlook: Analysts maintain an equal weight rating on Exelixis stock, with price targets being raised, indicating confidence in the company's growth potential despite current stock consolidation patterns.
See More
Exelixis Aims to Expand Beyond Cabozantinib Franchise
- Significant Revenue Growth: In 2025, Exelixis reported a 7% revenue increase to $2.3 billion, primarily driven by its cabozantinib franchise, which not only solidifies its market position but also funds future research and development efforts.
- Improved Profitability: Earnings per share (EPS) reached $2.78, up 57.9%, reflecting the company's success in cost control and sales growth, which further boosts investor confidence in its financial health.
- New Drug Application Approval: The FDA approved the New Drug Application for zanzalintinib in combination with atezolizumab for metastatic colorectal cancer on February 2, with a final decision expected by December 3, potentially opening new revenue streams for the company.
- Expanded Partnerships: Exelixis has partnered with companies like Takeda and Ipsen to sell cabozantinib in Japan, while also collaborating with Natera for clinical trials of zanzalintinib, enhancing its market penetration and research capabilities.
See More
Exelixis Aims to Become a Top Oncology Player with Expanding Pipeline
- Drug Diversification: Exelixis' lead drug cabozantinib (Cabometyx and Cometriq) is approved for kidney, thyroid, and liver cancers, and is currently in a phase 3 trial for advanced neuroendocrine tumors in the lung, thymus, and gastrointestinal tract, which is expected to enhance its market share.
- New Drug Approval: The FDA approved zanzalintinib in combination with atezolizumab for metastatic colorectal cancer on February 2, with a final decision on its application due by December 3, which could significantly bolster Exelixis' product portfolio if successful.
- Strategic Partnerships: Exelixis collaborates with Takeda and Ipsen to sell cabozantinib in Japan, and has partnered with Natera to utilize its Signatera assay for identifying colorectal cancer patients, enhancing the efficacy of zanzalintinib's clinical trials.
- Strong Financial Performance: In 2025, Exelixis reported a 7% revenue increase to $2.3 billion, primarily from cabozantinib, with earnings per share (EPS) reaching $2.78, up 57.9%, reflecting the company's robust market performance and profitability.
See More
Global Oncology Market Expected to Reach $748.17 Billion
- Market Growth Potential: The global oncology market is projected to grow from $279.98 billion in 2026 to $748.17 billion by 2035, indicating strong growth potential and reflecting the ongoing demand for cancer treatments.
- Innovation-Driven Revenue: Cancer drug revenues are expected to reach $335.2 billion by 2033, primarily driven by the adoption of targeted therapies and immunotherapy, indicating a significant shift towards more effective treatment options in the industry.
- Clinical Trial Advancements: Oncolytics Biotech is focusing on registrational programs in anal and colorectal cancer, planning to meet with the FDA in mid-April, and expects to secure approval through a clinical trial involving fewer than 100 subjects, showcasing its strategic advantage in rare cancer indications.
- Strong Clinical Results: In third-line anal cancer patients, pelareorep achieved a 29% response rate, while in second-line or later patients, the response rate was 30%, significantly exceeding the benchmark for FDA-approved immunotherapies, highlighting its potential in treatment efficacy.
See More
Global Oncology Market Expected to Reach $748.17 Billion
- Market Growth Potential: The global oncology market is projected to grow from $279.98 billion in 2026 to $748.17 billion by 2035, indicating strong growth potential driven by the rising demand for cancer treatments.
- Drug Revenue Forecast: Cancer drug revenues are expected to reach $335.2 billion by 2033, primarily fueled by the adoption of targeted therapies and immunotherapy, highlighting the urgent need for innovative treatment options in the market.
- Clinical Trial Progress: Oncolytics Biotech announced its focus on registrational programs in anal and colorectal cancer, with plans to meet with the FDA in mid-April 2026 to seek approval in this rare cancer indication, demonstrating its strategic positioning in clinical research.
- Leadership Changes: Oncolytics Biotech recently appointed John McAdory as EVP of Strategy and Operations and Yujun Wu as Head of Biostatistics, further strengthening the company's leadership capabilities and competitive edge in the oncology treatment sector.
See More
Exelixis Growth Potential Analysis
- Cabometyx Success Factors: Exelixis' cancer drug Cabometyx remains the top-prescribed treatment for renal cell carcinoma, leveraging label expansions through combination therapy with Bristol Myers Squibb's Opdivo, which drives sales growth and demonstrates the company's strong competitive position in the challenging oncology market.
- Solid Financial Performance: Over the past five years, Exelixis has seen revenue, earnings, and free cash flow trending upwards, with its stock slightly outperforming the S&P 500, reflecting a robust financial foundation and investor confidence in the biotech sector.
- New Market Expansion: Cabometyx is expected to gain approval for previously treated advanced neuroendocrine tumors by 2025, opening an entirely new market and further solidifying its market position, despite the looming risk of generics entering the market by 2030.
- New Drug Development Progress: Exelixis is developing a new drug, zanzalintinib, which has completed a phase 3 study for metastatic colorectal cancer, with plans to seek regulatory approval, showcasing the company's innovative capabilities and market adaptability in response to potential competition for Cabometyx.
See More
Exelixis Posts Strong Earnings—Could New Highs Be on the Horizon?
Earnings Report Overview: Exelixis, Inc. reported earnings per share of 94 cents, exceeding consensus estimates by 27%, but its revenue of $598.66 million fell short of expectations, leading to a 2% decline in stock price.
Future Growth Strategy: The company is focusing on expanding its franchise strategy and investing in research and development, particularly around its drug candidate, zanidatamab, which targets colorectal cancer.
Market Positioning: Exelixis is transitioning from a single-product company to a multi-franchise player in oncology, with forecasts suggesting potential peak annual sales of $5 billion if zanidatamab receives regulatory approval.
Investment Outlook: Analysts maintain an equal weight rating on Exelixis stock, with price targets being raised, indicating confidence in the company's growth potential despite current stock consolidation patterns.
See More
