NovoCure Stock Surges After FDA Approves Optune Pax

NovoCure (NASDAQ:NVCR) shares are popping on Thursday following a major FDA approval that sent the stock soaring nearly 30% in Wednesday's after‑hours trading.

• NovoCure stock is showing exceptional strength. Why is NVCR stock surging?

The FDA Approval Behind the Move

After the close Wednesday, the FDA approved Optune Pax for the treatment of locally advanced pancreatic cancer — marking the first new treatment for the disease in almost 30 years.

CEO Frank Leonard called the approval "a proud moment for Novocure," while PANOVA‑3 investigator Vincent Picozzi said the therapy "has the potential to be practice changing" for patients.

What the Trial Data Showed

The decision was supported by results from the PANOVA‑3 Phase 3 trial, which compared Optune Pax plus chemotherapy against chemotherapy alone in 571 patients. The combination delivered a median overall survival of 16.2 months versus 14.2 months for chemotherapy alone, along with a meaningful extension in time to pain progression. Skin reactions were common but mostly mild.

A Volatile Open, But Shares Are Rebounding

Shares opened at $14.79, then quickly dropped to $13.38 — a pullback that looks like classic profit‑taking after Wednesday's big after‑hours jump. The stock has since stabilized and is working its way higher again.

Analysts Weigh In

Novocure has recently seen a trend of positive ratings from analysts. On Feb. 12, HC Wainwright & Co. maintained a Buy rating while increasing the target price to $47.00 from a prior $39.00. This follows a similar positive action from the same firm on Jan. 13, when they retained their Buy rating and set a target price of $39.00, albeit slightly lower than the previous target of $42.00.

The company also received a Neutral rating from Wedbush on January 15 with a target price set at $18.00. Earlier, on Oct. 30, HC Wainwright & Co. gave a Buy rating with a target price of $42.00, a modest increase from the previous target of $38.00. JP Morgan, however, maintained a Neutral rating on Oct. 27 and lowered their target price to $23.00 from $25.00.

NVCR Price Action: NovoCure shares were up 27.62% at $13.40 at the time of publication on Thursday, according to Benzinga Pro.

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