What the phase III multiple sclerosis (MS) win scored by Biogen Inc. and partner Alkermes plc might mean in the marketplace for diroximel fumarate – tested against their approved MS therapy Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) – became fodder for speculation as investors weighed the fine points of side-effect profiles and would-be reimbursement hitches.

With Incyte Corp. expecting data from a trio of phase III trials across chronic and acute graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD) and the indication's treatment paradigm continuing to evolve, investors have begun paying more heed to clinical efforts underway by firms trying varied approaches.

Since the mid-April pricing of Hookipa Pharma Inc.'s IPO, the New York-based firm has endured a bumpy ride on Wall Street, with shares sliding steadily since backers bought 6 million at $14 each for $84 million in proceeds. But among those keeping the faith are analysts at Evercore ISI, who recently hosted a webinar to highlight the research ongoing at Hookipa, which Ravi Mehrotra called "one of the most interesting companies we've come across."