Vera Therapeutics, Inc. (VERA): A Bull Case Theory

We came across a bullish thesis on Vera Therapeutics, Inc. on Valueinvestorsclub.com by yarak775. In this article, we will summarize the bulls’ thesis on VERA. Vera Therapeutics, Inc.'s share was trading at $45.11 as of January 28th.

Vera Therapeutics (VERA) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing biologic therapies for autoimmune diseases, with its investment case centered almost entirely on a single, highly de-risked asset: atacicept. Atacicept targets IgA nephropathy (IgAN), one of the most common causes of chronic kidney disease, which arises when abnormal IgA antibodies accumulate in the kidneys, triggering inflammation, progressive damage, and eventual kidney failure.

Historically, IgAN has lacked disease-modifying therapies, with treatment limited to symptom management using blood pressure medications and steroids that carry meaningful side effects. Atacicept belongs to a newer class of targeted immune therapies designed to block the signaling pathways responsible for producing the pathogenic IgA in the first place, addressing the root cause of the disease rather than its downstream consequences.

The commercial opportunity is substantial, with an estimated $10 billion U.S. total addressable market, which roughly doubles when including Europe and Japan. Approximately 100,000 patients in the U.S. suffer from IgAN, with about half requiring advanced treatment. Vera expects to begin commercial shipments of atacicept in 2026 and believes it can ultimately capture a 15%–25% share of the market, supporting peak annual revenues of $1.5–$2.5 billion and establishing atacicept as a potential blockbuster by the end of the decade.

This outlook is underpinned by compelling Phase 3 data recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the American Society of Nephrology’s Kidney Week, which demonstrated that atacicept is both safe and effective. Following these results, Vera submitted a Biologics License Application under the FDA’s Accelerated Approval Program, positioning the drug for potential mid-2026 commercialization.

Despite these positive developments, Vera’s stock has remained largely unchanged, likely reflecting investor caution ahead of a competing IgAN therapy’s upcoming regulatory decision. However, given the large and underserved market, there is ample room for multiple therapies, and competitive pricing dynamics may ultimately validate the scale of the opportunity. With a best-in-class asset, pipeline optionality, and strong acquisition appeal for larger pharmaceutical players, Vera appears undervalued at roughly 5x potential peak revenues, offering a compelling risk-reward profile with clear upside catalysts.

Previously, we covered a bullish thesis on Relay Therapeutics, Inc. (RLAY) by Steve Wagner | Invest in December 2024, which highlighted strong interim oncology data, differentiated safety, and blockbuster potential for RLY-2608. RLAY’s stock price has appreciated by approximately 60.04% since our coverage due to improving investor confidence in its clinical results. yarak775 shares a similar thesis but emphasizes a de-risked autoimmune asset and late-stage regulatory momentum.

Vera Therapeutics, Inc. is not on our list of the 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 36 hedge fund portfolios held VERA at the end of the third quarter which was 40 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of VERA as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

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Disclosure: None.