Kodiak Sciences Stock Up 480% as One Fund Discloses $53 Million Buy

Kodiak Sciences Stock Up 480% as One Fund Discloses $53 Million Buy

Kodiak Sciences Stock Up 480% as One Fund Discloses $53 Million Buy

Focused on retinal disease therapeutics, this clinical-stage biotech advances drug candidates for vision-threatening conditions.

On February 17, 2026, Baker Bros. Advisors LP disclosed a buy of 2,608,696 shares of Kodiak Sciences (KOD +3.20%), an estimated $53.42 million trade based on quarterly average pricing.

What happened

According to its SEC filing dated February 17, 2026, Baker Bros. Advisors LP increased its position in Kodiak Sciences (KOD +3.20%) by 2,608,696 shares during the fourth quarter of 2025. The estimated transaction value was $53.42 million, calculated using the average unadjusted closing price for the quarter. The value of the Kodiak Sciences holding at quarter-end rose by $273.57 million, a figure that includes both the additional shares and stock price movement.

What else to know

  • Kodiak Sciences represents 3.26% of 13F reportable AUM after the trade.
  • Top holdings after the filing:
    • INCY: $3.04 billion (17.8% of AUM)
    • ONC: $2.67 billion (15.7% of AUM)
    • MDGL: $1.25 billion (7.3% of AUM)
    • INSM: $1.15 billion (6.7% of AUM)
    • ACAD: $1.15 billion (6.7% of AUM)
  • As of February 23, 2026, KOD shares were priced at $25.91, up a staggering 480% over the past year and significantly outperforming the S&P 500’s roughly 13% gain in the same period.

Company overview

Metric Value
Market Capitalization $1.6 billion
Net Income (TTM) ($217.34 million)
Price (as of market close February 23, 2026) $25.91

Company snapshot

  • Kodiak Sciences develops and advances therapeutics for retinal diseases, with a lead product candidate, KSI-301, in Phase IIb/III trials targeting wet age-related macular degeneration and other retinal disorders.
  • The firm operates a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical business model, generating value through the research, development, and potential commercialization of proprietary drug candidates.
  • It focuses on developing therapeutics to treat retinal diseases as a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company based in the US.

Kodiak Sciences is a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in innovative therapies for retinal diseases.

What this transaction means for investors

Kodiak’s momentum is building into 2026. Tarcocimab and KSI-501 are both enrolled in the Phase 3 DAYBREAK study in wet AMD, with topline data expected in the third quarter, while GLOW2 in diabetic retinopathy is on track for this quarter. KSI-101 is advancing in PEAK and PINNACLE for MESI, targeting a new segment within retinal disease. The opportunity sits inside a roughly $15 billion anti-VEGF marketplace.

The financials reflect that ambition. Third quarter R&D spending reached $50.5 million, with a quarterly net loss of $61.5 million. Cash stood at $72 million at September 30 before a $184 million December raise.

Within a portfolio already heavy in oncology and metabolic biotech, a 3% weight is meaningful but not dominant. For long-term investors, the thesis hinges on non-inferiority and durability. If Phase 3 data validate the ABC platform, Kodiak could compete head-on in retinal vascular disease. If not, a 480% run leaves little margin for error.

Jonathan Ponciano has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends BeOne Medicines Ag and Incyte. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.