MapLight Therapeutics (MPLT)
Market Price (4/8/2026): $25.61 | Market Cap: $1.1 BilSector: Health Care | Industry: Biotechnology
MapLight Therapeutics (MPLT)
Market Price (4/8/2026): $25.61Market Cap: $1.1 BilSector: Health CareIndustry: Biotechnology
Investment Highlights Why It Matters Detailed financial logic regarding cash flow yields vs trend-riding momentum.
Cash is significant % of market capNet D/ENet Debt/Equity. Debt net of cash. Negative indicates net cash. Equity is taken as the Market Capitalization is -28% Megatrend and thematic driversMegatrends include Precision Medicine, and Biotechnology & Genomics. Themes include Biopharmaceutical R&D, Targeted Therapies, Show more. | Trading close to highsDist 52W High is 0.0%, Dist 3Y High is 0.0% Weak multi-year price returns3Y Excs Rtn is -32% | Very low revenueRev LTMTotal Revenue or Sales, Last Twelve Months is 0 Not profitable at operating income levelOp Inc LTMOperating Income, Last Twelve Months is -169 Mil Yield minus risk free rate is negativeERPEquity Risk Premium (ERP) = Total Yield - Risk Free Rate, Reflects the premium above risk free assets offered by the investment. is -19% Key risksMPLT key risks include [1] a critical dependence on its sole clinical-stage product candidate, Show more. |
| Cash is significant % of market capNet D/ENet Debt/Equity. Debt net of cash. Negative indicates net cash. Equity is taken as the Market Capitalization is -28% |
| Megatrend and thematic driversMegatrends include Precision Medicine, and Biotechnology & Genomics. Themes include Biopharmaceutical R&D, Targeted Therapies, Show more. |
| Trading close to highsDist 52W High is 0.0%, Dist 3Y High is 0.0% |
| Weak multi-year price returns3Y Excs Rtn is -32% |
| Very low revenueRev LTMTotal Revenue or Sales, Last Twelve Months is 0 |
| Not profitable at operating income levelOp Inc LTMOperating Income, Last Twelve Months is -169 Mil |
| Yield minus risk free rate is negativeERPEquity Risk Premium (ERP) = Total Yield - Risk Free Rate, Reflects the premium above risk free assets offered by the investment. is -19% |
| Key risksMPLT key risks include [1] a critical dependence on its sole clinical-stage product candidate, Show more. |
Qualitative Assessment
AI Analysis | Feedback
1. Favorable Analyst Coverage and High Price Targets Boost Investor Confidence.
Multiple Wall Street analysts initiated or reiterated "Buy" ratings for MapLight Therapeutics, with several setting optimistic price targets. For instance, TD Cowen initiated coverage with a "Buy" rating on April 7, 2026, citing the company's pipeline and indicating shares were undervalued based on the schizophrenia indication alone. Additionally, Canaccord Genuity Group initiated coverage with a "Buy" rating and a $35.00 price objective on March 19, 2026. The consensus average analyst price target across 8 analysts is $31.80, with a high forecast of $35.00, representing a significant potential upside from its current trading levels and reflecting strong conviction from the investment community.
2. Accelerated Timelines and Positive Progress in Key Phase 2 Clinical Trials.
MapLight Therapeutics announced an acceleration in the timeline for topline results from two of its pivotal Phase 2 clinical trials, now expected in the third quarter of 2026. The ZEPHYR trial, evaluating ML-007C-MA for schizophrenia, is nearing its target enrollment of approximately 300 participants in April 2026, with topline data anticipated in Q3 2026. Similarly, enrollment has been completed for the IRIS trial, which is assessing ML-004 for autism spectrum disorder, with topline results also expected in Q3 2026. These advancements indicate strong operational execution and bring the company closer to potential significant data readouts.
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Stock Movement Drivers
Fundamental Drivers
The 37.4% change in MPLT stock from 12/31/2025 to 4/7/2026 was primarily driven by a 0.0% change in the company's Total Revenues ($ Mil).| (LTM values as of) | 12312025 | 4072026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Price ($) | 17.57 | 24.14 | 37.4% |
| Change Contribution By: | |||
| Total Revenues ($ Mil) | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| P/S Multiple | ∞ | ∞ | 0.0% |
| Shares Outstanding (Mil) | 26 | 44 | -40.5% |
| Cumulative Contribution | 0.0% |
Market Drivers
12/31/2025 to 4/7/2026| Return | Correlation | |
|---|---|---|
| MPLT | 37.4% | |
| Market (SPY) | -5.4% | 20.1% |
| Sector (XLV) | -5.3% | 19.6% |
Fundamental Drivers
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Market Drivers
9/30/2025 to 4/7/2026| Return | Correlation | |
|---|---|---|
| MPLT | ||
| Market (SPY) | -2.9% | 10.5% |
| Sector (XLV) | 5.8% | 16.1% |
Fundamental Drivers
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Market Drivers
3/31/2025 to 4/7/2026| Return | Correlation | |
|---|---|---|
| MPLT | ||
| Market (SPY) | 16.3% | 10.5% |
| Sector (XLV) | 1.8% | 16.1% |
Fundamental Drivers
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Market Drivers
3/31/2023 to 4/7/2026| Return | Correlation | |
|---|---|---|
| MPLT | ||
| Market (SPY) | 63.3% | 10.5% |
| Sector (XLV) | 18.5% | 16.1% |
Price Returns Compared
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Total [1] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Returns | |||||||
| MPLT Return | - | - | - | - | -4% | 29% | 23% |
| Peers Return | -7% | 32% | 41% | -1% | 2% | 4% | 81% |
| S&P 500 Return | 27% | -19% | 24% | 23% | 16% | -3% | 76% |
Monthly Win Rates [3] | |||||||
| MPLT Win Rate | - | - | - | - | 33% | 75% | |
| Peers Win Rate | 42% | 67% | 58% | 50% | 67% | 40% | |
| S&P 500 Win Rate | 75% | 42% | 67% | 75% | 67% | 50% | |
Max Drawdowns [4] | |||||||
| MPLT Max Drawdown | - | - | - | - | -30% | -11% | |
| Peers Max Drawdown | -25% | 0% | -2% | -3% | -23% | -11% | |
| S&P 500 Max Drawdown | -1% | -25% | -1% | -2% | -15% | -7% | |
[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2021
[2] Peers: VRTX, ALPS, DFTX, EIKN, GENB.
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
[5] 2026 data is for the year up to 4/7/2026 (YTD)
How Low Can It Go
MPLT has limited trading history. Below is the Health Care sector ETF (XLV) in its place.
| Event | XLV | S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 Inflation Shock | ||
| % Loss | -16.1% | -25.4% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 19.1% | 34.1% |
| Time to Breakeven | 599 days | 464 days |
| 2020 Covid Pandemic | ||
| % Loss | -28.8% | -33.9% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 40.4% | 51.3% |
| Time to Breakeven | 116 days | 148 days |
| 2018 Correction | ||
| % Loss | -15.8% | -19.8% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 18.8% | 24.7% |
| Time to Breakeven | 326 days | 120 days |
| 2008 Global Financial Crisis | ||
| % Loss | -40.6% | -56.8% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 68.3% | 131.3% |
| Time to Breakeven | 1,100 days | 1,480 days |
Compare to VRTX, ALPS, DFTX, EIKN, GENB
In The Past
SPDR Select Sector Fund's stock fell -16.1% during the 2022 Inflation Shock from a high on 4/8/2022. A -16.1% loss requires a 19.1% gain to breakeven.
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About MapLight Therapeutics (MPLT)
AI Analysis | Feedback
MapLight Therapeutics is like a next-generation Karuna Therapeutics (now part of BMS), aiming to develop even better-tolerated M1/M4 muscarinic agonists for schizophrenia and other CNS disorders.
Think of them as a specialized CNS biotech, similar to Neurocrine Biosciences, but with a unique platform for identifying and precisely targeting specific neural circuits in the brain.
AI Analysis | Feedback
MapLight Therapeutics (MPLT) has the following major product candidates:
- ML-007C-MA: A fixed-dose combination of an M1/M4 muscarinic agonist and a peripherally acting anticholinergic, being developed for schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease psychosis.
- ML-004: A 5-HT1B/1D agonist being developed for social communication deficit and/or irritability in autism spectrum disorder.
- ML-021: An M4 antagonist in preclinical development for the treatment of motor deficits in Parkinson’s disease.
- ML-009: A G-protein-coupled receptor 52 positive allosteric modulator (GPR52 PAM) in preclinical development for hyperactivity, impulsivity, and agitation-related disorders.
AI Analysis | Feedback
MapLight Therapeutics (MPLT) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company. As such, it is currently focused on the research and development of product candidates and does not yet have any FDA-approved products available for commercial sale.
Therefore, MapLight Therapeutics does not currently have major customers that purchase its products or services. Its primary activities are centered on advancing its drug candidates through clinical trials, funded by investors, with the aim of eventually bringing therapies to market for patients suffering from central nervous system disorders.
AI Analysis | Feedback
nullAI Analysis | Feedback
Christopher Kroeger, M.D. Chief Executive Officer, Founder, Board Member
Christopher Kroeger is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of MapLight Therapeutics. He brings over 20 years of experience in leading, building, and advising development-stage therapeutic and medical device companies. He has also founded at least one other company.
Vishwas Setia Chief Financial Officer
Vishwas Setia was appointed Chief Financial Officer of MapLight Therapeutics in March 2024. Prior to joining MapLight, Mr. Setia spent a decade as a Managing Director in the healthcare investment banking group at Bank of America Securities. In this role, he gained expertise in capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, and structured transactions, contributing to over $15 billion in equity transactions and more than $100 billion in M&A activities. His background also includes a consulting role at ZS Associates, where he provided sales and marketing advisory to pharmaceutical companies. He holds an MBA from Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management.
Erin Pennock Foff, M.D., Ph.D. Chief Medical Officer
Erin Pennock Foff serves as the Chief Medical Officer at MapLight Therapeutics. The MapLight team, including Dr. Foff, collectively brings decades of experience in successful drug development.
James Lillie, Ph.D. Chief Scientific Officer
James Lillie is the Chief Scientific Officer at MapLight Therapeutics. The MapLight team, including Dr. Lillie, collectively brings decades of experience in successful drug development.
Anatol Kreitzer, Ph.D. Chief Discovery Officer
Anatol Kreitzer holds the position of Chief Discovery Officer at MapLight Therapeutics. The MapLight team, including Dr. Kreitzer, collectively brings decades of experience in successful drug development.
AI Analysis | Feedback
MapLight Therapeutics (MPLT) faces several key risks inherent to a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company.The most significant risk for MapLight Therapeutics is the **successful completion of clinical trials and subsequent regulatory approval** for its product candidates. The company's lead candidate, ML-007C-MA, is currently in Phase 2 trials for schizophrenia (ZEPHYR) and Alzheimer’s disease psychosis (VISTA), with topline results expected in the second half of 2026 and 2027, respectively. ML-004, another product candidate, is in a Phase 2 trial (IRIS) for autism spectrum disorder, with results anticipated in the second half of 2026. The entire commercial future of the company is highly dependent on these trials demonstrating favorable efficacy, safety, and tolerability, and ultimately receiving approval from regulatory bodies like the FDA. Clinical success, however, does not guarantee regulatory approval.
Another key risk stems from **market competition and the need for differentiation**. While MapLight believes its muscarinic receptor-targeted approach offers advantages over current treatments for schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease psychosis, the competitive landscape is evolving. The recent FDA approval of COBENFY, another M1/M4 muscarinic agonist, for schizophrenia introduces a direct competitor in this novel mechanism class. MapLight will need to demonstrate clear improvements in efficacy, safety, tolerability, and ease-of-use compared to existing and newly approved therapies to gain significant market share.
Finally, the company faces risks associated with its **early-stage pipeline and dependence on lead candidates**. Beyond ML-007C-MA and ML-004, MapLight's other programs, ML-021 and ML-009, are in preclinical development. ML-021 is expected to complete IND-enabling studies in the second half of 2026, and a preclinical candidate for ML-009 is expected to be nominated in 2026. This means that a substantial portion of the company's long-term growth and diversification relies on the successful, yet highly uncertain, progression of these very early-stage assets through discovery, preclinical development, and into clinical trials.
AI Analysis | Feedback
The recent FDA approval and market entry of COBENFY, an M1/M4 muscarinic agonist, represents an emerging threat. COBENFY is the first product with a novel mechanism approved for the treatment of schizophrenia in decades, entering the market with a similar mechanism of action to MapLight's lead candidate, ML-007C-MA, which is currently in Phase 2 trials for the same indication. While MapLight aims to differentiate ML-007C-MA by mitigating peripheral side effects and offering convenient dosing compared to other muscarinic agonists, COBENFY's prior market establishment could impact ML-007C-MA's market opportunity and require it to demonstrate significant superiority to capture market share.
AI Analysis | Feedback
MapLight Therapeutics' main products target significant addressable markets in central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Here are the addressable market sizes for their primary product candidates: * ML-007C-MA for Schizophrenia: * Globally, over 20 million people are affected by schizophrenia. * In the United States, more than 3 million people suffer from schizophrenia. * ML-007C-MA for Alzheimer’s Disease Psychosis (ADP): * Approximately 2.8 million people in the United States experience symptoms of psychosis, representing 40% of the 7 million individuals living with Alzheimer's disease in the U.S. * ML-004 for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): * The global autism spectrum disorder treatment market was valued at approximately USD 2.35 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 4.22 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6.03% from 2025 to 2034. Other estimates place the global market at USD 2.29 billion in 2024, growing to around USD 4.47 billion by 2035 with a CAGR of 6.92% from 2025 to 2035. Another source estimates the global market size at USD 8.55 billion in 2025, projected to grow to USD 18.68 billion by 2034. * In the United States, the autism spectrum disorder treatment market was estimated at USD 827.84 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 1,431.60 million by 2033, with a CAGR of 6.30% from 2025 to 2033. The U.S. market is expected to remain the leading market, with drug sales projected to reach $1.9 billion in 2034 within the seven major markets (7MM). * Globally, estimates suggest that approximately 1 in 100 children are diagnosed with ASD. Around 168 million people worldwide are estimated to be affected by autism, with a global prevalence of approximately 0.6%. More recent data from 2021 indicates a global ASD prevalence of 0.788%, affecting about 1 in 127 people. * In the United States, about 1 in 31 children aged 8 years were identified with ASD in 2022, an increase from 1 in 36 in 2020. Additionally, approximately 1 in 45 adults in the U.S. have autism.AI Analysis | Feedback
MapLight Therapeutics (MPLT) anticipates several key drivers for future revenue growth over the next 2-3 years, primarily through the advancement of its clinical pipeline and the potential for strategic partnerships. Here are 3-5 expected drivers of future revenue growth:- Positive topline results from the ZEPHYR Phase 2 trial of ML-007C-MA for schizophrenia. The company expects to report these results in the second half of 2026, which, if positive, would significantly de-risk the lead product candidate and could lead to lucrative licensing agreements or collaboration deals with milestone payments.
- Positive topline results from the IRIS Phase 2 trial of ML-004 for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These results are also anticipated in the second half of 2026. Successful outcomes from this trial would enhance the value of ML-004 and potentially attract partnerships that could include upfront and milestone payments.
- Positive topline results from the VISTA Phase 2 trial of ML-007C-MA for Alzheimer’s disease psychosis (ADP). Expected in the second half of 2027, favorable results from this trial would further validate ML-007C-MA's potential across multiple large indications, significantly increasing its value and opening additional avenues for partnerships or further investment.
- Advancement of preclinical programs (ML-021 and ML-009) towards Investigational New Drug (IND) applications. MapLight Therapeutics expects to complete IND-enabling studies for ML-021 in the second half of 2026 and nominate a preclinical candidate for ML-009 to advance to IND-enabling studies in 2026. Progressing these programs to IND status enhances the overall pipeline value and could lead to early-stage collaborations or licensing agreements that generate revenue through milestone payments.
AI Analysis | Feedback
Share Issuance
- MapLight Therapeutics completed its Initial Public Offering (IPO) in October 2025, offering 14,750,000 shares of common stock at $17.00 per share.
- The underwriters fully exercised their option to purchase an additional 2,212,500 shares of common stock, and a concurrent private placement of 476,707 shares was made to affiliates of Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC.
- The gross proceeds from the IPO and concurrent private placement totaled $296.3 million, with net proceeds of $269.8 million after deducting offering expenses.
Inbound Investments
- In October 2023, MapLight Therapeutics closed an oversubscribed $225 million Series C financing, with new investors including Novo Holdings, 5AM Ventures, and Cowen Healthcare Investments.
- The company completed an oversubscribed $372.5 million Series D financing in July 2025, co-led by Forbion and Life Sciences at Goldman Sachs Alternatives.
- New investors in the Series D round included Sanofi, T. Rowe Price Investment Management, Inc., and Avego BioScience Capital, alongside existing investors.
Latest Trefis Analyses
| Title | Date | |
|---|---|---|
| DASHBOARDS | ||
| MapLight Therapeutics Earnings Notes | 12/16/2025 |
| Title | |
|---|---|
| ARTICLES |
Trade Ideas
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| Date | Ticker | Company | Category | Trade Strategy | 6M Fwd Rtn | 12M Fwd Rtn | 12M Max DD |
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| 03312026 | PGNY | Progyny | Dip Buy | DB | FCF Yield | Low D/EDip Buy with High Free Cash Flow YieldBuying dips for companies with significant free cash flow yield (FCF / Market Cap) and reasonable debt / market cap | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| 03272026 | CNC | Centene | Dip Buy | DB | FCF Yield | Low D/EDip Buy with High Free Cash Flow YieldBuying dips for companies with significant free cash flow yield (FCF / Market Cap) and reasonable debt / market cap | 2.3% | 2.3% | -0.6% |
| 03272026 | OSCR | Oscar Health | Dip Buy | DB | FCF Yield | Low D/EDip Buy with High Free Cash Flow YieldBuying dips for companies with significant free cash flow yield (FCF / Market Cap) and reasonable debt / market cap | 3.0% | 3.0% | -2.6% |
| 03202026 | WAT | Waters | Monopoly | MY | Getting CheaperMonopoly-Like with P/S DeclineLarge cap with monopoly-like margins or cash flow generation and getting cheaper based on P/S multiple | -0.4% | -0.4% | -3.3% |
| 03202026 | GILD | Gilead Sciences | Quality | Q | Momentum | UpsideQuality Stocks with Momentum and UpsideBuying quality stocks with strong momentum but still having room to run | 1.6% | 1.6% | -2.2% |
Research & Analysis
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Peer Comparisons
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Financials
| Median | |
|---|---|
| Name | |
| Mkt Price | 16.20 |
| Mkt Cap | 55.3 |
| Rev LTM | 0 |
| Op Inc LTM | -166 |
| FCF LTM | -132 |
| FCF 3Y Avg | 870 |
| CFO LTM | -132 |
| CFO 3Y Avg | 1,067 |
Growth & Margins
| Median | |
|---|---|
| Name | |
| Rev Chg LTM | 8.9% |
| Rev Chg 3Y Avg | 10.4% |
| Rev Chg Q | 9.5% |
| QoQ Delta Rev Chg LTM | 2.4% |
| Op Mgn LTM | 37.9% |
| Op Mgn 3Y Avg | 24.7% |
| QoQ Delta Op Mgn LTM | 38.7% |
| CFO/Rev LTM | 30.3% |
| CFO/Rev 3Y Avg | 20.5% |
| FCF/Rev LTM | 26.6% |
| FCF/Rev 3Y Avg | 17.0% |
Valuation
| Median | |
|---|---|
| Name | |
| Mkt Cap | 55.3 |
| P/S | 9.1 |
| P/EBIT | 8.6 |
| P/E | 10.6 |
| P/CFO | 11.2 |
| Total Yield | -5.8% |
| Dividend Yield | 0.0% |
| FCF Yield 3Y Avg | 1.7% |
| D/E | 0.0 |
| Net D/E | -0.2 |
Returns
| Median | |
|---|---|
| Name | |
| 1M Rtn | 9.0% |
| 3M Rtn | -1.4% |
| 6M Rtn | 4.8% |
| 12M Rtn | -1.1% |
| 3Y Rtn | 17.9% |
| 1M Excs Rtn | 10.8% |
| 3M Excs Rtn | 1.7% |
| 6M Excs Rtn | 7.1% |
| 12M Excs Rtn | -23.7% |
| 3Y Excs Rtn | -45.4% |
Segment Financials
Revenue by Segment| $ Mil | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Research and development of central nervous system (CNS) disorder therapies | 0 | |
| Single segment | 0 | |
| Total | 0 | 0 |
| $ Mil | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Research and development of central nervous system (CNS) disorder therapies | -56 | |
| Total | -56 |
| $ Mil | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Single segment | 39 | |
| Total | 39 |
Earnings Returns History
Expand for More| Forward Returns | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Earnings Date | 1D Returns | 5D Returns | 21D Returns |
| 3/26/2026 | 6.0% | 14.8% | |
| 12/4/2025 | 8.4% | 20.6% | 0.5% |
| SUMMARY STATS | |||
| # Positive | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| # Negative | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Median Positive | 7.2% | 17.7% | 0.5% |
| Median Negative | |||
| Max Positive | 8.4% | 20.6% | 0.5% |
| Max Negative | |||
Recent Forward Guidance [BETA]
Latest: Q4 2025 Earnings Reported 3/26/2026
| Forward Guidance | Guidance Change | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metric | Low | Mid | High | % Chg | % Delta | Change | Prior |
| 2027 Cash Runway | |||||||
Insider Activity
Expand for More| # | Owner | Title | Holding | Action | Filing Date | Price | Shares | Transacted Value | Value of Held Shares | Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Novo, Holdings A/s | Direct | Buy | 10302025 | 17.00 | 952,941 | 16,199,997 | 62,672,574 | Form | |
| 2 | Catalyst4,, Inc. | See footnote | Buy | 10292025 | 17.00 | 5,441,176 | 92,499,992 | 334,856,888 | Form | |
| 3 | Malenka, Robert C | Direct | Sell | 2042026 | 18.02 | 7,039 | 126,843 | 6,455,377 | Form | |
| 4 | Malenka, Robert C | Direct | Sell | 2042026 | 18.00 | 1 | 18 | 6,448,194 | Form | |
| 5 | Malenka, Robert C | Direct | Sell | 1302026 | 18.65 | 6,524 | 121,704 | 7,334,072 | Form |
Industry Resources
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