Mereo BioPharma Group (NasdaqCM:MREO) has come into focus after releasing mixed Phase 3 results for setrusumab in osteogenesis imperfecta, along with a cash runway update to mid-2027 and progress on its alvelestat and vantictumab programs.

The mixed Phase 3 readout and cash runway update come after a volatile stretch for the stock, with a 7 day share price return of 29.45% following a 30 day share price return decline of 66.67%, and a 1 year total shareholder return loss of 77.62%. This indicates that momentum has weakened over the longer term despite short term interest around the recent trial news and conference appearances.

If you are looking beyond a single small cap biotech, this could be a useful moment to scan other healthcare stocks that may offer different risk and return profiles.

With Mereo BioPharma trading at US$0.64 against analyst targets clustered around US$3.00 after mixed trial data and a reset cash plan to mid-2027, is the market overly discounting the story or already pricing in any future upside?

Price-to-Book of 2.2x: Is it justified?

Mereo BioPharma closed at US$0.64, and on a P/B of 2.2x it screens as cheaper than the broader US biotechs group, but richer than its closer peers.

The P/B ratio compares the company’s market value to its net assets, which is often used for early stage or unprofitable biotechs where earnings are not yet meaningful. For a business that is still loss making and relies on higher risk funding sources, this lens focuses attention on what investors are currently paying for the existing asset base and pipeline.

On one hand, Mereo BioPharma’s 2.2x P/B is below the US biotechs industry average of 2.6x, which points to a discount versus the wider group. On the other hand, that same 2.2x P/B is above the 1.4x peer average, which signals a premium relative to closer comparables and raises the question of whether the market is assigning extra value to its pipeline or future potential despite current losses.

Result: Price-to-book of 2.2x (ABOUT RIGHT)

However, you still need to weigh risks such as reliance on successful trial outcomes and a recent 1 year total shareholder return loss of 77.62%, which has reshaped sentiment.

Build Your Own Mereo BioPharma Group Narrative

If you look at the numbers and reach a different conclusion, or simply want to test your own view against the data, you can build a personal thesis in just a few minutes using Do it your way.

A great starting point for your Mereo BioPharma Group research is our analysis highlighting 2 key rewards and 3 important warning signs that could impact your investment decision.

Looking for more investment ideas?

Once you have formed a view on Mereo BioPharma, it is worth broadening your watchlist with other focused themes that might fit your risk and return preferences.

• Spot potential high risk, high reward opportunities by scanning these 3533 penny stocks with strong financials that meet your preferred financial and price criteria.
• Target growth stories at the intersection of healthcare and technology by reviewing these 109 healthcare AI stocks that link AI with real world medical applications.
• Consider income focused ideas by checking out these 12 dividend stocks with yields > 3% that combine higher yields with the specific fundamentals you care about.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.