TWST Stock Hits Multi-Year High, But ‘Pharma Bro’ Martin Shkreli Calls Twist A Short
Twist Bioscience (TWST) stock reached a multi-year high, closing near $156 after a partnership with Eli Lilly's TuneLab and a price target increase from Leerink to $160. The company raised its fiscal 2026 sales guidance to $456M-$457M and aims for adjusted earnings break-even in Q4. Martin Shkreli called TWST a short, despite the surge. TWST's market cap exceeded $10B, with YTD gains of 390%.
How this was made
The 30-second read
Why it matters
The new Lilly partnership and guidance lift provide fresh upside catalysts, likely supporting further price appreciation.
Market read
TWST's stock surged on fresh guidance and a high‑profile partnership, creating a short‑term trading opportunity.
What to watch
Potential execution risk of scaling to $1 B sales by 2031 and reliance on a single large partner.
Background
Twist Bioscience (TWST) provides custom DNA synthesis for research and drug development. The company recently expanded its gene catalog and raised capital.
Ticker impact
Twist Bioscience raised FY2026 sales guidance to $456‑$457 M and announced a new contract with Eli Lilly's TuneLab, driving a 9% intraday jump to $156.
Further upside possible if partnership yields additional contracts; short‑cover rally may continue.
Guidance raise and a high‑profile AI‑drug discovery deal are fresh, material catalysts for a $10 B market‑cap stock.
Market effects
Strengthens the AI‑driven drug‑discovery niche and may lift peers in synthetic DNA and biotech services.
Positive for US biotech sector; limited broader regional effect.
Highlights growing collaboration between AI platforms and biotech, relevant to global pharma innovation trends.
Counterpoint
The stock may be overbought after a rapid rally; the Lilly deal could be limited in scope and guidance still modest.
Key entities
- CompanyTwist Bioscience
Synthetic DNA manufacturer
- CompanyEli Lilly
Pharmaceutical giant partnering with Twist via TuneLab
