Deerfield Fund Bets Big on Celcuity Amid Breast Cancer Drug Review

Biotech stock surges over 1,000% in a year as FDA prioritizes review of Celcuity's lead cancer therapy

Mar. 13, 2026 at 2:48pm

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Deerfield Management Company disclosed a substantial purchase of Celcuity (NASDAQ:CELC) in its February 17, 2026, SEC filing, adding 980,470 shares in the fourth quarter. The estimated value of the trade is $80.60 million, based on average pricing for the period. Celcuity's lead asset, gedatolisib, targets the PI3K and mTOR signaling pathway and is under priority review by the FDA for use in hormone receptor positive, HER2 negative advanced breast cancer.

Why it matters

Celcuity's innovative approach to precision oncology and the potential approval of its lead drug candidate have captured significant investor interest, driving the stock price up over 1,000% in the past year. The Deerfield fund's substantial investment highlights the high stakes and optimism around Celcuity's prospects as it navigates the regulatory process.

The details

According to the SEC filing, Deerfield Management Company bought an additional 980,470 shares of Celcuity during the fourth quarter, bringing the fund's total position to $170.95 million. This represents a $134.72 million increase from the prior quarter, reflecting both new purchases and share price appreciation. Celcuity's lead drug candidate, gedatolisib, is currently under priority review by the FDA for use in hormone receptor positive, HER2 negative advanced breast cancer, with a decision expected by July 17, 2026.

  • Deerfield Management Company disclosed the purchase in its February 17, 2026 SEC filing.
  • Celcuity's new drug application for gedatolisib was accepted by the FDA in January 2026 and granted priority review, with a decision expected by July 17, 2026.

The players

Deerfield Management Company

An investment management firm that focuses on the healthcare sector, with over $6.8 billion in assets under management as of 2026.

Celcuity

A clinical-stage biotechnology company developing molecularly targeted therapies and diagnostics for cancer, with a focus on its lead drug candidate gedatolisib and the CELsignia diagnostic platform.

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What’s next

The FDA is expected to make a decision on Celcuity's new drug application for gedatolisib in hormone receptor positive, HER2 negative advanced breast cancer by July 17, 2026.

The takeaway

Deerfield's substantial investment in Celcuity highlights the high-stakes and optimism surrounding the company's precision oncology approach and its lead drug candidate gedatolisib, which could provide a new treatment option for patients with advanced breast cancer if approved by the FDA.