NEW YORK — Veradermics Inc. shares skyrocketed more than 42% Monday, surging to $96.60 in morning trading after the dermatology-focused biopharmaceutical company announced strongly positive topline results from its Phase 2/3 clinical trial of VDPHL01, an oral treatment for male pattern hair loss that demonstrated early, consistent and robust hair growth.

The New Haven, Connecticut-based company, which went public earlier this year, saw its market capitalization jump by more than $1 billion in a single session as investors rushed to buy shares following the news. Trading volume was exceptionally heavy, with millions of shares changing hands in the first hours of the session.

Veradermics said its lead candidate VDPHL01 achieved statistically significant hair growth in the pivotal “302” study involving men with mild-to-moderate pattern hair loss. The oral, non-hormonal therapy showed rapid onset of action, with visible improvements noted as early as eight weeks and continuing through the 24-week endpoint. The results position VDPHL01 as a potential first-in-class treatment in a market long dominated by topical minoxidil and oral finasteride.

Breakthrough in Hair Loss Treatment

The company plans to hold a conference call Tuesday to discuss the detailed results. Analysts hailed the data as “transformational,” noting that VDPHL01 could capture a significant share of the multibillion-dollar global hair loss market if approved. Leerink Partners raised its price target on the stock to $90 from $75 following the announcement, maintaining an Outperform rating.

Veradermics CEO Dr. Reid Waldman expressed excitement in a prepared statement. “These results represent a major milestone not only for Veradermics but for the millions of men seeking safe, effective and convenient solutions for hair loss,” he said. The company is also advancing studies for female pattern hair loss, marking the first Phase 3 program of its kind in the U.S.

Company Background and IPO Success

Veradermics went public in February 2026 at $17 per share and has seen extraordinary volatility since its debut. The stock has more than quadrupled in value this year, driven by investor enthusiasm for its pipeline of dermatology and aesthetics products. The company focuses on turning common skin and hair concerns into proven therapeutic solutions through rigorous clinical development.

With cash reserves strengthened by its upsized IPO, Veradermics is well-funded to complete its ongoing Phase 3 programs and prepare for potential regulatory submissions. The company ended 2025 with significant cash on hand and has been aggressively advancing its clinical timeline.

Market Reaction and Analyst Views

Wall Street reacted enthusiastically to the news. Several firms reiterated Buy ratings, citing the strong efficacy data and large addressable market for hair loss treatments. Jim Cramer highlighted the stock on his show, calling it a “double or nothing” opportunity in the aesthetics space.

However, some analysts cautioned that the stock’s rapid run-up leaves it vulnerable to pullbacks. Valuation concerns persist, with the company still in the pre-revenue stage and facing competition from established players. Shares remain well below their recent 52-week high but have shown remarkable resilience.

Broader Industry Context

The positive results come at a time of growing interest in non-hormonal hair loss solutions. Current treatments like finasteride carry potential side effects that deter many patients, creating an opening for new therapies. Veradermics’ approach, if successful, could disrupt the market and offer a convenient oral option for both men and women.

The dermatology and aesthetics sector has seen increased investor attention in recent years, driven by aging populations and rising demand for cosmetic and therapeutic solutions. Veradermics’ progress validates the potential for innovation in this space.

What’s Next for Veradermics

The company will now focus on completing its remaining Phase 3 trials, including studies in female patients. Topline data from additional trials is expected later this year and in 2027. If approved, VDPHL01 could reach the market as early as 2028, representing a major commercial opportunity.

For investors, Monday’s surge underscores the high-risk, high-reward nature of clinical-stage biotech stocks. While the data appears compelling, full approval and commercial success are still years away and subject to regulatory hurdles.

As Veradermics continues its journey from clinical development to potential commercialization, the company’s progress will be closely watched by patients, physicians and investors alike. The strong Phase 2/3 results mark a pivotal moment that could transform treatment options for pattern hair loss and reward shareholders who bet on the company’s innovative approach.

Blackpool scheme will include 19 shipping containers

New jobs are now on offer as Blackpool’s ambitious Southbeach Streetfood project moves closer.

The new food destination is located opposite the Sandcastle Waterpark on South Shore promenade and will feature 19 converted shipping containers.

It will include food concessions ranging from Thai and Mexican to Spanish tapas and wood fired pizza.

The site will offer seating for up to 400 diners, and be designed with entertainment space so it can host events and music, with screens to show big sporting occasions.

It was hoped the attraction would be ready to open in June but the physical preparations needed for the groundwork have taken longer than anticipated and now it looks set to launch in July.

FBS Engineering of Poulton has officially begun transforming the shipping containers that will form the backbone of the development after recently moving into a larger workshop to accommodate the scale of the project.

Jamie Willacy, Director of Southbeach Streetfood UK Limited, said a lot of work had been going on behind the scenes.

He said: “Things are moving forward again. Engineers will start work on the foundations next week, ready for the groundworks to begin, in preparation for the mezzanine floor to be put in place.

“In the background, work has already started on the first six of the 19 containers, cutting out the doors and lining the insides with insulation.

“There has been a slight delay in the preparation to make sure everything is absolutely correct, so we’re looking at July rather than June now.

“We’ll definitely be up and running in time for the summer holidays.”

The project places a strong emphasis on sustainability and ethical trading with menus designed to reduce food waste and ingredients sourced from local suppliers wherever possible.

Alongside the food offering, visitors can expect live music from local artists, children’s activities, dance showcases, live cookery demonstrations and a curated bar featuring beers, wines and spirits.

Jamie said: ” We’re also excited to announce new job opportunities for Southbeach Streetfood

“If anyone would love to be part of a fresh new food and hospitality destination on the Prom, now is the perfect time to take a look.

“Whether you’re experienced in customer service, hospitality or just ready for your next opportunity, this could be your chance to join something exciting from the very start.”

Those interested can apply here: https://southbeachstreetfood.co.uk/job-opportunities/

To find all the planning applications, traffic diversions, road layout changes, alcohol licence applications and more in your community, visit the Public Notices Portal.

Chevron CEO Mike Wirth warned that strain on the aviation industry could intensify in the coming weeks as jet fuel supplies tighten, driven by disruptions tied to the Iran war.

Appearing Sunday on CBS News’ “Face the Nation,” Wirth said jet fuel in key regions was already at seasonally low levels before the conflict began, leaving markets vulnerable to supply shocks.

“It’s not flowing today. So, we are seeing jet fuel tighten very quickly in Europe, in Asia, and we’re seeing airlines announce adjustments in their flight schedules,” Wirth said. “I think aviation is clearly an area where it’s going to probably get worse over the next few weeks.”

Jet fuel prices have surged sharply since late February, reflecting constrained shipping through the Strait of Hormuz – a critical oil transit choke point through which roughly one-fifth of global supply typically passes.

DEM LAWMAKER SAYS AMERICANS ‘GETTING FLEECED AT THE PUMP,’ PUSHES OIL EXPORT BAN AMID IRAN TENSIONS

Chevron CEO Mike Wirth. (Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP via Getty Images)

U.S. jet fuel prices have climbed from about $2.50 per gallon before the conflict to $4.19 per gallon as of April 24, according to Airlines for America. Globally, prices remain volatile, with the International Air Transport Association reporting a 6.7% week-over-week decline to $184.63 per barrel, even as broader supply pressures persist.

MAJOR AIRLINE AXES 20,000 ‘UNPROFITABLE’ FLIGHTS AS JET FUEL COSTS SOAR

Airlines are already adjusting operations in response to higher fuel costs. United Airlines said it plans to cut about 5% of its planned capacity this year, while Delta Air Lines has trimmed growth plans by roughly 3.5 percentage points.

U.S. jet fuel prices have climbed from about $2.50 per gallon before the conflict to $4.19 per gallon as of April 24. (Giuseppe Cacace/AFP via Getty Images)

Fuel typically accounts for about a quarter of airline operating costs, leaving carriers highly exposed to price swings. In response, airlines are reducing lower-margin routes and leaning on higher fares and fees to offset rising expenses.

Consumers are beginning to feel the impact. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows airfares rose month over month in March, a trend that could accelerate as carriers pass along higher fuel costs and limit capacity heading into the peak summer travel season.

UNITED AIRLINES RAISING TICKET PRICES UP TO 20% AS FUEL COSTS SURGE AMID IRAN WAR

Wirth said the core issue remains disrupted energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Reduced shipments from Middle Eastern refiners, which supply a significant share of global jet fuel, have tightened availability across Europe and Asia.

A Delta Air Lines flight in March 2026.  (Kevin Carter/Getty Images)

He added that the global energy system has lost much of its flexibility, with inventories that typically act as “shock absorbers” now depleted after weeks of disruption.

“The risks kind of skew to the upside right now,” Wirth said, noting that even if flows resume, it could take time for supply chains and inventories to normalize.

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In the meantime, airlines and travelers are likely to continue feeling the effects, as higher fuel costs ripple through flight schedules, pricing and availability.

Reuters contributed to this report. 

Dominik Prokop
Head of IR Department

Good morning. This is Dominik Prokop, on behalf of Alior Bank. May I welcome everyone to the results conference. We will talk about the first quarter 2026. And the first part, the bank’s results as well as the trends, they will be discussed by members of the Board, President, Piotr Zabski, who will sum up the most important trends and will tell us about business results, Deputy President, Marcin Ciszewski, who will tell us about Risk; and Deputy President, Zdzislaw Wojtera, who will tell us about finance.

After the end of the presentation, we will have a Q&A session. Before I hand over to Piotr, may I encourage everyone to ask questions already during the first part of the conference, which will help us smoothly move into the Q&A session.

Piotr, you have the floor.

Piotr Zabski
President of the Management Board & CEO

Good morning, everyone. The presentation will be composed of 4 parts. Firstly, operational activities with 2 business lines, the corporate and the individual customers, then the risk result and then financial results and other issues. So let me move on to the operational activities and about the first quarter. What you can see here is a slightly changed makeup of the presentation. We wanted to refer to our strategies. There are 3 pillars on the left, scaling up, high resilience, operational excellence. And it’s within these categories that I’d like to tell you about what went on in the first quarter.

‘It’s fairly obviously Government policy that we need solar energy, and that’s before the Middle East was set on fire’

Controversial plans for a new solar farm in Glazebury have been approved.

Duckinfield Solar Ltd’s application proposing the development of an up to 10mw solar farm and associated infrastructure on land at Duckinfield House Farm, on Hurst Lane, came before Warrington Borough Council’s development management committee on Thursday.

The site is located in the green belt. According to a report to the committee, the application site consists of two parcels of agricultural land which are approximately 16ha in size, with the fields bisected by a public right of way (PROW) which cuts across the site and runs along its northern boundary.

The report said: “This application proposes a 10 megawatt solar farm with associated infrastructure. The solar panels would be located in both of the fields forming the site either side of the PROW and would have a maximum height of 3.2m.

“An access track would be created from the farm into the larger field via the existing level crossing to provide access to the solar installation. To the north-eastern corner of this field there would be a customer substation, a district network operator substation, a storage container and office/welfare facility, as well as a weather station.

“Four transformer stations would be positioned along the proposed access track running along the eastern boundary of the site. The solar installation would be enclosed with 2.1m high deer fencing with CCTV towers at a maximum of 3m in height. A temporary construction compound is also proposed to the north-west of the existing farm buildings to the northern side of the railway line.”

The application was publicised by 29 neighbour notification letters, by site notice and by press notice.

According to the report, one letter of support was received with no reasons given in the response.

And objections were received from 43 addresses, as a result of the publicity given to the application.

The concerns raised, as summarised in the report, included inappropriate development in the green belt, loss of best and most versatile agricultural land, harm to outlook from nearby dwellings and the impact of glint and glare.

Ward councillor Matt Smith, ward councillor Cllr Neil Johnson and Culcheth and Glazebury Parish Council also objected to the application.

But in the planning officer’s report, it said subject to conditions there would be ‘no unacceptable impacts’ on the local highway network, residential amenity and flood risk.

One of the conditions is that the planning permission will be limited to a period of 40 years.

Cllr Smith, speaking against the plans, expressed ‘strong concerns’ over the application.

He said: “While I understand the importance of renewable energy, this specific location for a sizeable solar farm will have a significant adverse impact along the valued and well-used public right of way that bisects the site.”

Cllr Smith also stated the period of 40 years is ‘not temporary in the context of a human lifetime, or the enjoyment of our local landscape’.

“We should not sacrifice Glazebury’s rural character and the quality of our public rights of way for a project that even the case officer admits causes significant landscape harm,” he added.

“There are undoubtedly more appropriate locations that would have less impact, or less than a substantial adverse impact, on the openness and amenity of our green spaces.”

Cllr Steve Parish, deputy chair of the development management committee, said: “I think it’s fairly obviously Government policy that we need solar energy, and that’s before the Middle East was set on fire.”

He also stated ‘we do have a climate emergency’.

Furthermore, Cllr Parish described the application as a ‘delicate one because of the planning balance’.

“But given the emphasis on the need and the idea that 40 years is temporary, and from what I know of other mitigations and other cases, I think we’d have little chance at appeal, frankly,” he added.

As recommended, the application was approved subject to conditions.

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