Insider Trading February 2, 2026

Ionis CEO Sells $5.2M in Shares Amid Vesting and Strong Stock Rally

Brett P. Monia sold 62,970 shares after receiving performance-based stock; company reports mixed financial signals alongside recent regulatory and trial milestones

By Marcus Reed IONS
Ionis CEO Sells $5.2M in Shares Amid Vesting and Strong Stock Rally
IONS

Ionis Pharmaceuticals CEO Brett P. Monia sold roughly $5.2 million worth of company shares on January 30, 2026, after receiving a larger grant the prior day from vested performance-based restricted stock units. The stock is trading near its 52-week high, supported by recent regulatory approvals and positive Phase 3 trial results, while company financials show strong liquidity but persistent unprofitability and low gross margins.

Key Points

  • CEO Brett P. Monia sold 62,970 Ionis shares on January 30, 2026, for about $5.2 million after vesting of 122,214 performance-based restricted stock units on January 29, 2026.
  • Ionis shares trade near a 52-week high of $86.15, with a 158.54% gain over the past year and a 93.05% rise over six months, while InvestingPro flags the stock as appearing overvalued.
  • The company shows solid liquidity with a current ratio of 2.79 but remains unprofitable (diluted EPS -$1.61) and reports low gross profit margins (7.62%); recent pipeline and regulatory progress includes EC approval for Dawnzera and positive Phase 3 results for bepirovirsen.

Transaction details

Brett P. Monia, chief executive officer of Ionis Pharmaceuticals, reported the sale of 62,970 company shares on January 30, 2026, generating roughly $5.2 million. The reported sale prices ranged from $82.26 to $82.925 per share.

Concurrent vesting and insider holdings

According to a Form 4 filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Monia acquired 122,214 shares on January 29, 2026. Those shares were received upon the vesting of performance-based restricted stock units associated with a grant that was disclosed on January 18, 2023. After completing the sale and the prior-day vesting, Monia is listed as directly owning 283,927 shares of Ionis Pharmaceuticals.

Share-price context and valuation signals

Ionis shares are trading close to their 52-week high of $86.15, a level reached as the stock has risen sharply over the past year. The company’s share price has appreciated 158.54% over the last 12 months and climbed 93.05% over the past six months. Despite the momentum, InvestingPro data cited in the filing indicates the stock appears overvalued at current prices.

Firm size and financial metrics

InvestingPro data show Ionis Pharmaceuticals has a market capitalization of $13.45 billion. The company reports a current ratio of 2.79, a measure that points to solid near-term liquidity. At the same time, Ionis remains unprofitable on a diluted basis, posting a diluted EPS of -$1.61 and recording gross profit margins of 7.62%.

Recent corporate and clinical developments

Several recent developments in the company’s pipeline and commercial strategy were highlighted alongside the insider filing. The European Commission has granted approval for Dawnzera, a therapy intended to prevent hereditary angioedema attacks, following successful Phase 3 results demonstrating meaningful reductions in attack rates. In collaboration with GSK, Ionis reported favorable Phase 3 data for bepirovirsen, a hepatitis B candidate that showed higher cure rates when combined with standard care.

Analyst coverage has reacted to these advances: RBC Capital raised its price target for Ionis to $95 and maintained an Outperform rating, citing the company’s shift toward commercialization and the potential impact of Tryngolza in the U.S. market. TD Cowen continued to rate the stock a Buy, pointing to growth prospects through 2026 driven by a set of key products. Additionally, the FDA has granted Breakthrough Therapy designation to Ionis’ zilganersen for the treatment of Alexander disease, following encouraging study results.

Bottom line

The recent insider sale by Ionis’ CEO follows a significant vesting event and occurs against a backdrop of strong share-price appreciation, notable regulatory and trial achievements, and mixed financial indicators that include solid liquidity but ongoing unprofitability and narrow gross margins.

Risks

  • Ionis is not yet profitable, reporting a diluted EPS of -$1.61 - a financial risk that may affect investor returns and the company’s ability to fund operations without continued external support. (Impacted sectors: biotech, healthcare, capital markets)
  • The company’s gross profit margins are reported at 7.62%, indicating limited profitability on core operations which could constrain margins as commercialization expands. (Impacted sectors: biotech, healthcare)
  • InvestingPro analysis suggests the stock appears overvalued at current levels despite recent gains, a valuation risk that could influence market volatility for the security. (Impacted sectors: capital markets, investment)

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