This week, several stocks caught investors’ attention, driven by significant developments and market momentum. Here’s the breakdown of this week’s trending stocks:
Ultragenyx ($RARE) Phase 3 Trial Falls Short in Rare Bone Disease Study
Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical ($RARE) a biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for rare genetic disorders, said its Phase 3 studies of setrusumab (UX143) for osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), a condition that causes extremely fragile bones, failed to meet their primary goals.
According to the company, the two late-stage trials — Orbit and Cosmic — did not show a statistically meaningful reduction in fracture rates compared with placebo or existing treatments. Reducing fractures was the main objective of the studies and the key measure regulators would look for when evaluating a potential approval.
Ultragenyx noted that patients treated with setrusumab did show clear and statistically strong improvements in bone mineral density. However, those improvements did not lead to fewer fractures, which ultimately limits the clinical value of the drug in its current form. The company said it is continuing to analyze the full dataset to better understand the results and whether any additional insights could guide next steps.
Management acknowledged disappointment with the outcome, especially given earlier Phase 2 data that had suggested potential benefit. In response to the trial failure, Ultragenyx said it will move forward with significant expense reductions as it reassesses priorities across its pipeline.
Despite this setback, the company emphasized that it continues to generate revenue from four approved products and is preparing for important upcoming milestones, including potential gene therapy launches and a separate Phase 3 readout in Angelman syndrome.
Stock Price Reaction
Ultragenyx shares fell sharply following the announcement, dropping about 42%, as investors reacted to the failure of a key late-stage program.
DigitalBridge ($DBRG) to Be Acquired by SoftBank for $4 Billion
DigitalBridge, a global investor in digital infrastructure such as data centers, cell towers, fiber networks, and edge facilities, agreed to be acquired by SoftBank Group in a cash transaction valuing the company at about $4 billion.
According to the companies, SoftBank will pay $16.00 per share in cash for all outstanding DigitalBridge shares. The deal gives DigitalBridge shareholders a meaningful premium and provides the company with long-term backing from one of the world’s largest technology-focused investors. After the transaction closes, DigitalBridge will continue operating as a standalone platform, led by CEO Marc Ganzi, and will keep managing and investing in digital infrastructure globally.
For DigitalBridge, the agreement highlights the growing strategic value of its portfolio. The company focuses on owning and financing the physical infrastructure that powers the digital economy, including data centers that support cloud computing and AI, as well as connectivity assets needed to move data efficiently. With SoftBank’s capital and global reach,
DigitalBridge is expected to have more flexibility to pursue larger and longer-term infrastructure projects tied to rising demand for AI computing and data transmission.
SoftBank said the acquisition fits its broader push to build the infrastructure needed for next-generation AI, including large-scale data centers and connectivity networks. DigitalBridge’s experience sourcing, operating, and scaling these assets is seen as a key part of that strategy.
The transaction was unanimously approved by DigitalBridge’s board following a recommendation from an independent committee and is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
Stock Price Reaction
$DBRG shares jumped about 10% on the announcement.
Meta Acquires Manus to Expand AI Agents for Businesses
Meta ($META) announced that it is bringing Manus into the company, aiming to accelerate the development of AI agents across Meta’s consumer and business products.
Manus has built a general-purpose AI agent designed to handle complex tasks such as market research, coding, and data analysis with minimal human input. According to Meta, the Manus service will continue to operate and be sold independently, while its technology will also be integrated into Meta’s broader ecosystem, including Meta AI.
The company said Manus is already used by millions of individuals and businesses worldwide. Its agent platform launched earlier this year and has processed massive volumes of AI activity, supporting a wide range of business workflows. By joining Meta, the Manus team is expected to help scale these capabilities to a much larger global audience.
Meta said the addition of Manus strengthens its push toward practical, business-focused AI tools, as the company looks to deploy more autonomous agents that can help companies automate work and improve productivity across Meta’s platforms.
Stock Price Reaction
Meta shares finished the session in slightly positive territory.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell securities. The content is based on publicly available information and reflects the author’s opinions as of the publication date, which may change without notice. All investments carry inherent risks, including the potential loss of principal, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Forward-looking statements, including references to projected revenues, market trends, or business developments, are based on current expectations and assumptions. Actual results may differ due to various factors, including regulatory changes, economic conditions, competitive pressures, and unforeseen market fluctuations. Readers should conduct their own research or consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions. BBAE holds no position in the securities mentioned, nor are they compensated by the companies mentioned.
