Biotech Shares Forecast to Skyrocket by 84% and 240% as Permitted by Certain Financial Experts on the Street
In the dynamic world of biotechnology, two companies, Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) and CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP), are making significant strides in their respective fields.
Viking Therapeutics is advancing its promising weight loss drug, VK2735, in both injectable and oral forms. The company is currently in phase 3 trials for the injectable version, with data from phase 2 trials of the oral version expected in the second half of 2025. A significant manufacturing partnership with CordenPharma has been established to facilitate large-scale production. Notably, VK2735 works in a manner similar to Eli Lilly's tirzepatide, a drug that has shown promising results in weight loss therapy.
Wall Street is optimistic about Viking, with forecasts predicting a stock price increase of about 240% over the next year. Analysts have a 12-month stock price target of $84.0, indicating a potential increase of over 165%. The demand for weight loss drugs remains high, suggesting potential for Viking Therapeutics to regain momentum.
On the other hand, CRISPR Therapeutics had a major milestone in 2022 with the launch of its gene-editing treatment for blood disorders, Casgevy. However, following the launch, the stock has been on a decline as investors consolidated gains. CRISPR Therapeutics anticipates other trial updates in candidates for oncology and autoimmune diseases this year. Positive news regarding these candidates could boost the stock.
CRISPR Therapeutics is also working on a candidate targeting patients with elevated levels of lipoprotein(a) and recently reported positive phase 1 data for a gene editing candidate addressing high cholesterol. If all goes well in clinical trials and Casgevy starts to show revenue growth, now could represent a golden buying opportunity for growth investors.
In summary, while specific 2022 catalysts and projections for both companies are not available, Viking Therapeutics is positioned for significant growth due to its promising weight loss drug developments and manufacturing partnerships. CRISPR Therapeutics, after its major milestone in 2022, experienced a stock price decline as investors consolidated gains. However, the company's calendar is full of possible catalysts for growth, particularly in oncology and autoimmune diseases. The weight loss drug market is forecast to approach $100 billion in a few years, suggesting a promising future for both companies.
Finance experts predict a potential increase of over 165% in Viking Therapeutics' (VKTX) stock price within the next year, given its promising weight loss drug developments and strategic partnerships. In contrast, the stock price of CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP) has been in decline after its 2022 launch, indicating an opportunity for growth investors as the company awaits updates in oncology and autoimmune disease trials this year. The market for weight loss drugs, valued to approach $100 billion in the future, offers a compelling investment prospect for both companies in the realm of health-and-wellness and science.
