Imagine having just $200 and the opportunity to invest in companies on the cutting edge of medical breakthroughs. Biotech stocks often promise immense growth, but picking the right ones can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. However, a few gems in this high-stakes sector stand out with compelling reasons to buy right now. According to an article from MSN, these three biotech stocks could be game-changers in your portfolio, offering impressive potential without breaking the bank. Curious about which companies have the right mix of innovation, growth potential, and market opportunity? Read on to discover the biotech investments you can make today with just $200.
Viking Therapeutics: The Weight Loss Contender Poised for Growth
Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VKTX) is making significant strides in one of the fastest-growing sectors of healthcare: weight loss medications. As per Goldman Sachs Research, this market could reach $100 billion by the decade’s end. While Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) and Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO) currently dominate this space, the overwhelming demand for effective weight loss solutions has created a supply gap, offering ample opportunity for new entrants like Viking.
Viking has reported strong results for both its injectable and oral weight loss drug candidates, which function similarly to Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro and Zepbound by targeting blood sugar regulation and appetite suppression. The company is preparing to move its injectable candidate into a Phase 3 trial and the oral formulation into Phase 2, signaling potential catalysts on the horizon.
This isn’t the first time Viking has made headlines. Earlier this year, positive trial data sent the stock surging over 120% in a single session. Year-to-date, Viking has gained more than 190%, reflecting investor confidence in its pipeline. Should Viking’s candidate continue to demonstrate effectiveness, further substantial gains could be in store for this emerging player.
Moderna: A Post-Pandemic Pivot with Long-Term Potential
Moderna (NASDAQ: MRNA), best known for its coronavirus vaccine, faces a shrinking market as the pandemic’s impact wanes. The company recently revised its revenue forecast down to $3 billion to $3.5 billion, from a previous estimate of $4 billion. However, the vaccine market, though diminished, still holds potential for billion-dollar annual revenues, particularly if the virus becomes endemic and regular vaccinations are required.
Moderna has also shared promising data from a Phase 3 trial of its combined flu and coronavirus vaccine candidate, which could provide a new revenue stream by targeting a broader audience for seasonal vaccination. Beyond its pandemic efforts, Moderna’s expansive pipeline includes late-stage candidates, such as a personalized cancer vaccine, that could significantly diversify and strengthen its future revenue base.
In response to market shifts, Moderna has streamlined its operations, cutting costs to align more closely with its evolving revenue opportunities. Although the stock has been under pressure, those willing to weather short-term volatility may find a compelling entry point, positioning themselves for potentially substantial returns as Moderna advances its pipeline.
CRISPR Therapeutics: Gene Editing at a Crossroads
CRISPR Therapeutics (NASDAQ: CRSP) saw a substantial rally last year as investors bet on the approval of its gene-editing therapy, Casgevy, targeting blood disorders such as sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia. While the treatment holds significant promise, its complex process — requiring months to administer — may delay revenue recognition, contributing to the stock’s recent lackluster performance.
However, this pause may present a strategic buying opportunity. CRISPR Therapeutics is not a one-trick pony; it is actively developing candidates across oncology, autoimmune diseases, and diabetes. The company’s proprietary gene-editing technology, which focuses on correcting faulty genes to provide functional cures, could revolutionize treatment approaches in these areas.
Backed by $2 billion in cash reserves, CRISPR Therapeutics has the financial muscle to push forward with its pipeline, supporting continued innovation and development. With the potential for game-changing therapies and a robust financial position, the current dip could offer a prime entry point for investors seeking exposure to groundbreaking biotech advancements.
Key Takeaways for Investors
For traders and investors, these three biotechs — Viking Therapeutics, Moderna, and CRISPR Therapeutics — represent compelling opportunities across different stages of their respective growth stories. Viking offers the excitement of an emerging player in a rapidly expanding market, Moderna provides a balanced bet on both near-term and long-term innovation, and CRISPR presents the potential for transformative therapies backed by solid financials. Each stock carries its unique risks and rewards, making them worth watching closely in the months ahead.
