Biotech Bargains: 2 Stocks Wall Street Can’t Resist (Even After a Faceplant)

Let’s talk about the stock market’s favorite pastime: buying the dip. Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (REGN) are currently playing the role of “dip victims,” having taken a nosedive this year like contestants on a reality TV show. Viking? Down 37%. Regeneron? A more modest 17% drop, but still enough to make their shareholders side-eye their 401(k)s. Wall Street analysts, though, are whispering, “This is where the magic happens.” Their price targets? A 245% gain for Viking and 21% for Regeneron. Sounds delusional? Or is it the market’s way of saying, “Buy low, cry later (but profit eventually)?” Let’s dive in.

1. Viking Therapeutics: The Weight-Loss Wonder That Made Everyone Say “Oof”

Viking’s recent phase 2 trial for its GLP-1 drug VK2735 was like a reality TV finale: dramatic, messy, and nobody won. The stock dropped like a bad diet soda on a treadmill. Why? Because 20% of participants dropped out due to GI issues. Translation: “Your stomach might hate this as much as your ex-husband’s cooking.” But here’s the twist: 98% of those side effects were mild to moderate. It’s like saying your toddler had a tantrum-but at least they didn’t throw mashed potatoes at the wall.

And get this: At the highest dose, patients lost 12.2% of their body weight in 13 weeks. For context, Eli Lilly‘s drug took 72 weeks to achieve 12.4%. Viking’s drug is like the difference between a Netflix binge and a Sunday night football game. Fast, messy, and potentially regrettable. But here’s the kicker: Lower doses had fewer side effects. It’s the biotech version of “too much of a good thing.”

Viking isn’t just betting on VK2735. They’ve got a subcutaneous version in phase 3 and another drug for MASH (liver disease) ready to enter phase 3. It’s like having a backup dance crew for your lead singer. Still risky? Absolutely. But if you’re the type of investor who thinks “chaos” is a four-letter word, maybe stick to Treasury bonds. If you’re okay with the rollercoaster, though, the price target of $88.78 is screaming, “Hey, I’m over here!”

2. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals: The Eylea Drama and Dupixent’s Quiet Heist

Regeneron’s stock slump is less “explosion” and more “slow leak in a tire.” Biosimilars are nibbling at Eylea’s market share like a caffeinated squirrel with a grudge. But here’s the twist: Regeneron’s high-dose version of Eylea is keeping the cash register from going silent. It’s the biotech equivalent of a divorce where both parties agree to split the assets but keep the dog.

Meanwhile, Dupixent is the real money-printing machine. Sales hit $4.34 billion last quarter-thanks in part to Sanofi‘s marketing muscle. It’s like having a business partner who’s also your ex, but they still send you a Christmas card and a check. Regeneron’s pipeline? Picture a buffet where every dish is either “game-changing” or “still in phase 2.” They’ve got a gene therapy for genetic deafness (how considerate) and Trevogrumab, a drug that could help patients on GLP-1 meds avoid muscle loss. It’s the biotech version of a gym membership for your grandma.

Analysts are betting on Regeneron’s ability to pivot like a CEO in a viral TikTok dance trend. The stock isn’t going to moonshot 21% overnight, but for patient investors, it’s the financial equivalent of a slow-burn rom-com: not flashy, but the ending’s got a standing ovation.

So, should you buy these dips? Viking’s a Hail Mary pass with a side of heartburn; Regeneron’s a calculated bet with a side of “meh.” As a macro strategist, I’ll say this: Biotech is a casino where the house always takes a cut. But if you’ve got the stomach for the volatility (and maybe a Zantac prescription), these stocks could be your golden tickets-or your very own Jersey Shore disaster. 🚀

2025-08-24 16:55

1. Viking Therapeutics: The Weight-Loss Wonder That Made Everyone Say “Oof”

2. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals: The Eylea Drama and Dupixent’s Quiet Heist

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