Analysts Can't Get Enough of These Little-Known Biopharma Stocks

Key Points

• The biopharmaceuticals industry is notorious for its high-risk, high-reward opportunities, so many investors seek guidance from analysts with expertise in the field.
• Analysts largely favor three relatively unknown biopharmas—Kymera, Vera, and Rapport.
• Each of these companies has advanced a promising leading drug candidate through successful trials, though commercialization remains in the future.

The biopharmaceuticals industry is both exciting and risky for investors. Many leading growth stocks in the U.S. market are found in this sector, due to the significant rallies that biopharmaceutical companies experience when a key positive trial result is announced or an important drug receives government approval.

On the other hand, a host of biopharma firms face near-constant threats of collapse, given that most of these companies lack sufficient revenue to sustain operations for long unless a breakthrough occurs.

Investors outside the space may wonder how to balance their own risk tolerance with the risk/reward profile of many biopharma companies. Although it's not a guarantee of success, one approach involves deferring to Wall Street analysts who are experts in the healthcare sector.

By identifying companies that analysts love, particularly those that have yet to reach mainstream recognition, investors may be able to target high-potential investments before those companies see breakout success.

Notable Safety Performance for a Flagship Protein Degradation Candidate

Kymera Therapeutics Inc. NASDAQ: KYMR develops small-molecule therapeutics to selectively degrade disease-causing proteins. In early June, the company announced positive Phase 1 trial results for KT-621, its flagship oral STAT6 degrader medicine. The drug candidate is likely to undergo continued trials for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis this year.

The results for KT-621 are not only beneficial for Kymera because they bring the drug one step closer to commercialization, but they also provide some investors with evidence of the efficacy and safety of Kymera's broader therapeutic platform.

By attempting to utilize the body's natural protein degradation system for clinical treatments, Kymera stands apart from many other biopharma firms. Strong safety results from this trial are promising for Kymera's future drug candidates as well.

Kymera also benefits from a robust pipeline of other drugs in development and a partnership with AI-powered biopharma developer Sanofi. The company has substantial cash reserves that are expected to sustain operations through 2028, buying it time to achieve critical drug development milestones.

Given all of these favorable factors, it's no surprise that 17 out of 18 analysts have rated KYMR shares a Buy, assigning it a consensus price target more than 22% higher than current levels.

Promising Results and Analyst Optimism Despite Some Risks

Clinical-stage biopharma firm Vera Therapeutics Inc. NASDAQ: VERA makes treatments for immunological diseases. One of its leading candidates is atacicept, which recently completed a Phase 3 trial for the chronic kidney disease immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN).

The results were positive, including in the area of safety, putting Vera on the path to seeking FDA approval for a Biologics License Application by later this year and a commercial launch sometime in 2026.

Additional results remain pending for atacicept, which could help further support its commercialization, but that also introduces a bit of uncertainty for investors who are keen on gaining exposure to Vera on the promise of this new drug.

Further, other drug developers are also pursuing treatments for IgAN, potentially limiting Vera's ability to capitalize on atacicept if and when it does reach commercialization.

Despite these risks, nine out of 10 analysts believe Vera is a Buy. Though some analysts have lowered their price targets for VERA shares in recent months, the consensus price target still suggests the stock could nearly triple over its current price.

Lead Candidate Shines in Trials for Epilepsy, Potential in Bipolar Mania Too

Rapport Therapeutics Inc. NASDAQ: RAPP discovers and develops medicines for the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders. With a cash supply that should support operations for another four years, roughly, the company has ample time to continue to progress its candidate RAP-219 toward commercialization.

RAP-219 aims to treat refractory focal epilepsy and saw positive trial data early in 2025. Rapport expects results from the Phase 2a trial in the third quarter of the year.

Additionally, RAP-219 is undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of bipolar mania, with a new trial set to begin later this year as well.

Rapport doesn't have the same degree of analyst coverage as the companies above, but all four analysts reviewing the firm agree that it is a Buy.

With nearly 168% upside potential, confidence in the company's ability to successfully navigate RAP-219 through the trial process is high.