In this article, we will look at the 10 Best Performing Pharma Stocks in 2025.
On January 8, Michael Yee, global head of biotech research at UBS, appeared on CNBC’s ‘Squawk on the Street’ to discuss his bullish outlook on biopharma stocks in 2026 and the pharma M&A outlook. He stated that M&A activity started off strong in the year, and that pharma stocks are set to take off in 2026.
In addition to the big pharma companies, he believes that biotech, which had a really tough past 3-4 years, is ready to take off as well. These trends are partly due to M&A and the drug-pricing overhang passing. He expects cardiometabolic and obesity drugs, along with cardiovascular and oncology, to be the primary categories of interest for the main players in the domain for acquisitions.
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The trends, therefore, point to a green light for M&A, according to Yee, with the biggest patent cliffs happening in 2028 and 2029. The big pharma companies have the largest balance sheets and patent cliffs they have ever had, which is why he expects the trends to pick up in 2026.
With these optimistic trends in view, let’s look at the 10 best performing pharma stocks in 2025.
Our Methodology
We used Finviz to screen pharma stocks and selected the best performers based on their one year performance. We also included the number of hedge fund holders for each stock as of Q3 2025, and sourced the hedge fund sentiment data from Insider Monkey’s database. The list is sorted in ascending order of the 1-year performance.
Note: All data was recorded on January 8.
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10 Best Performing Pharma Stocks in 2025
10. Biogen Inc. (NASDAQ:BIIB)
1-Year Performance: 20.95%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 59
Biogen Inc. (NASDAQ:BIIB) is one of the best performing pharma stocks in 2025. Biogen Inc. (NASDAQ:BIIB) received several rating updates on January 8. Truist lifted the price target on the stock to $190 from $142 but maintained a Hold rating, telling investors in a research note that while it updated its model, the fundamental views remain the same as 2025.
The same day, Biogen Inc. (NASDAQ:BIIB) also received rating updates from Goldman Sachs and Mizuho. Goldman Sachs raised the price target on the stock to $225 from $197 while keeping a Buy rating on the shares. It expects momentum to continue in 2026 after strong sector performance in 2025, supported by improving fundamentals, market dynamics, and easing policy risks. These factors, along with their secondary effects such as M&A, persist, according to the firm.
Mizuho, on the other hand, lifted the price target on Biogen Inc. (NASDAQ:BIIB) to $207 from $177 and maintained an Outperformed rating, stating that it updated the company’s model since 2026 is “looking a bit better” for Biogen Inc. (NASDAQ:BIIB).
Biogen Inc. (NASDAQ:BIIB) is a global biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, and delivers advanced therapies for serious diseases across the globe. Its medicine portfolio treats multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Alzheimer’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The company has an elaborate marketed product portfolio for MS, including TECFIDERA, VUMERITY, AVONEX, PLEGRIDY, TYSABRI, and FAMPYRA. It also markets SPINRAZA to treat SMA, SKYCLARYS for the treatment of Friedreich’s Ataxia, and other drugs.
9. AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV)
1-Year Performance: 26.15%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 93
AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV) is one of the best performing pharma stocks in 2025. AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV) was downgraded to Peer Perform from Outperform on January 8 by Wolfe Research without a price target. The firm stated that the shares already reflect outperformance expectations in Skyrizi and Rinvoq, which is why it is moving to the sidelines waiting for higher visibility on the company’s immunology and inflammation “encore” and competitive dynamics.
In a separate development, Reuters reported on January 7 that AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV) denied its involvement in talks for the acquisition of Revolution Medicines. The update came after the Wall Street Journal reported that AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV) was in advanced discussions to buy Revolution Medicines, the cancer-drug developer. AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV) told Reuters in an emailed statement that it “is not in discussions with Revolution Medicines”.
The same day, UBS assumed coverage of AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV) with a Neutral rating, lifting the price target on the stock to $240 from $220. It told investors that it believes the company is fairly priced at current levels, and sees a balanced risk/reward for the company’s shares as competition emerges for its blockbuster immunology drugs Skyrizi and Rinvoq in 2026 and 2027.
AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV) is a research-based pharmaceutical company that develops and sells products to treat chronic diseases in oncology, gastroenterology, rheumatology, dermatology, virology, and various other serious health conditions.
8. AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:AZN)
1-Year Performance: 42.37%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 54
AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:AZN) is one of the best performing pharma stocks in 2025. On January 7, Berenberg Bank reiterated a Buy rating on AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:AZN) with a price target of $95. The rating update came after AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:AZN) announced positive full results from the Phase III TULIP-SC trial on December 6, reporting that the subcutaneous administration of Saphnelo (anifrolumab) exhibited a clinically meaningful and statistically significant drop in disease activity compared to placebo in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
56.2% of patients who received Saphnelo in the TULIP-SC full analysis showed disease activity reduction at Week 52 compared to 37.1% receiving placebo, as measured by the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group-based Composite Lupus Assessment (BICLA), with the results consistent with those from previous trials.
Management further reported that the safety profile observed in the TULIP-SC trial was also consistent with Saphnelo’s known clinical profile, administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion. According to AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:AZN), the full results corroborated the findings from the interim analysis, which was statistically significant.
AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:AZN) is a biopharmaceutical company that explores, develops, manufactures, and commercializes prescription medicines. It supplies its products and services to specialty and primary care physicians.
7. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY)
1-Year Performance: 44.05%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 114
Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) is one of the best performing pharma stocks in 2025. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) announced on January 7 that it entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Ventyx Biosciences, Inc., which is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that develops innovative oral therapies for patients with inflammatory-mediated diseases. Ventyx Biosciences, Inc. is in the process of developing a pipeline of small-molecule therapeutics for the treatment of inflammation across a range of disease states with highly unmet needs, including inflammatory disorders, cardiometabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases.
The terms of the agreement entail that Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) would acquire all the outstanding shares of Ventyx for $14.00 per share of common stock in an all-cash transaction, which equals an aggregate equity value of approximately $1.2 billion. Expected to close in H1 2026, the transaction is not subject to any financing condition, and is subject to approval of Ventyx stockholders and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions, which include regulatory approvals.
Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) further reported that the transaction gained approval from the boards of directors of both companies, and that the purchase price payable at closing represents a premium of around 62% to the 30-day volume-weighted average trading price of Ventyx’s common stock ended on January 5, 2026.
Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) develops, manufactures, discovers, and sells pharmaceutical products. These products span oncology, diabetes, immunology, neuroscience, and other therapies
6. GSK plc (NYSE:GSK)
1-Year Performance: 49.32%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 41
GSK plc (NYSE:GSK) is one of the best performing pharma stocks in 2025. Jefferies reaffirmed a Buy rating on GSK plc (NYSE:GSK) on January 7 and set a price target of $55.60. The same day, GSK plc (NYSE:GSK) announced that the European Commission approved Shingrix, its Recombinant Zoster Vaccine or RZV, in a prefilled syringe.
The vaccine presentation currently includes two vials, one with a lyophilised powder antigen and another with a liquid adjuvant, with the lyophilised powder antigen requiring reconstitution. The suspension in the adjuvant vial is withdrawn and injected into the antigen vial. However, the new prefilled syringe simplifies the vaccine administration process for healthcare professionals as it eliminates the requirement to follow these steps before administration.
Tony Wood, Chief Scientific Officer, GSK plc (NYSE:GSK), stated that the new presentation of Shingrix is specially designed to ease administration, allowing healthcare professionals to deliver improved protection against shingles, a painful disease that can have serious and long-lasting complications.
Management further reported that the approval is based on data confirming technical comparability between the prefilled syringe and the existing vaccine presentation, and that the new presentation does not include a change in indication or dosing.
Formerly known as GlaxoSmithKline, GSK plc (NYSE:GSK) is a global biopharma company that develops and distributes a range of vaccines, medications, and consumer health items. It is based in the United Kingdom and has over 20 vaccines in its portfolio. The company also develops cancer treatments for multiple myeloma, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer, among others.
5. Amarin Corporation plc (NASDAQ:AMRN)
1-Year Performance: 50.58%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 8
Amarin Corporation plc (NASDAQ:AMRN) is one of the best performing pharma stocks in 2025. Amarin Corporation plc (NASDAQ:AMRN) announced select unaudited 2025 financial highlights on January 8, releasing a summary of key 2025 operational accomplishments and outlining the 2026 priorities. The company reported that it attained positive cash flow in fiscal Q4 2025 earlier than previously forecasted, driven by a meaningful reduction in its operating expenses and its long-term and exclusive partnership with Recordati S.p.A. to commercialize VAZKEPA® across 59 countries, with a focus on Europe.
Amarin Corporation plc (NASDAQ:AMRN) believes it is on track for sustainable positive annual cash flow in 2026, supported by a full year of cost savings from its restructuring plan, the majority of expenses related to the plan already incurred in 2025, and continued efficient revenue generation across all markets.
It reported a year-end 2025 cash balance of $303 million, reflecting a growth of $16 million compared to $287 million in Q3 2025. The company did not report any debt, and expects its fiscal Q4 2025 net revenue to be in the range of $48 to $53 million. Fiscal year 2025 net revenue is expected to be in the $212 to $217 million range.
Amarin Corporation plc (NASDAQ:AMRN) is a pharmaceutical company involved in the development and commercialization of therapeutics targeting cardiovascular health. The company’s focus is on developing and commercializing Vascepa capsules.
4. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (NYSE:TEVA)
1-Year Performance: 54.53%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 60
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (NYSE:TEVA) is one of the best performing pharma stocks in 2025. Truist lifted the price target on Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (NYSE:TEVA) to $36 from $32 on January 7 and maintained a Buy rating on the shares, telling investors that the affordable medicines theme remains attractive going into 2026.
In a separate development, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (NYSE:TEVA) announced on December 24 that S&P Global Ratings upgraded the company’s long-term issuer credit rating to ‘BB+’ from ‘BB’ with a stable outlook. Moody’s Ratings Agency also affirmed the company’s B1a rating, revising its outlook to positive from stable
Management stated that the upgrades mark a notable milestone in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited’s (NYSE:TEVA) advancement towards attaining investment-grade status. S&P noted that the company’s adjusted leverage declined to 4.4x as of September 30, 2025, and is anticipated to drop below 4.25x in the coming quarters and meet the threshold for the higher rating.
The agency also cited Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited’s (NYSE:TEVA) business strength, liquidity profile, and financial discipline, with it bouncing back to revenue growth following five years of declines, with support from solid performance in branded medicines and stabilization in generics.
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (NYSE:TEVA) develops, produces, and sells medicines. Its operations are divided into the US, Europe, and International Markets geographical segments. Each business segment covers the entire product portfolio in that region, including specialty, generics, and over-the-counter (OTC) products.
3. Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMRX)
1-Year Performance: 72.78%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 29
Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMRX) is one of the best performing pharma stocks in 2025. On January 7, Truist raised the price target on Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMRX) to $15 from $14 while maintaining a Buy rating. The firm sees the affordable medicines theme staying attractive in 2026.
In a separate development, Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMRX) and mAbxience announced on December 22 that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved its Biologics Licensing Applications for Boncresa™, a biosimilar referencing Prolia®, and Oziltus™, a biosimilar referencing XGEVA®. Denosumab is a monoclonal antibody widely used across oncology and osteoporosis-related conditions and is known to inhibit bone resorption. Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc.’s (NASDAQ:AMRX) partnership with mAbxience entails that the former holds exclusive U.S. commercialization rights while the latter is responsible for manufacturing and development.
Chirag and Chintu Patel, Co-Chief Executive Officers of Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMRX), stated that the addition of two denosumab biosimilars has expanded the company’s portfolio to five commercial biosimilars, bolstering its position in the rapidly developing domain. Management views biosimilars as a considerable long-term growth vector in the company’s Affordable Medicines segment.
Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMRX) is a medicine company that provides pharmaceuticals. The company’s product portfolio encompasses biosciences, specialty, generics, and product catalog. Its operations are divided into the Generics, Specialty, and AvKARE segments.
2. Amylyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMLX)
1-Year Performance: 195.31%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 37
Amylyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMLX) is one of the best performing pharma stocks in 2025. Amylyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMLX) announced on January 8 the selection of AMX0318 as a development candidate for post-bariatric hypoglycemia (PBH) and other rare diseases. AMX0318 is a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor antagonist and was identified through a research collaboration with Gubra A/S. Gubra A/S is involved in peptide-based drug discovery and preclinical contract research services.
Camille L. Bedrosian, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Amylyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMLX), stated that AMX0318 has exhibited robust preclinical and chemical properties, including “a pharmacokinetic profile that may support long-acting administration.”
Management further demonstrated strong conviction that inhibiting GLP-1 receptor activity marks a significant therapeutic approach, provided the statistically significant data that avexitide, its investigational, first-in-class GLP-1 receptor antagonist, has generated to date. Amylyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMLX) expects the completion of recruitment in its pivotal Phase 3 LUCIDITY trial of avexitide by Q1 2026, with topline data expected in Q3 2026.
AMX0318 has completed an elaborate preclinical evaluation, and the company anticipates the program to advance into investigational new drug (IND)-enabling studies later this year. An IND is targeted for 2027, given the pending successful completion of IND-enabling studies.
Amylyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMLX) provides therapies for neurodegenerative diseases and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The company’s commercial product is Relyvrio, which is also known as Albrioza in Canada.
1. Indivior PLC (NASDAQ:INDV)
1-Year Performance: 204.64%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 40
Indivior PLC (NASDAQ:INDV) is one of the best performing pharma stocks in 2025. Indivior PLC (NASDAQ:INDV) announced its full-year 2026 financial guidance on January 8, reporting that the total net revenue is expected in the range of $1.125 billion to $1.195 billion, with the total SUBLOCADE® net revenue anticipated in the $905 million to $945 million range.
Management reported that 2025 marked a “transition year” for the company, characterised by the establishment of the Indivior Action Agenda and completion of Phase I – Generate Momentum. It is well-positioned to execute on Phase II – Accelerate in 2026, and expects to grow SUBLOCADE net revenue by 11% at the midpoint of its guidance range, while raising adjusted EBITDA by 35% and adjusted EBITDA margin by 14 percentage points.
Indivior PLC’s (NASDAQ:INDV) recent business highlights include its inclusion in the S&P SmallCap 600® index effective December 22, 2025. The company also attained shareholder approval of its proposal to change its domicile from the U.K. to the U.S. while establishing a new U.S. parent company, Indivior Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The change in domicile is anticipated to take effect on January 26, 2026. In addition, Indivior PLC (NASDAQ:INDV) paid in full the outstanding obligation of $295 million and concluded the legacy U.S. Department of Justice matter.
Indivior PLC (NASDAQ:INDV) develops, manufactures, and sells buprenorphine-based prescription drugs to treat opioid dependence. The company’s products include Suboxone Film, Suboxone Tablet, and Subutex Tablet, and its operations are divided into the following geographical segments: United States, Rest of World, and United Kingdom.
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