Traditionally, healthcare stocks have been considered defensive, offering strong immunity to business cycles. This characteristic stems from the fact that the underlying products and services are essential to people, and there aren’t many factors that could cause a substantial drop in demand.
However, recent decades have been marked by significant innovations across the broader healthcare sector. Certain sub-verticals, in particular, have been characterized by a large share of innovation. For instance, many sub-verticals, including biopharmaceuticals, medtech, diagnostics, life sciences, and medical devices, continue to evolve through innovation and improved offerings. This resonates deeply with massive cash outlays on R&D by healthcare companies, which aim to keep up with these changing trends.
On December 17, EY published its 2026 outlook for the healthcare sector, suggesting some compelling opportunities in the market despite evident headwinds. Apart from targeted inorganic growth levers, the report also reiterated the need to adapt to AI-led changes in such a competitive healthcare landscape. The report noted,
“US healthcare sector organizations outpace the broader economy in adoption rates of AI applications. This trend has been accelerating since September 2023, with health sector uptake growing at approximately three times the rate of the broader economy. Health systems in particular show a very high adoption rate (27%), with payers at the lowest rate (14%) over the past two years.”
In the investment landscape, it has become even more challenging for investors to narrow their search for the most attractive opportunities. That said, the industry is now being reshaped by disruptors who emerge more frequently and alter the dynamics of specific niches.
In that regard, mid-cap is a very interesting space to look into. There are numerous companies that are well past their early stage volatilities and are aiming for improved market share across certain segments. Another way these companies differentiate themselves from established large-cap stocks is that they are more flexible and better able to adapt to innovations. These companies do not need to alter their entire business structures to keep up with evolving trends. Hence, the mid-cap healthcare segment offers some attractive investment opportunities with significant return potential.
With that background, let’s explore our 15 most promising mid-cap healthcare stocks under $50.
Our Methodology
To identify the most promising mid-cap healthcare stocks for this article, we began by screening U.S.-listed companies within the broader healthcare sector, with market capitalizations between $2 billion and $10 billion. From this universe, we further filtered stocks that are well covered by analysts, have mild to strong positive analyst consensus, and have at least 20% potential upside. We then selected the top 15 stocks with the best upside and ranked them accordingly. In the final part of our selection, we selected stocks across six healthcare verticals to create a more diverse pool. These verticals include biotechnology, medical care facilities, health information services, specialty & generics, medical instruments & supplies, and medical devices.
We have also included data on hedge fund holdings in these companies, based on Insider Monkey’s database as of Q3 2025, to indicate institutional interest in each stock.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 427.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 264 percentage points (see more details here).
15. Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals International (NASDAQ:KNSA)
Sector/Industry: Healthcare (Drug Manufacturers – Specialty & Generic)
Share Price: $43.19
Potential Upside: 22.3%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 38
Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals International (NASDAQ:KNSA) is one of the most promising mid-cap healthcare stocks under $50.
On December 12, Wells Fargo analyst Eva Fortea Verdejo indicated her bullish sentiment and assigned a Buy rating to Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals International (NASDAQ:KNSA). With a price target of $45, she anticipates the stock to soar by another 15.77% from the current levels.
On December 17, management shared updates on the Phase 2 clinical study on KPL-387 monotherapy. The aim is to make a safe transition from existing therapies towards KPL-387 for patients with recurrent pericarditis. The study will be based on a preliminary 16-week period followed by a long-term extension phase. The follow up phase will span across 24 months, where patients would continue to use the drug as needed.
As per management, successful outcomes of the study could lead to an increase in pipeline value for Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals International (NASDAQ:KNSA). This would spark investor interest in the foreseeable future and would influence the share price movement.
As of December 19 closing, all 6 analysts covering the company assigned Buy ratings to Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals International (NASDAQ:KNSA). The consensus 1-year average price target of $52.83, offering a strong 22.3% upside potential for the stock from its current price level.
Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals International (NASDAQ:KNSA) is a biopharmaceutical company that is currently in the clinical stage. The company is involved in acquiring, developing, and commercializing therapeutic medicines that cure patients with chronic debilitating diseases. The company currently has many therapies in the clinical trial stage that focus on cardiovascular conditions.
14. AtriCure (NASDAQ:ATRC)
Sector/Industry: Healthcare (Medical Instruments & Supplies)
Share Price: $40.95
Potential Upside: 26.6%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 23
AtriCure (NASDAQ:ATRC) is one of the most promising mid-cap healthcare stocks under $50.
On December 16, J.P. Morgan analyst Lilia-Celine (Lily) reiterated her bullish stance on AtriCure (NASDAQ:ATRC). The analyst assigned a Buy rating and raised her price target on the stock from $42 to $48 per share. According to Lily’s estimates, the stock offers an upside potential of over 17% for investors.
AtriCure (NASDAQ:ATRC) recently announced the successful completion of its first-in-human atrial procedures combining the emerging Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) technology with its Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) franchise. These procedures were performed at Victoria Heart Hospital in Australia and are intended to electrically isolate key regions during complex atrial procedures.
The company President and CEO, Michael Carre,l said:
“Our innovative EnCompass clamp technology was a significant step in streamlining cardiac surgery ablation procedures. Now, building on the proven performance of our EnCompass clamp, this platform offers the best of both worlds. By pairing advanced RFA with PFA, we’re delivering unprecedented speed and flexibility for surgeons.”
As of December 19, consensus sentiment on AtriCure (NASDAQ:ATRC) remains bullish. The company has received Buy ratings from all six analysts providing coverage. Based on estimates, the stock’s 1-year median price target is $51.83, implying an impressive 26.6% upside.
AtriCure (NASDAQ:ATRC) is a medical device company offering innovative technologies for Atrial Fibrillation (Afib) for cardiac patients. They provide solutions for surgical ablation of cardiac tissues, management of left atrial appendage (LAA), and other surgical tools for thoracic procedures.
13. LifeStance Health Group (NASDAQ:LFST)
Sector/Industry: Healthcare (Medical Care Facilities)
Share Price: $7.05
Potential Upside: 27.7%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 24
LifeStance Health Group (NASDAQ:LFST) is one of the most promising mid-cap healthcare stocks under $50.
On December 12, BTIG analyst David Larsen reiterated his bullish stance on LifeStance Health Group (NASDAQ:LFST). The analyst rated the stock as Buy and raised the price target from $9 to $10 a share. As per Larsen’s forecasts, the stock offers a highly impressive upside potential of around 42% to investors.
The analyst anticipates strong medical utilization trends in 2026. He attributed such trends to a highly favorable labor market, along with a spike in demand for medical oncology, mental health services, and specialty medications. He also pointed out that such demand could create further space in the market for new medications, which would benefit LifeStance Health Group (NASDAQ:LFST).
The stock has a consensus 1-year average price target of $9, which results in an upside potential of 27.7% from the current level. As of December 19 closing, the forecasts remain strong for LifeStance Health Group (NASDAQ:LFST). The stock has been covered by seven analysts, all of whom have given Buy calls.
LifeStance Health Group (NASDAQ:LFST) is an outpatient health service provider that offers in-person and telehealth services to individuals with mental health problems. Their service offerings include ketamine therapies, psychiatry, and other relevant behavioral health services.
12. Hinge Health (NYSE:HNGE)
Sector/Industry: Healthcare (Health Information Services)
Share Price: $47.25
Potential Upside: 42.9%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 31
Hinge Health (NYSE:HNGE) is one of the most promising mid-cap healthcare stocks under $50.
On December 19, the consensus ratings indicate a strong bullish stance towards Hinge Health (NYSE:HNGE). All 12 analysts covering the stock have assigned Buy ratings, which reflect favorably upon its prospects. The resulting consensus 1-year average price target for the stock is $67.53, which offers a lucrative 42.9% upside from the current level.
On December 12, Citizens reiterated its bullish stance on Hinge Health (NYSE:HNGE). The firm assigned a Buy rating to the stock, with a target price of $65 a share. This estimate offered a 38% upside to investors from the prevailing levels.
The firm’s positive sentiment is driven by Hinge Health’s (NYSE:HNGE) strong competitive position in the market. It is based on their strong ties with the top 5 national health plans and also the three most prominent pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) across the U.S.
According to Citizens, Hinge Health’s (NYSE:HNGE) already established links within the healthcare landscape will prove to be the key enablers for future growth opportunities within this space. Being a leading player within the digital musculoskeletal (MSK) market, the company still has immense potential to grow.
Hinge Health (NYSE:HNGE) leverages an AI-enabled care model to automate the delivery of healthcare services. The company delivers customized, drug-free pain relief to users through health plans devised by physical therapists. They address musculoskeletal conditions of patients through an FDA-approved wearable device that is user-friendly and cost-efficient.
11. Waystar Holding Corp. (NASDAQ:WAY)
Sector/Industry: Healthcare (Health Information Services)
Share Price: $32.84
Potential Upside: 47.5%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 47
Waystar Holding Corp. (NASDAQ:WAY) is one of the most promising mid-cap healthcare stocks under $50.
On December 15, UBS analyst Kevin Caliendo initiated coverage of Waystar Holding Corp. (NASDAQ:WAY) with a bullish view. He assigned a Buy rating to the stock with a price target of $41. Based on his forecasts, the stock currently offers nearly 25% upside for investors.
Caliendo based his Buy rating on various strategic factors, including the company’s market position and growth prospects within the revenue cycle management space. He highlighted the industry shift towards AI-enabled automation, which would help in more efficient and cost-effective processes to be implemented. In Caliendo’s view, such a shift will reward players like Waystar Holding Corp. (NASDAQ:WAY). He also mentioned the company’s inorganic growth strategy, involving the acquisition of Iodine Software, which will help in increasing their addressable market, cross-selling opportunities, and client retention.
The market sentiment towards Waystar Holding Corp. (NASDAQ:WAY) is also highly positive. As of the December 19 closing, the stock has received coverage from 17 analysts after falling 10.5% in 2025. 16 of them gave a Buy rating, 1 gave a Hold rating, and there were no Sell ratings. Such bullish consensus has resulted in an estimated 1-year average price target of $48.44 a share. This implies a 47.5% upside from the current level.
Waystar Holding Corp. (NASDAQ:WAY) offers a cloud-based software for payment processing within the healthcare industry. The company’s enterprise-grade platform has a comprehensive suite of solutions covering the entire revenue cycle. It includes functions such as payment clearance, claims management, revenue capture, reporting, and analytics.
10. Doximity (NYSE:DOCS)
Sector/Industry: Healthcare (Health Information Services)
Share Price: $43.65
Potential Upside: 52.6%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 44
Doximity (NYSE:DOCS) is one of the most promising mid-cap healthcare stocks under $50.
On December 16, Bank of America analyst Allen Lutz reiterated his bullish stance on Doximity (NYSE:DOCS). He assigned a Buy rating to the stock with a $82 price target. This implies a highly attractive 88% upside potential for investors within the prevailing trading range.
Lutz attributed such upside to accelerating growth within the healthcare provider (HCP) budgets, as Doximity (NYSE:DOCS) has also been raising its budgetary allocation towards HCP advertising. He noted that such a shift towards HCP comes on the back of meager growth within direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising. Another area of focus for Doximity (NYSE:DOCS) is the digital video initiatives, which are also a growth catalyst, as per experts.
As of December 19 closing, the consensus estimates reflect a positive analyst sentiment for Doximity (NYSE:DOCS), after the stock has dropped more than 18% in 2025. Of the 15 analyst ratings assigned to the stock, 8 were Buy calls, 5 were Hold calls, and only 2 were Sell calls. Analysts forecast a 1-year average price target of $66.62 per share, implying 52.6% upside from the current level.
Doximity (NYSE:DOCS) is a digital platform that provides online networking services for healthcare and medical professionals. The company has an extensive network currently covering around 80% of U.S.-based physicians. Their AI-powered application helps in efficient HIPAA-compliant communication among healthcare professionals.
9. Procept BioRobotics Corp. (NASDAQ:PRCT)
Sector/Industry: Healthcare (Medical Devices)
Share Price: $32.06
Potential Upside: 61.4%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 23
Procept Biorobotics Corp. (NASDAQ:PRCT) is one of the most promising mid-cap healthcare stocks under $50.
On December 12, UBS analyst Danielle Antalffy initiated coverage with a bullish rating on Procept Biorobotics Corp. (NASDAQ:PRCT). She rated the stock as a Buy and estimated a target price of $62. This leads to an upside potential of over 93% from current levels.
Antalffy’s rating is backed by her view of the company’s promising growth prospects, which will be driven by the management’s ambitions to raise the utilization of their current installed base and also their greenfield undertakings going forward. She anticipates the company to turn profitable by 2027, given the expected expansion of topline and gross margins, as well as operational efficiencies that will drive costs down.
The broader analyst coverage also indicates a highly optimistic view of Procept Biorobotics Corp. (NASDAQ:PRCT). As of December 19 closing, there were 10 analyst ratings assigned to the stock, of which 80% were Buy calls, and the remaining 20% were Hold ratings. With no Sell rating, analysts remain bullish on the stock and have set a 1-year average price target of $51.75. Hence, the stock offers over 61% upside potential after a bearish run in 2025.
Procept Biorobotics Corp. (NASDAQ:PRCT) is a surgical robotics company focusing on robotic treatments for male urological health. Through their flagship offering, Aquablation® therapy, they amalgamate technology and medical advancements to offer personalized care and improved health for men. The company is committed to revolutionizing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) treatments.
8. Beam Therapeutics (NASDAQ:BEAM)
Sector/Industry: Healthcare (Biotechnology)
Share Price: $26.57
Potential Upside: 61.8%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 27
Beam Therapeutics (NASDAQ:BEAM) is one of the most promising mid-cap healthcare stocks under $50.
On December 9, H.C. Wainwright analyst Patrick Trucchio reaffirmed his bullish stance on Beam Therapeutics (NASDAQ:BEAM). He rated the stock Buy with a target price of $80, implying a substantial 201% upside.
Trucchio’s rating and huge upside forecasts are based on highly encouraging data from Beam Therapeutics’ (NASDAQ:BEAM) BEACON trial. The trial results indicate that risto-cel possesses unique potential to become an innovative and effective cure for sickle cell disease (SCD). This is due to their ability to alter hemoglobin levels, cure anemia, and prevent vaso-occlusive crises.
According to Trucchio, what also sets Beam Therapeutics (NASDAQ:BEAM) apart from competitors in the ex vivo hematology space is its highly differentiated manufacturing process for risto-cel. Using a vein-to-vein timeline in the process makes it highly scalable and gives the company a competitive edge.
The consensus 1-year median price target for Beam Therapeutics (NASDAQ:BEAM) is $43. Compared with Trucchio’s forecasts, this represents roughly 62% upside from the current trading level, which remains very attractive. As of December 19 closing, Beam Therapeutics (NASDAQ:BEAM) stock has received 13 analyst ratings, of which 11 were Buy calls, and the remaining 2 were Hold calls.
Beam Therapeutics (NASDAQ:BEAM) is a biotechnology company that develops precision genetic medicines and also engages in gene therapies and genome editing research. Since their launch, Beam Therapeutics (NASDAQ:BEAM) has been spearheading the CRISPR-based editing that facilitates the development of advanced genetic medicines.
7. Alkermes plc (NASDAQ:ALKS)
Sector/Industry: Healthcare (Drug Manufacturers – Specialty & Generic)
Share Price: $28.45
Potential Upside: 62.3%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 46
Alkermes plc (NASDAQ:ALKS) is one of the most promising mid-cap healthcare stocks under $50.
At the close of play on December 19, the consensus ratings remain bullish for Alkermes plc (NASDAQ:ALKS). The stock has been covered by 15 analysts, of which 11 assigned it Buy ratings and the remaining 4 were Holds. As per analyst estimates, the forecasted median 1-year price target for the stock is $46.17 a share, resulting in 62.3% upside potential at the prevailing prices.
On December 3, the company Chairman and CEO, Richard Pops, presented at the Evercore 8th Annual Healthcare Conference. He described 2025 as a truly transformational year for the business. Apart from positive NT1 and NT2 data, he also spoke about the company’s aggressive pursuits within the hypersomnolence market. Alkermes (NASDAQ:ALKS) plans to acquire Avadel, a profitable company with a circa $275 million topline. Pops linked this strategic acquisition with their planned launch of alixorexton, an oral drug for treating complex sleep disorders.
On December 5, Piper Sandler analyst David Amsellem also reaffirmed his bullish view of Alkermes (NASDAQ:ALKS). He gave a Buy call for the stock with a price target of $45. As per his estimates, the stock currently offers more than 58% upside potential to investors.
Alkermes (NASDAQ:ALKS) is a biopharmaceutical company that develops and commercializes innovative medicines to address neurological disorders. The company leverages its proprietary technologies for formulations that cater to individuals with psychiatric conditions. They also directly purchase active drugs from third parties.
6. Surgery Partners (NASDAQ:SGRY)
Sector/Industry: Healthcare (Medical Care Facilities)
Share Price: $15.70
Potential Upside: 67.5%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 30
Surgery Partners (NASDAQ:SGRY) is one of the most promising mid-cap healthcare stocks under $50.
On December 18, Mizuho Securities analyst Ann Hynes reiterated her Buy rating on Surgery Partners (NASDAQ:SGRY) stock. She has assigned a price target of $19, which leads to an upside of 21% from the current trading level.
Hynes’s bullish rating is backed by a positive 2026 forecast for managed care and health facilities. She highlighted that the managed care space is at the tail end of a three-year negative underwriting cycle and sees the coming year as a turning point. According to Hynes, 2026 could set the tone for improved margins in the coming years, especially across Medicaid and Medicare. Such expected commercial turnaround within managed care makes her highly optimistic about Surgery Partners (NASDAQ:SGRY) stock.
As of December 19, Surgery Partners (NASDAQ:SGRY) stock has received coverage from 11 analysts. Eight of them have assigned a Buy rating to the stock, while three have given a Hold rating. The stock offers an estimated 67.5% upside potential from current levels, and has a consensus target price of $26.30.
Surgery Partners (NASDAQ:SGRY) delivers surgical and ancillary services across different locations within the United States. Through single- and multi-specialty facilities, they offer services such as physician practices, anesthesia, and urgent care. The company also focuses on non-emergency surgical procedures, including orthopedics, ophthalmology, and pain management.
5. Denali Therapeutics (NASDAQ:DNLI)
Sector/Industry: Healthcare (Biotechnology)
Share Price: $16.85
Potential Upside: 83.9%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 36
Denali Therapeutics (NASDAQ:DNLI) is one of the most promising mid-cap healthcare stocks under $50.
On December 11, Wedbush analyst Laura Chico maintained her bullish stance on Denali Therapeutics (NASDAQ:DNLI). She rated the stock Buy with a $30 target price, implying a notable 78% upside for investors.
Chico’s price target is a revision from the previous target of $31, but this comes after the company’s completion of a recent $200 million secondary offering. The company issued 9.1 million additional common shares at $17.50 per share. The issuance also involved pre-funded warrants to buy an additional 2.3 million common shares. Chico estimated the overall net proceeds from this offering to be in the range of $217 million. She sees such equity financing to be logical at a time when the company is engaged with the FDA regarding a potential tivi PRV issuance.
Besides that, Denali Therapeutics (NASDAQ:DNLI) stock has received Buy calls from all 11 analysts by the close of play on December 19. According to analyst estimates, the stock’s median 1-year price target is $31 per share, implying nearly 84% upside at current market levels.
Denali Therapeutics (NASDAQ:DNLI) is a biotechnology company that utilizes proprietary technology to address neurodegenerative diseases. Through their TransportVehicle™ platform, and by leveraging the power of biotherapeutics, they develop medicines for some very serious conditions, including lysosomal storage.
4. Dyne Therapeutics (NASDAQ:DYN)
Sector/Industry: Healthcare (Biotechnology)
Share Price: $19.85
Potential Upside: 93.5%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 45
Dyne Therapeutics (NASDAQ:DYN) is one of the most promising mid-cap healthcare stocks under $50.
As of the December 19 closing, the consensus analyst sentiment towards Dyne Therapeutics (NASDAQ:DYN) remains bullish. After a decline of almost 16% during 2025, the stock has received coverage from 10 analysts. 80% of them assigned Buy ratings, and the remaining 20% gave Hold calls. Such bullish forecasts have led to an estimated 1-year average price target of $38.40 per share, implying more than 93% upside for investors.
On December 15, Evercore ISI analyst Gavin Clark-Gartner reaffirmed his bullish stance on Dyne Therapeutics (NASDAQ:DYN). He assigned a Buy rating to the stock with a target price of $36. This implies a substantial upside potential of more than 81% for investors, compared with the stock’s current trading level.
Clark-Gartner’s Buy rating on Dyne Therapeutics (NASDAQ:DYN) stock is based on the company’s encouraging trends in functionality. He also highlighted how certain metrics on efficacy and safety remain in line with expectations. He sees these factors as a favorable catalyst for the stock after the company recently carried out a fundraising round.
Dyne Therapeutics (NASDAQ:DYN) is a biotechnology company that formulates life-transforming targeted therapeutics for individuals with genetically driven neuromuscular diseases. Dyne Therapeutics (NASDAQ:DYN) makes use of its FORCE platform to identify the root cause of a condition, and currently has a strong pipeline of clinical and preclinical programs.
3. Vaxcyte Inc. (NASDAQ:PCVX)
Sector/Industry: Healthcare (Biotechnology)
Share Price: $46.42
Potential Upside: 117.2%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 46
Vaxcyte Inc. (NASDAQ:PCVX) is one of the most promising mid-cap healthcare stocks under $50.
On December 9, BTIG analyst Thomas Shrader reiterated his bullish view of Vaxcyte Inc. (NASDAQ:PCVX). He assigned a Buy rating to the stock with a target price of $85. This results in an upside of over 83% from the current level.
Sharder mentioned the positive results from Phase 2 trials for the VAX-31 vaccine, which will prove to be a building block for the critical Phase 3 trials. The upcoming trial’s robust design involves a stringent success criterion involving a noninferiority margin for immunogenicity. This could ensure that VAX-31 would turn out to be a more effective cure for adult pneumococcal conditions.
Sharder also highlighted the target market for VAX-31, which ranges from ages 50 to 65 and offers potential for strong market adoption. The analyst views all these factors to place Vaxcyte Inc. (NASDAQ:PCVX) in a strong competitive position.
Even the consensus ratings also indicate analysts’ optimism about Vaxcyte Inc. (NASDAQ:PCVX). At the close of play on December 19, all 7 ratings assigned to the stock were Buy, with consensus forecasts showing a median 1-year price target of $100.80 per share. This offers investors a whopping 117.2% upside from the current trading levels.
Vaxcyte Inc. (NASDAQ:PCVX) is a company involved in the development of next-generation vaccines that offer protection against threatening bacterial diseases. Currently a clinical-stage company, Vaxcyte Inc. (NASDAQ:PCVX) deploys innovative synthetic methods and advanced chemistry to produce complex high-fidelity vaccines that contain enhanced immunological benefits.
2. Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ:VKTX)
Sector/Industry: Healthcare (Biotechnology)
Share Price: $35.19
Potential Upside: 176.4%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 37
Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ:VKTX) is one of the most promising mid-cap healthcare stocks under $50.
On December 18, H.C. Wainwright analyst Joseph Pantginis reaffirmed his Buy rating on Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ:VKTX). The analyst has forecasted a huge upside potential of almost 190% from the prevailing range, with a price target of $102 a share.
Pantginis maintains a long-term view based on the company’s differentiated VK2735 oral and injectable formulations. This view comes after some positive outcomes of the Phase 3 ATTAIN-MAINTAIN study, based on the same molecule, conducted by their competitor Eli Lilly. The results indicate that the oral therapies are equally effective in preserving the weight loss, which previously was associated with injections. This would facilitate a highly smooth transition from injections to oral therapies for chronic treatments, without much risk.
These results from Eli Lilly’s study validate the ongoing efforts on Viking’s oral obesity program. Apart from curtailing the commercial risks associated with the program, they will also increase investor interest in the company.
Consensus estimates as of December 19 also indicate more than 176% upside potential for Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ:VKTX). The forecasted target price for the stock is $97.27, with all 13 analysts assigning Buy ratings.
Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ:VKTX) specializes in therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders. As a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, they direct their research efforts towards small-molecule drugs to cure obesity, fatty liver, and diabetes.
1. Legend Biotech (NASDAQ:LEGN)
Sector/Industry: Healthcare (Biotechnology)
Share Price: $21.92
Potential Upside: 211.1%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 28
Legend Biotech (NASDAQ:LEGN) is one of the most promising mid-cap healthcare stocks under $50.
As of December 19 closing, the consensus ratings for Legend Biotech (NASDAQ:LEGN) remain bullish. After a drop of almost 33% during 2025, the stock has received coverage from 11 analysts. 10 of them assigned Buy ratings and 1 assigned a Hold call. With no Sell ratings, the stock has an estimated 1-year average price target of $68.20 a share. For investors, there is a massive 211% upside potential from the current trading levels.
On December 17, Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Eric Schmidt reaffirmed his overweight stance on Legend Biotech (NASDAQ:LEGN). He assigned a Buy rating to the stock with a target price of $74. As per his estimates, the stock offers a massive 238% upside potential at the current trading range.
Schmidt spoke about management’s view of CAR-T cell therapy, Carvykti. Management believes it to be a unique cure for myeloma amid demonstrated survival benefits, backed by data spanning over an extended time horizon. The analyst also highlighted the increasing demand for myeloma treatment and how the management looks at it to scale up their production. According to Schmidt, these factors outweigh any potential competitive threats in the market and provide for a strong investment case.
Legend Biotech (NASDAQ:LEGN) is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company that develops innovative therapies. Being an end-to-end cell therapy company, they focus on medication for serious diseases such as hematologic malignancies and solid tumors.
While we acknowledge the potential of LEGN as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than LEGN and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
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