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10 Best Pharmaceutical Stocks to Buy in 2026

Data-driven analysis of 473 pharmaceutical stocks ranked by Tradestie Score

Updated
473 stocks analyzed
5 min read
473
Stocks Analyzed
53.7
Avg. Score
$3.1T
Total Market Cap
83.8
Top Score
Jan 03, 2026
Last Updated
The pharmaceutical sector remains a cornerstone for investors due to its resilience amid global health challenges, with innovations in biotechnology and drug development driving substantial market growth and long-term value. Recent advancements, such as mRNA technology and personalized medicine, have accelerated post-pandemic recovery efforts, making high-scoring stocks attractive for portfolio diversification. As evidenced by the top Tradestie Scores, companies in this sector are positioned to capitalize on an aging global population and increasing healthcare expenditures, potentially yielding strong returns.

Top 3 Picks

2
MTSR
Metsera, Inc. Common Stock
82.8
Tradestie
Score
View Analysis
3
ETON
Eton Pharmaceutcials, Inc. Common Stock
69.6
Tradestie
Score
View Analysis

2026 Outlook

By 2026, the pharmaceutical sector is projected to expand significantly, fueled by trends like the rise of biopharmaceuticals and gene therapies, with global market revenues expected to surpass $1.5 trillion amid increasing demand for innovative treatments. Regulatory reforms and accelerated drug approvals will likely enhance innovation cycles, while challenges such as patent expirations and supply chain disruptions may introduce volatility. Overall, the sector's outlook remains positive, supported by robust R&D investments and a shift towards sustainable healthcare solutions.

Complete Rankings

Rank Stock Score Price Market Cap
1
Leap Therapeutics, Inc. Common Stock
83.8 -- $22M
2
Metsera, Inc. Common Stock
82.8 -- $5.5B
3
Eton Pharmaceutcials, Inc. Common Stock
69.6 $16.26 $543M
4
Atea Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Common Stock
67.5 $3.48 $229M
5
LAVA Therapeutics N.V. Ordinary Shares
67.0 $1.27 $41M
6
Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc.
66.6 $8.25 $301M
7
vTv Therapeutics Inc. Class A Common Stock
66.2 $39.60 $63M
8
BioMarin Pharmaceuticals Inc
66.0 $59.45 $10.5B
9
COMPASS Pathways Plc American Depository Shares
65.8 $6.55 $554M
10
Viatris Inc. Common Stock
65.8 $12.46 $11.8B
11
PUMA BIOTECHNOLOGY INC
65.5 $5.77 $265M
12
ABBVIE INC.
64.7 $229.31 $431.7B
13
PFE
Pfizer Inc.
64.7 $25.18 $154.7B
14
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc
64.6 $452.13 $103.6B
15
CorMedix Inc.
64.0 $12.16 $863M

In-Depth Analysis: Top Pharmaceutical Stocks

1

LPTX

Leap Therapeutics, Inc. Common Stock
83.8
Score
--
$22M
Company Overview

Leap Therapeutics Inc is a biopharmaceutical company developing novel biomarker-targeted antibody therapies designed to treat patients with cancer by inhibiting fundamental tumor-promoting pathways, targeting cancer-specific cell surface molecules, and harnessing the immune system to attack cancer cells. The company's key clinical-stage drug candidate is sirexatamab (DKN-01), which targets Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1) and is being studied in a clinical trial …

Why This Matters

Leap Therapeutics matters in the Pharmaceutical sector due to its focus on innovative biomarker-targeted antibody therapies that inhibit tumor-promoting pathways and leverage the immune system, addressing unmet needs in oncology for more precise cancer treatments. This approach positions the company as a key player in the evolving landscape of personalized medicine, potentially disrupting traditional chemotherapy methods.

Profitability Analysis

With limited financial data available, Leap Therapeutics' Tradestie Score of 83.8/100 indicates a strong overall assessment, suggesting potential for future profitability driven by its clinical pipeline. However, as a biopharmaceutical firm in the development stage, profitability may remain challenged until key therapies achieve regulatory approval and commercialization.

Why It's a Buy in 2026

Investors should consider buying LPTX stock in 2026 as the company's advanced antibody therapies targeting cancer-specific molecules are poised to progress through clinical trials, potentially leading to FDA approvals and revenue growth in the expanding oncology market. The high Tradestie Score of 83.8/100 underscores the stock's strong fundamentals and investor sentiment, indicating undervalued potential for appreciation. Furthermore, the emphasis on harnessing the immune system aligns with industry trends toward immunotherapy, offering opportunities for partnerships and market dominance by 2026.

2

MTSR

Metsera, Inc. Common Stock
82.8
Score
--
$5.5B
Company Overview

Metsera Inc is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing next-generation injectable and oral nutrient-stimulated hormone (NuSH) analog peptides to treat obesity, overweight, and related conditions. The Company has developed and is implementing proprietary methods and platform technologies to advance a broad, scalable, and combinable portfolio of injectable and oral NuSH analog peptides with the potential to address not only the limitations …

Why This Matters

Metsera Inc. matters in the pharmaceutical sector as it pioneers next-generation NuSH analog peptides for obesity and related conditions, addressing a massive global market projected to exceed $100 billion by 2030 due to rising obesity rates. Its proprietary platform technologies enable innovative injectable and oral treatments, positioning the company as a potential disruptor in weight management therapies amid increasing demand for effective solutions.

Profitability Analysis

As a clinical-stage biotechnology firm, Metsera's profitability is currently constrained by high R&D investments, with limited financial data indicating no significant revenue streams yet. However, the Tradestie Score of 82.8/100 reflects strong financial health, suggesting effective capital management and potential for future profitability as clinical programs advance.

Why It's a Buy in 2026

By 2026, investors should consider MTSR due to the expected advancement of its NuSH analog peptides through clinical trials, potentially leading to FDA approvals and entry into the obesity market, which could drive substantial revenue growth. The Tradestie Score of 82.8/100 underscores the company's solid fundamentals and innovation potential, making it attractive amid expanding demand for obesity treatments. Additionally, Metsera's proprietary technologies provide a competitive edge, differentiating it from peers and enhancing long-term stock upside as global obesity rates continue to rise.

3

ETON

Eton Pharmaceutcials, Inc. Common Stock
69.6
Score
$16.26
$543M
Company Overview

Eton Pharmaceuticals Inc is a United States based specialty pharmaceutical company. The company is engaged in developing and commercializing pharmaceutical products to fulfill an unmet patient need. It has four commercial rare disease products, Alkindi Sprinkle for the treatment of adrenocortical insufficiency; Carglumic Acid for the treatment of hyperammonemia, Betaine Anhydrous for the treatment of homocystinuria; and Nitisinone for the …

Why This Matters

Eton Pharmaceuticals matters in the Pharmaceutical sector as a specialty company focused on rare disease treatments, with four commercial products like Alkindi Sprinkle addressing adrenocortical insufficiency, thereby filling critical gaps in patient care and contributing to innovation in underserved markets.

Profitability Analysis

Eton's negative profit margin of -9.5% and ROE of -34.2% indicate current unprofitability and challenges in generating returns on equity, reflecting a company in its growth phase with high operational costs; however, the impressive 117.5% revenue growth demonstrates strong top-line expansion and potential for improved financial health as it scales operations.

-9.5%
Profit Margin
-34.2%
ROE
117.5%
Revenue Growth
Why It's a Buy in 2026

Eton's 117.5% revenue growth highlights its rapid expansion in the rare disease market, positioning it for potential profitability by 2026 as it leverages its four commercial products to capture increasing demand. The Tradestie Score of 69.6/100 suggests solid underlying fundamentals, making it an attractive investment for those seeking high-growth opportunities in specialty pharmaceuticals. Investors could benefit from the company's focus on unmet needs, which may lead to market share gains and enhanced valuation as the sector evolves.

4

AVIR

Atea Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Common Stock
67.5
Score
$3.48
$229M
Company Overview

Atea Pharmaceuticals Inc is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing antiviral therapeutics to improve the lives of patients suffering from serious viral infections. The company is developing its product candidate, bemnifosbuvir, for the treatment of COVID-19, the disease caused by infection with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its variants and also developing bemnifosbuvir …

Why This Matters

Atea Pharmaceuticals matters in the Pharmaceutical sector as a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in antiviral therapeutics, including bemnifosbuvir for treating serious viral infections, addressing critical unmet needs in a market amplified by global health challenges like pandemics.

Profitability Analysis

Atea's negative ROE of -38.0% highlights current unprofitability, likely due to high R&D investments typical for clinical-stage firms, but its exceptional revenue growth of 295.2% indicates rapid business expansion and potential for future financial improvement.

-38.0%
ROE
295.2%
Revenue Growth
Why It's a Buy in 2026

Investors should consider buying AVIR stock in 2026 due to the anticipated progression of bemnifosbuvir through clinical stages, potentially leading to FDA approval and market entry in the growing antiviral therapeutics space. The company's 295.2% revenue growth underscores strong operational momentum and scalability, supported by a Tradestie Score of 67.5, suggesting moderate financial stability amid sector opportunities.

5

LVTX

LAVA Therapeutics N.V. Ordinary Shares
67.0
Score
$1.27
$41M
Company Overview

LAVA Therapeutics NV isa clinical stage immuno-oncology company. It is focused on transforming cancer treatment by developing a platform to selectively induce bispecific antibody utilizing the Gammabody platform for an undisclosed tumor associated antigen for the treatment of cancer. Company's pipeline include's products such as LAVA-1266, LAVA-1427, LAVA-1433, LAVA-1207, PF08046052, JNJ89853413.

Why This Matters

LAVA Therapeutics matters in the pharmaceutical sector as a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company pioneering bispecific antibodies via its Gammabody platform, which targets tumor-associated antigens to enhance cancer treatment efficacy. This innovation addresses a critical gap in oncology, aligning with the sector's growing emphasis on personalized immunotherapies amid rising global cancer prevalence.

Profitability Analysis

LAVA Therapeutics exhibits poor profitability with a Return on Equity of -101.5%, indicating significant losses likely due to high R&D expenses in clinical-stage development. However, the company's remarkable revenue growth of 1313.6% highlights strong operational scaling and potential for improved financial health as its pipeline progresses.

-101.5%
ROE
1313.6%
Revenue Growth
Why It's a Buy in 2026

Investors should consider LVTX in 2026 given its exceptional revenue growth of 1313.6%, which signals robust demand for its Gammabody platform in immuno-oncology. The Tradestie Score of 67.0/100 reflects moderate investment strength, and with anticipated advancements in their bispecific antibody pipeline, the company could achieve key milestones like clinical trial successes or strategic partnerships. By 2026, these developments may drive significant stock upside as the pharmaceutical sector increasingly values innovative cancer therapies.

6

VNDA

Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc.
66.6
Score
$8.25
$301M
Company Overview

Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the development and commercialization of therapies to address high unmet medical needs and improve the lives of patients. Its commercial portfolio comprises three products; HETLIOZ for the treatment of Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder (Non-24) & nighttime sleep disturbances in Smith-Magenis Syndrome (SMS); Fanapt for the treatment of schizophrenia; and PONVORY. Its other …

Why This Matters

Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. matters in the Pharmaceutical sector for its specialized focus on developing therapies for high unmet medical needs, such as Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder treated by HETLIOZ, which addresses niche markets overlooked by larger competitors. With a commercial portfolio of three products, the company contributes to improving patient outcomes and drives innovation in biopharmaceuticals.

Profitability Analysis

Vanda's negative profit margin of -39.7% and ROE of -16.7% highlight current financial challenges, indicating the company is not yet generating profits or efficient returns on equity. However, its 18.1% revenue growth demonstrates positive momentum, suggesting potential for improved financial health as the company scales its operations.

-39.7%
Profit Margin
-16.7%
ROE
18.1%
Revenue Growth
Why It's a Buy in 2026

Vanda's robust 18.1% revenue growth and a Tradestie Score of 66.6/100 signal strong potential for expansion in the pharmaceutical market by 2026, particularly with ongoing demand for treatments like HETLIOZ. The company's focus on unmet needs could lead to new product approvals and market share gains, enhancing long-term value. Investors should consider this stock for its growth trajectory, as increasing adoption of specialized therapies may drive significant stock appreciation by 2026.

7

VTVT

vTv Therapeutics Inc. Class A Common Stock
66.2
Score
$39.60
$63M
Company Overview

vTv Therapeutics Inc is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of cadisegliatin, a novel, potential first-in-class oral adjunctive therapy to insulin, being investigated for the treatment of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Its product pipeline includes TTP399, TTP273, HPP737, HPP593, Azeliragon, HPP971, HPP3033, and TTP-RA.

Why This Matters

vTv Therapeutics Inc. matters in the Pharmaceutical sector as it develops cadisegliatin, a novel first-in-class oral adjunctive therapy for type 1 diabetes, addressing a critical unmet need in a market projected to grow significantly due to rising diabetes prevalence. Its diversified pipeline, including TTP399 and HPP737, positions the company as a potential innovator in metabolic disorder treatments, differentiating it among clinical-stage biopharmaceutical firms.

Profitability Analysis

vTv Therapeutics' ROE of -64.2% highlights significant profitability challenges, indicating the company is currently unprofitable and reliant on external funding to support its clinical-stage operations. Despite this, the Tradestie Score of 66.2/100 suggests moderate financial stability and operational efficiency, potentially improving as key drug candidates progress toward commercialization.

-64.2%
ROE
Why It's a Buy in 2026

Investors should consider buying VTVT stock in 2026 as cadisegliatin advances in clinical trials, with positive outcomes potentially leading to FDA approval and entry into the type 1 diabetes market, estimated to exceed $20 billion globally by that year. The company's pipeline, including TTP399 for type 2 diabetes, offers multiple revenue streams and diversification, enhancing long-term growth prospects in the expanding pharmaceutical sector. Additionally, the Tradestie Score of 66.2/100 indicates a favorable risk-reward profile, supporting potential stock upside from successful trial results and partnerships.

8

BMRN

BioMarin Pharmaceuticals Inc
66.0
Score
$59.45
$10.5B
Company Overview

BioMarin is a global biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing therapies for rare genetic diseases. BioMarin specializes in enzyme replacement therapies, gene therapies, and other advanced treatments designed to address complex genetic disorders. The company has eight approved therapies for conditions including achondroplasia, phenylketonuria, hemophilia, and mucopolysaccharidosis. BioMarin has an expanding, yet relatively early-stage, pipeline of treatments in development …

Why This Matters

BioMarin Pharmaceuticals Inc. matters in the Pharmaceutical sector due to its leadership in developing innovative therapies for rare genetic diseases, addressing a critical unmet need in healthcare. With eight approved products focused on enzyme replacement and gene therapies, the company drives advancements that enhance patient outcomes and contribute to the growing market for specialized treatments.

Profitability Analysis

BioMarin's 16.8% profit margin reflects strong operational efficiency in monetizing its specialized therapies, while its 9.1% ROE indicates moderate effectiveness in generating returns on shareholder equity. Despite a modest 4.1% revenue growth, the 21.9 P/E ratio suggests the company is reasonably valued, supporting overall financial health in a competitive sector.

16.8%
Profit Margin
9.1%
ROE
4.1%
Revenue Growth
21.9
P/E Ratio
Why It's a Buy in 2026

By 2026, BioMarin's focus on gene therapies for rare diseases positions it for accelerated revenue growth beyond the current 4.1%, driven by an expanding pipeline and increasing demand for personalized medicine. The stock's 21.9 P/E ratio indicates it is attractively valued relative to its profitability metrics, such as a 16.8% profit margin, offering potential for capital appreciation. Additionally, the 66.0 Tradestie Score highlights moderate upside potential, making BMRN a compelling buy for investors seeking exposure to innovative biotechnology advancements.

9

CMPS

COMPASS Pathways Plc American Depository Shares
65.8
Score
$6.55
$554M
Company Overview

Compass Pathways PLC is a mental health care company dedicated to accelerating patient access to evidence-based innovation in mental health. The company is motivated by the need to find ways to help and empower people suffering with mental health challenges who are not helped by existing therapies and are pioneering the development of a new model of psilocybin therapy, in …

Why This Matters

Compass Pathways PLC matters in the Pharmaceutical sector due to its leadership in developing psychedelic-assisted therapies for mental health disorders, addressing a critical unmet need for patients unresponsive to traditional treatments. With a Tradestie Score of 65.8/100, the company exemplifies innovation in evidence-based mental health solutions, potentially transforming care for conditions like depression and PTSD amid a growing global mental health crisis.

Profitability Analysis

Given the limited financial data available, Compass Pathways' Tradestie Score of 65.8/100 indicates moderate financial health, reflecting potential challenges from high R&D expenditures typical in early-stage biotech firms. This suggests the company may not yet be profitable, as it prioritizes clinical development over immediate revenue generation, which is common in the pharmaceutical sector for innovative therapies.

Why It's a Buy in 2026

By 2026, Compass Pathways could deliver substantial returns through successful Phase III trials for its psilocybin therapy, targeting a mental health market expected to grow to over $400 billion globally, driven by increasing demand for novel treatments. The company's robust pipeline and strategic partnerships may lead to FDA approvals, enhancing market position and stock valuation. Additionally, rising societal acceptance of psychedelic medicines positions CMPS for potential upside as mental health innovations gain mainstream adoption.

10

VTRS

Viatris Inc. Common Stock
65.8
Score
$12.46
$11.8B
Company Overview

Viatris was formed in November 2020 through the combination of Upjohn, a wholly owned subsidiary of Pfizer that specialized in off-patent drugs, and Mylan, a global pharmaceutical manufacturer that focused on generic and specialty drugs. By joining forces, Viatris became one of the largest generic drug manufacturers in the world, servicing over 165 countries. Generics (commoditized and complex) and biosimilars …

Why This Matters

Viatris matters in the pharmaceutical sector as one of the largest global manufacturers of generic and specialty drugs, formed by the 2020 merger of Upjohn and Mylan, which has expanded access to affordable off-patent medications worldwide.

Profitability Analysis

Viatris's profitability is concerning, with a negative profit margin of -26.1% indicating operational losses and a return on equity of -21.1% showing poor efficiency in utilizing shareholders' equity, though the 0.2% revenue growth suggests minimal top-line expansion amid market challenges.

-26.1%
Profit Margin
-21.1%
ROE
0.2%
Revenue Growth
Why It's a Buy in 2026

By 2026, Viatris could benefit from increasing demand for generic drugs due to rising healthcare costs and patent expirations, potentially improving its Tradestie Score of 65.8 through operational efficiencies from the merger. The company's slight 0.2% revenue growth in recent periods indicates stability, which may accelerate with cost synergies and market expansions in emerging regions. Furthermore, as a major player in off-patent drugs, Viatris is positioned to capitalize on global trends toward affordable pharmaceuticals, making it a consideration for long-term investors.

Methodology

Stocks are ranked using the Tradestie Score, a proprietary 0-100 rating that combines fundamental quality (profitability, balance sheet strength), growth metrics (revenue and earnings growth), valuation (P/E, PEG ratio), and momentum factors. Scores are updated daily based on the latest market data. Learn more about our methodology.