CRISPR Therapeutics vs. Viking Therapeutics: Is a Gene-Editing or Weight Loss Focused Stock Is a Better Buy in 2026?
Brendan Coffey, The Motley Fool
Tue, July 7, 2026 at 8:26 PM GMT+5:30
7 min read
- CRSP
-4.83% - VKTX
+2.95% - VRTX
-0.39%
Genetic engineering and weight-loss innovation have become focal points for modern healthcare investors. Choosing between CRISPR Therapeutics AG (NASDAQ:CRSP) and Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ:VKTX) depends on your appetite for risk and your belief in their distinct medical breakthroughs
CRISPR Therapeutics uses gene-editing technology to address diseases at their geneticty that affect millions globally. Both companies represent high-potential opportunities within the biotechnology space, though they currently sit at very different stages of their respective commercial journeys
The case for CRISPR Therapeutics
CRISPR Therapeutics focuses on developing transformative gene-based medicines using its proprietary CRISPR/Cas9 platform. The company recently achieved a major milestone with the commercial launch of Casgevy, a treatment for sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia. It operates under a strategic collaboration with Vertex Pharmaceuticals(NASDAQ:VRTX), which manages global manufacturing and commercialization. Customer concentration like this adds a layer of risk to the business, as CRISPR Therapeutics relies on this partner for 60% of its profits and losses.
In FY 2025, revenue was about $3.5 million, representing a decrease of approximately 90% from the prior year. This decline is largely due to the transition from receiving one-time milestone payments to building out long-term commercial revenue streams from its approved products. The company reported a net loss of close to $581.6 million. Investing in biotech stocks requires an understanding of how these companies move from early research to global commercialization
As of its December 2025 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio was roughly 0.2x. This ratio measures total debt relative to the equity shareholders have in the company, with a lower number indicating less reliance on borrowed money. Free cash flow was negative $345.9 million, representing the amount of cash a company generates after paying for capital expenditures
The case for Viking Therapeutics
Viking Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that develops therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders. Its primary focus is on obesity and liver diseases, which are some of the fastest-growing areas in the modern healthcare market. The company currently lacks its own commercial infrastructure and depends on a Master License Agreement with Ligand Pharmaceuticals(NASDAQ:LGND) for its core pipeline assets. It also uses third-party manufacturers, such as CordenPharma, to produce its drug candidates for ongoing clinical trials.
