There are numerous promising firms that allow investors to purchase shares during dips triggered by market swings or earlier company challenges. Consider CRISPR Therapeutics and Viking Therapeutics, a pair of mid-cap biotechs that have trailed broader markets over the past twelve months.

Despite these weak showings, solid reasons exist to examine these equities at present prices. Continue reading to learn more.

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1. CRISPR Therapeutics

CRISPR Therapeutics achieved a milestone by developing Casgevy, the first gene-editing treatment using the Nobel Prize-winning CRISPR method to gain approval. The stock rose from its 2016 IPO until roughly 2021 but has declined since for three main reasons.

First, clinical advancements drive performance for smaller biotech equities. Once milestones arrive, investors often lock in gains.

Second, Casgevy is a complex gene-editing therapy to deliver. Although approved in late 2023, the treatment has added little to CRISPR Therapeutics results so far.

Third, the firm remains unprofitable, a drawback in today's uncertain market climate.

Even so, CRISPR Therapeutics next advance could lift the stock. The company is advancing several promising treatments and anticipates data readouts from ongoing trials as soon as this year.

CRISPR Therapeutics focuses on difficult indications. The biotech aims to create therapies for type 1 diabetes, certain resistant cancers, and additional fields. Success here could propel the shares higher.

Moreover, Casgevy will eventually affect CRISPR Therapeutics financial performance. The firm will split profits with Vertex Pharmaceuticals, its partner, yet the collaboration proved beneficial overall for the smaller biotech.

CRISPR Therapeutics likely would not have secured approval as rapidly in regions such as parts of the Middle East, where Casgevy offers greater commercial potential than in the U.S. Obtaining approval and commercialization in the Middle East alone would have been too costly for a smaller drugmaker. Second, thanks in part to its long partnership with Vertex, CRISPR Therapeutics holds substantial liquidity, finishing the first quarter with $1.86 billion in cash and equivalents.

Finally, Casgevy carries blockbuster potential. It carries a $2.2 million price per course in the U.S., and the partners project roughly 60,000 eligible patients across target regions. Combined with Casgevy long-term promise and the innovative pipeline, CRISPR Therapeutics may recover and generate strong returns for patient investors.

2. Viking Therapeutics

Viking Therapeutics stayed relatively obscure until last year, when it delivered strong phase 2 results for VK2735, an experimental weight-management therapy. Although the stock rose after the data, it has weakened since.

No issues have emerged with Viking Therapeutics lead candidate; it is simply another instance of investors taking profits. Still, Viking Therapeutics appears attractive for multiple reasons.

The anti-obesity therapy market is expanding quickly. Many investigational treatments exist in this space, yet few have produced mid-stage data matching VK2735. The biotech also maintains an oral version of VK2735 now in phase 2 trials.

In addition, Viking Therapeutics holds several other candidates. VK2809 targets metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis and is advancing to phase 3 after mid-stage completion.

Lastly, VK0214 is under development for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, a rare nervous-system genetic disorder. VK0214 received orphan-drug designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, an award for treatments showing promise against rare diseases with unmet needs.

Viking Therapeutics pipeline stands out for a biotech valued near $3 billion. Clinical and regulatory wins in coming years could drive substantial share-price gains.

Risk remains, as with any clinical-stage biotech. The stock may fall on setbacks, especially with VK2735. Investors should weigh that possibility. Those comfortable with volatility may consider starting a modest position in Viking Therapeutics.

Should you invest $1,000 in CRISPR Therapeutics right now?

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Prosper Junior Bakiny holds positions in Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Viking Therapeutics. The Motley Fool holds positions in and recommends CRISPR Therapeutics and Vertex Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool recommends Viking Therapeutics. The Motley Fool maintains a disclosure policy.

The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.