Key Points

Regeneron and Amgen feature promising weight loss candidates.
Both companies also maintain strong product lineups that support solid revenue growth.
10 stocks we like better than Regeneron Pharmaceuticals ›

Investors focused on weight-loss stocks often turn first to Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. That choice is understandable. These firms currently lead the category. Their products, Zepbound and especially Wegovy, have become widely recognized names tied directly to ongoing weight management. Yet several other drug developers stand ready to benefit from rising demand for effective weight loss treatments. Two strong options to evaluate today are Regeneron and Amgen. The following points explain why these businesses merit closer attention from investors seeking compelling weight-loss stocks.

Image source: The Motley Fool.

Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now, when you join Stock Advisor. See the stocks »

1. Regeneron

Regeneron intends to launch phase 3 clinical trials this year for olatorepatide, one of its top weight-loss prospects. The therapy activates two gut hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, similar to the mechanism in Zepbound. Earlier trials conducted in China already delivered encouraging late-stage data. In a 48-week study with 604 participants, the drug produced weight reductions reaching 19 percent.

These outcomes look strong. Although the data came from Chinese patients and additional U.S. trials will be required for approval, prospects remain favorable. Regeneron continues work on further candidates, including one designed to preserve muscle mass for patients using GLP-1 therapies during weight reduction. That candidate showed positive results in mid-stage testing.

At the same time, Regeneron reports continued financial strength. First-quarter revenue rose 19 percent year over year, reaching $3.6 billion. The company faced biosimilar pressure on Eylea for wet age-related macular degeneration in prior periods, yet newer high-dose versions now help restore momentum. Its leading growth product, Dupixent for eczema, also maintains solid performance. Analysts expect continued strong results in coming years alongside further clinical and regulatory advances beyond weight loss. The firm awaits FDA approval for cemdisiran, a candidate for myasthenia gravis that addresses muscle weakness and related symptoms.

Regeneron holds multiple phase 3 programs and should achieve a refreshed portfolio of approved medicines by decade end. Although the company is not solely a weight-loss stock, meaningful progress in that area could support outperformance versus broader markets over the medium term.

2. Amgen

Amgen is conducting phase 3 trials for its anti-obesity candidate, MariTide. Testing covers chronic weight management, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular outcomes in overweight or obese patients, obstructive sleep apnea, and additional uses. Approval across these areas could position MariTide as a serious competitor to tirzepatide, the active component in Zepbound (also cleared for OSA) and the diabetes treatment Mounjaro.

Amgen further positions MariTide with a more convenient dosing schedule. The medicine may be given once monthly or less often, compared with the weekly dosing required by Zepbound and Wegovy. This advantage could establish MariTide as a key growth driver.

Other factors support ownership of the stock. Amgen delivered solid performance, with first-quarter revenue advancing 6 percent year over year to $8.6 billion. Results appear even stronger given recent loss of patent protection for denosumab, previously an important growth product. Sales from that medicine are declining, yet other offerings now offset the impact.

Those products include Tezspire for asthma and Tepezza for thyroid eye disease. Amgen maintains an attractive pipeline with several high-potential candidates. The company also ranks as a strong dividend payer, having raised distributions annually since 2011. It offers a forward yield near 3 percent, above the roughly 1.1 percent average for the S&P 500. Amgen stands out as a leading choice for long-term income investors and those seeking attractive weight-loss stocks.

Should you buy stock in Regeneron Pharmaceuticals right now?

Before you buy stock in Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, consider this:

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals was not among them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.

Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you would have $417,305!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you would have $1,293,148!*

Now, it is worth noting Stock Advisor total average return is 936% - a market-crushing outperformance compared to 209% for the S&P 500. Do not miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.

See the 10 stocks »

*Stock Advisor returns as of June 23, 2026.

Prosper Junior Bakiny has positions in Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amgen, Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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