The biotech sector is a dynamic and exciting space for investors looking for high-risk, high-reward opportunities. While many well-known companies dominate the headlines, there are also hidden gems flying under the radar that could offer substantial growth potential in 2026. Let’s take a closer look at five under-the-radar biotech stocks that could see significant growth in the coming year.
- Inovio Pharma (INO)
Inovio Pharma is a clinical-stage biotech company valued at $123.8 billion, known for its innovative CELLECTRA delivery technology that enables the creation of DNA-based medicines. These medicines help the body produce its own proteins to fight diseases like HPV, cancer, and infectious diseases. The company is currently focused on its lead candidate, INO-3107, for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), with plans to submit its Biologics License Application (BLA) in the second half of 2025. Analysts have a "Moderate Buy" rating on INO stock, with a high price target suggesting a potential upside of up to 425% in the next 12 months.
- Terns Pharmaceuticals (TERN)
With a market cap of $679.9 billion, Terns Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharma company specializing in small-molecule therapies for serious diseases such as oncology and obesity. The company’s lead candidate, TERN-701, is currently in a Phase 1 clinical trial for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and has shown promising early results. Analysts have a "Strong Buy" consensus on TERN stock, with a high price target indicating a potential upside of 257% in the next 12 months.
- Cardiol Therapeutics (CRDL)
Cardiol Therapeutics, valued at $145.02 million, is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic therapies for heart diseases. Its lead drug candidate, CardiolRx, has shown encouraging results in the treatment of acute myocarditis, highlighting its potential in addressing critical cardiac disorders lacking FDA-approved treatments. Analysts have a "Moderate Buy" consensus on CRDL stock, with a high price target suggesting a potential upside of 809% in the next 12 months.
- Silence Therapeutics (SLN)
Silence Therapeutics, with a market cap of $344.8 million, is a biotech company that develops siRNA medicines targeting disease-causing genes, primarily focusing on liver-related issues in hematology, cardiovascular, and rare diseases. The company’s candidate, divesiran, for polycythemia vera (PV) has shown promising results in Phase 1 trials, with ongoing progress in Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials. Analysts have a "Moderate Buy" rating on SLN stock, with a high price target indicating a potential upside of 943% in the next 12 months.
- Atara Biotherapeutics (ATRA)
Atara Biotherapeutics, valued at $196.7 million, specializes in developing off-the-shelf T-cell immunotherapies for cancer and autoimmune conditions. The company’s BLA for Tabelecleucel (tab-cel) for EBV-positive post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) has been accepted by the FDA, with a decision expected in early 2026. Analysts have a "Moderate Buy" consensus on ATRA stock, with a potential upside of 96% based on the high price target.
In conclusion, these under-the-radar biotech stocks offer investors the opportunity to capitalize on potential growth in the coming year. While they may not be as well-known as larger biotech companies, their innovative approaches to addressing unmet medical needs could lead to significant returns for investors.
