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Cramer Calls Vertex "Greatest Growth Stock Ever"

  //stocks-investing.news-articles.net/content/202 .. mer-calls-vertex-greatest-growth-stock-ever.html
  Published in Stocks and Investing on Friday, February 6th 2026 at 13:31 GMT by CNBC
      Locales: New Jersey, Massachusetts, California, UNITED STATES

New York, NY - February 6th, 2026 - In a bold declaration on CNBC's "Mad Money" program today, financial analyst Jim Cramer proclaimed Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX) as the "greatest growth stock" he has ever witnessed. While a strong statement, Cramer's assessment stems from the overwhelmingly positive results of Vertex's recent clinical trials for VX-147, a groundbreaking potential treatment for dystrophin-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy (DMD). He also highlighted Eli Lilly (LLY) as a significant player in the pharmaceutical growth landscape, naming it a close second.

Cramer's enthusiasm isn't simply market hype. VX-147 represents a potential paradigm shift in treating DMD, a debilitating genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration. Current treatment options are largely palliative, focusing on managing symptoms rather than addressing the root cause. VX-147, however, aims to restore dystrophin production, a protein crucial for muscle fiber integrity. Early trial data, which Cramer described as "extraordinary," demonstrates a substantial and clinically meaningful improvement in motor function in treated patients - a result previously unheard of in this condition. The implications for patients and families affected by DMD are potentially life-altering.

Analysts predict that if approved, VX-147 could become a blockbuster drug, generating billions in annual revenue for Vertex. This is largely due to the high unmet medical need, a relatively large patient population (approximately 1 in 3,500-5,000 male births), and the potential for a significant improvement in quality of life. Vertex is now rapidly moving towards submitting a New Drug Application (NDA) to the FDA, with expectations for a decision within the next year. The company has also expanded its research into other forms of muscular dystrophy, leveraging the platform technology used in VX-147's development.

While Vertex currently holds the top spot in Cramer's estimation, Eli Lilly's performance remains exceptionally strong, propelled by the success of its weight-loss drug, Zepbound (tirzepatide). Zepbound, a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, has demonstrated unparalleled efficacy in clinical trials, leading to significant weight loss and improvements in obesity-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

"There's just no competition," Cramer stated, referencing Zepbound's dominance in the rapidly expanding weight-loss market. While other GLP-1 agonists like Wegovy (Novo Nordisk) and Mounjaro (also Eli Lilly) exist, Zepbound's clinical profile appears superior, offering more substantial weight loss and potentially better long-term efficacy. This competitive advantage has translated into soaring sales figures for Lilly, making it one of the most valuable pharmaceutical companies globally.

However, the pharmaceutical landscape is constantly evolving. Cramer cautioned that both Vertex and Eli Lilly must sustain their innovation and demonstrate continued strong execution to maintain their positions. The approval of VX-147 is not guaranteed, and potential manufacturing challenges or unforeseen side effects could impact its success. Similarly, while Zepbound currently enjoys market dominance, competitors are actively developing new weight-loss therapies with potentially improved profiles or delivery methods.

Several other companies are also vying for a piece of the lucrative weight-loss market, including Novo Nordisk, which is developing a new, more potent version of Wegovy, and smaller biotech firms exploring novel mechanisms of action. The increasing competition could put pressure on Zepbound's pricing and market share in the coming years.

Looking ahead, investors will be closely watching Vertex's progress with VX-147 and Eli Lilly's continued growth with Zepbound. Both companies are investing heavily in research and development, with pipelines brimming with promising new candidates targeting a wide range of diseases. Cramer's assessment highlights the importance of identifying companies that are not only currently successful but also possess the innovation and execution capabilities to thrive in the dynamic and competitive pharmaceutical industry. Today's market reaction reflected this sentiment, with Vertex shares rising 3% and Eli Lilly up 1.4% following Cramer's comments.