Surge in Retail Investor Activity in Healthcare Stocks
Last week, a significant surge in retail investor activity was observed in the healthcare sector, with three specific stocks—GlucoTrack (GCTK), Sarepta Therapeutics (SRPT), and TNF Pharmaceuticals (TNFA)—experiencing a dramatic increase in message volume. This spike in interest has led to heightened attention from both individual traders and market analysts.
GlucoTrack (GCTK) – A Major Jump in Attention
GlucoTrack saw the most substantial increase in retail chatter, with message volume rising by an impressive 3,700% over the past seven days. As of late Sunday, sentiment among retail traders remained strongly bullish.
On July 8, the company announced the repurchase of over 90% of its Series A Warrants, which was funded using cash on hand. This move followed the release of positive results from its first-in-human clinical study of its continuous blood glucose monitor (CBGM). The implantable device demonstrated a 99% data capture rate, strong accuracy, and no serious adverse events. Designed for a three-year lifespan, the CBGM measures blood glucose directly rather than through interstitial fluid and does not require any on-body wearable devices. A long-term feasibility study is expected to begin in Q3 2025.
Despite this positive news, GCTK’s stock has declined significantly, dropping 98.5% so far in 2025.
Sarepta Therapeutics (SRPT) – Regulatory Concerns Amidst Rising Sentiment
Sarepta Therapeutics experienced a 1,991% increase in message volume over the past week, with sentiment remaining extremely bullish as of late Sunday. However, the company is facing mounting regulatory concerns.
On July 19, shares plunged over 26% during midday trading after FDA Commissioner Marty Makary indicated that the agency is closely reviewing whether Sarepta’s gene therapy, Elevidys, should remain on the market. The company disclosed a third patient death on July 18 involving a 51-year-old participant in a limb-girdle muscular dystrophy trial using a similar viral vector to Elevidys. Two earlier deaths were already under investigation. Reuters reported that the FDA plans to request a voluntary halt to Elevidys’ shipments.
Analysts have criticized Sarepta for not disclosing the fatality earlier, particularly during a recent business update where it announced a 500-job layoff and $400 million in cost cuts. In response, the company has paused shipments to non-ambulatory patients and agreed to a black box warning for Elevidys, citing the risk of acute liver failure.
Despite these challenges, SRPT’s stock has declined 88.7% so far in 2025.
TNF Pharmaceuticals (TNFA) – Momentum Driven by Strategic Collaborations
TNF Pharmaceuticals recorded a 1,900% rise in message volume over the past seven days, with sentiment labeled as extremely bullish as of late Sunday. While there was no specific news catalyst driving the buzz last week, the momentum has been strong since last month when TNFA announced a Compassionate Use collaboration with the DADA2 Foundation to study isomyosamine as a treatment for DADA2, a rare pediatric autoinflammatory disorder.
In April, TNFA partnered with Renova Health to apply AI and machine learning to optimize patient recruitment. The company is analyzing data from 30,000 patients to identify high-risk cohorts, particularly for interventions related to inflammation and side effects of GLP-1 therapy.
TNFA’s pipeline includes two drug platforms: isomyosamine, which regulates inflammatory pathways, and Supera-CBD, which targets chronic pain, addiction, and epilepsy.
Despite these developments, TNFA’s stock has declined 92.4% so far in 2025.
Key Takeaways
The recent surge in retail investor activity highlights the growing interest in healthcare stocks, even amid regulatory and financial challenges. While some companies are seeing positive developments, others face significant hurdles. Investors are closely watching these stocks, and the coming months will likely bring more updates and changes in sentiment.
