Investing.com -- Shares in Zealand Pharma (CSE:ZELA) rose on Tuesday, recovering losses from the previous session which came in the wake of comments by the company's CEO about seeking a large pharmaceutical partner for the company’s weight loss drug.

At 5:02 am (0902 GMT), Zealand Pharma was trading 3.8% higher at DKK 943.50.

Analysts at Jefferies have highlighted the company’s promising amylin pipeline and potential for lucrative partnerships as key drivers for the share price increase.

Jefferies noted that while the stock has performed strongly year-to-date, upcoming data on both Zealand Pharma’s and competitor amylin programs, coupled with potential partnership discussions, are expected to sustain investor interest.

“MSCI Standard promotion effective 30 Aug should also support shares,” said analysts at jefferies in a note.

Zealand Pharma has made progress in its amylin program, with positive Phase Ib data for its long-acting amylin candidate, petrelintide, suggesting potential for substantial weight loss. The company is planning to initiate a Phase IIb study in the second half of the year.

Jefferies emphasized the potential for amylin as a standalone treatment for obesity, as well as its potential to be combined with other therapies.

“We forecast $10bn peak sales at 60% probability for c.DKK365/share NPV (c.34%), still assuming partnership after Phase IIb in 2026E,” the analysts said, while maintaining a “buy” rating on the stock.

While Zealand Pharma’s obesity pipeline is a key focus, the company is also advancing its rare disease programs, with regulatory decisions expected for dasiglucagon and glepaglutide later this year.

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