August 18, 2025 After-Hours Market Update: VCIT, TWLO, STR, NVDA, OPEN, BAC, JNJ, NEOG, PANW, VNOM, KVUE, CNH

The NASDAQ 100 After Hours Indicator is down -2.43 to 23,711.33, with a total After hours volume of 129,178,808 shares traded. The most active stocks include Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT), Twilio Inc. (TWLO), Sitio Royalties Corp. (STR), NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA), Opendoor Technologies Inc (OPEN), Bank of America Corporation (BAC), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), Neogen Corporation (NEOG), Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (PANW), Viper Energy, Inc. (VNOM), Kenvue Inc. (KVUE), and CNH Industrial N.V. (CNH).

The NASDAQ 100 After Hours Indicator closed down -2.43 at 23,711.33, with a total after-hours volume of 129,178,808 shares traded. The most active stocks included Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT), Twilio Inc. (TWLO), Sitio Royalties Corp. (STR), NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA), Opendoor Technologies Inc (OPEN), Bank of America Corporation (BAC), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), Neogen Corporation (NEOG), Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (PANW), Viper Energy, Inc. (VNOM), Kenvue Inc. (KVUE), and CNH Industrial N.V. (CNH).

However, the notable event of the day was the significant after-hours trading surge in Novo Nordisk and Tonix Pharmaceuticals. This surge was driven by the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approval of their respective drugs, Wegovy and Tonmya. The approvals have the potential to reshape the markets for chronic disease management and fibromyalgia treatment.

Novo Nordisk's Wegovy

Novo Nordisk's Wegovy, a semaglutide-based therapy, has received expanded FDA approval for cardiovascular risk reduction. This approval further cements its role in chronic disease management. The drug's 62.9% MASH resolution rate and first-mover advantage in the $30B+ market have analysts projecting revenue of $5.4 billion in 2025, with potential for $18.1 billion by 2030 [1].

Tonix Pharmaceuticals' Tonmya

Tonix Pharmaceuticals' Tonmya, a first-in-class fibromyalgia therapy, has been approved by the FDA, marking the first new treatment for the condition in over 15 years. Clinical trials showed a 30% or greater reduction in pain scores, along with improvements in sleep and fatigue, and a favorable safety profile. The fibromyalgia treatment market, valued at $3.01 billion in 2025, is projected to grow to $4.4 billion by 2034, with Tonmya positioned to capture a significant share of this expanding market [2].

Market Impact and Investment Implications

The FDA approvals have sparked optimism among investors, with both companies seeing increased trading volumes and positive sentiment. For Novo Nordisk, the approvals create a strategic valuation rerating opportunity, driven by first-mover advantage, regulatory tailwinds, and a robust pipeline. However, risks include regulatory delays in MASH approval, pricing pressures under Medicare negotiations, and competition from dual agonists like tirzepatide.

For Tonix Pharmaceuticals, the approval of Tonmya represents a rare confluence of clinical validation, market demand, and regulatory tailwinds. The company's stock has historically been volatile, but the approval could catalyze a re-rating as the market reassesses its commercial potential. Key catalysts include the Q4 2025 launch, pipeline advancements, and favorable formulary placement.

Conclusion

The FDA approvals of Wegovy and Tonmya underscore the strategic importance of these therapies in their respective markets. For investors, these approvals present compelling opportunities, albeit with associated risks. As both companies navigate the complexities of commercialization and regulatory landscapes, they remain well-positioned to drive growth and value creation.

References:

[1] https://www.ainvest.com/news/wegovy-expanded-fda-approval-impact-novo-nordisk-market-dominance-chronic-disease-management-2508/
[2] https://www.ainvest.com/news/fda-approval-tonmya-catalyst-tonix-pharmaceuticals-growth-investor-optimism-2508/