Most and least shorted mid-to mega-cap healthcare stocks in January

 Amid heightened market volatility, the healthcare sector (XLV) has become a battleground for short sellers, with biotechnology and healthcare services emerging as the primary targets. At the center of this bearish siege is Hims & Hers (HIMS), which led the industry with a staggering short interest as of January 31, 2026.

Hims & Hers Health (HIMS) leads the bearish list with a 32.95% short interest following the launch of their $49/month oral semaglutide. Investors are betting that the FDA will soon tighten restrictions on compounded weight-loss drugs, now that branded versions like Wegovy and Zepbound are back in full supply. At the same time, CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP) is the second-most shorted stock in the sector at 22.81%.

In contrast, some healthcare giants like BrightSpring Health Services (BTSGU) and Regencell Bioscience (RGC) have very low short interest at 0.10% and 0.19%, respectively. They are joined by industry leaders Medline (MDLN), Eli Lilly (LLY), and Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), all of which maintain short interest levels well below 1%, because they are seen as much safer bets during uncertain times. 

Healthcare stocks are outperforming the broader market so far this year. The Health Care Select Sector SPDR® Fund ETF (NYSEARCA:XLV), which tracks the health care sector and holds a weightage of 12.12% in the S&P 500 index, has gained 0.78% in 2026. This stands in contrast to the S&P 500's overall 0.19% decline, signaling investor preference for healthcare over growth sectors.

Here are the top 5 most shorted mid- to mega-cap healthcare stocks (as a % of shares outstanding) as of January 30: 

Hims & Hers Health (HIMS)  - Health Care Services sector, short interest 32.95%            

CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP) - Biotechnology, short interest 22.81%

Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) - Biotechnology, short interest 21.75%

Soleno Therapeutics (SLNO) - Biotechnology, short interest 21.36%

 TransMedics Group (TMDX) - Health Care Equipment, short interest 21.30%

And here are the least shorted mid- to mega-cap healthcare stocks (as a % of shares outstanding) as of January 30:

BrightSpring Health Services (BTSGU) - Health Care Services sector, short interest 0.10%

Regencell Bioscience Holdings (RGC) - Pharmaceuticals, short interest 0.19%

Medline Inc. (MDLN) - Health Care Supplies, short interest 0.72%

Eli Lilly and Company (LLY) - Pharmaceuticals, short interest 0.86%

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) - Pharmaceuticals, short interest 0.89%

Related ETFs: Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSEARCA:XLV), SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF (NYSEARCA:XPH), VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF (NASDAQ:PPH), iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (NASDAQ:IBB), iShares U.S. Pharmaceuticals ETF (NYSEARCA:IHE), and Invesco Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (NASDAQ:IBBQ).

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/most-and-least-shorted-mid-to-mega-cap-healthcare-stocks-in-january/ar-AA1WhX72