** Rhythm Pharmaceuticals RYTM.O said on Monday its drug Imcivree notably reduced weight in patients with a rare obesity disorder called hypothalamic obesity caused by damage to the brain, meeting the main goal of a late-stage trial

** Shares up 2.4% at 56.27 premarket

GLP-1 TREATMENTS INSUFFICIENT IN HO

** Stifel ("buy," PT: $78) says the efficacy of the drug is outstanding in a highly difficult-to-treat patient population and sees HO patient population as a blockbuster opportunity with the potential for a fast ramp

** Jefferies ("buy," PT: $80) says "other approved therapies and GLP-1s are clearly insufficient in addressing the underlying pathophysiology"

** TD Cowen ("buy," PT:$65) says the drug is setting up to be the new standard of care for the disease, adding the data should support approval

** TD Cowen projects Imcivree's revenue in HO will grow from $154 million in 2026 to $984 million in 2030

** H.C.Wainwright ("buy," PT:$80) says "key market opportunity now appears well within reach," adding Imcivree's pricing is expected to be the same as already-approved drugs

(Reporting by Siddhi Mahatole)

((siddhi.mahatole@thomsonreuters.com))