Viking Therapeutics Soars 11.39% on Acquisition Hopes, Obesity Drug Progress

On August 7, 2025, Viking Therapeutics surged 11.39% in pre-market trading, reflecting significant investor interest and optimism surrounding the company's recent developments and market positioning.

Viking Therapeutics is increasingly seen as an attractive acquisition target for major pharmaceutical companies facing patent cliffs and pipeline gaps. This perception is driven by the company's promising clinical data and its strategic focus on the obesity market, which is valued at $73 billion. Viking's dual GLP-1/GIP agonist, VK2735, is currently in Phase 3 trials, with oral formulation data readouts expected in 2025. This positions Viking as a key player in the competitive weight management sector, where rivals like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are also making significant strides.

Novo Nordisk, a major competitor in the obesity drug market, is currently facing legal challenges from compounding pharmacies producing unapproved GLP-1 drugs. These legal battles could impact Novo Nordisk's dominance in the $100 billion obesity market, potentially opening up opportunities for Viking Therapeutics to gain market share. The company's innovative approach and strategic positioning make it a high-conviction biotech stock, with investors closely watching its progress in the weight management space.