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Protesting Demonstrations at Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly potentially reaching their conclusion?

Emerging contender Viking Therapeutics poses a potential threat to established players Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly in the realm of weight loss pharmaceuticals.

Potential dissolution of collaborative events between Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly?
Potential dissolution of collaborative events between Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly?

Protesting Demonstrations at Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly potentially reaching their conclusion?

Viking Therapeutics Emerges as Potential Challenger in Weight Loss Drug Market

In a significant turn of events, biotech company Viking Therapeutics is making waves in the $73 billion obesity market with its lead candidate, VK2735. This dual GLP-1/GIP agonist is currently in Phase 3 trials and has shown promising results, setting Viking apart from market leaders Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly.

VK2735 aims for substantial weight loss (≥15%) with monthly dosing, a potential advantage over existing GLP-1 monotherapies that often require weekly injections. The oral version of VK2735 has shown up to 8.3% body weight reduction after 28 days in Phase 1 trials, with good tolerability. Phase 2 oral trial results are expected in the second half of 2025.

Viking's dual-agonist approach and novel formulation strategy could offer differentiation and improved patient adherence. The company's oral, once-daily weight loss drug could have strong market appeal over injectables, providing a competitive edge.

While Novo Nordisk (with Wegovy) and Eli Lilly (with Zepbound) currently dominate with GLP-1 agonists that have demonstrated efficacy and wide commercial availability, Viking's innovative approach and robust pipeline make it a competitor to watch closely in the evolving weight loss drug market.

Investors are now questioning if this is the end of the rally for Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. On Monday, Viking gained significantly in stock movements, while Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly lost. Market observers predict a further 53% increase for Viking Therapeutics, but not for Eli Lilly.

Viking has a strong cash position (~$808 million) to support late-stage development and commercialization efforts, though it is currently recording wider operational losses due to clinical scaling.

If Viking Therapeutics' clinical results continue to be positive and it successfully commercializes its therapies, it could become a significant new competitor that might challenge or complement Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly in the weight loss drug market. The next weight loss medication could be approved for Viking Therapeutics, potentially making it a more attractive investment option than Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly.

For now, Viking Therapeutics is considered a high-conviction biotech contender in obesity treatment due to VK2735’s promising efficacy, Phase 3 progress, and novel oral formulation. The upcoming Phase 3 data readouts in 2025-2026 and oral trial results are critical milestones that could elevate its competitive position.

[1] Viking Therapeutics Inc. (VKTX) [2] SEC Filings - Viking Therapeutics Inc. (VKTX) [3] Financial Results - Viking Therapeutics Inc. (VKTX) [4] ClinicalTrials.gov - VK2735 [5] Investor Presentation - Viking Therapeutics Inc. (VKTX)

  1. The emerging science behind Viking Therapeutics' lead candidate, VK2735, promises a significant shift in the medical-conditions related to obesity, healthy weight management, and health-and-wellness.
  2. As VK2735 progresses through Phase 3 trials, investors are increasingly looking into Viking Therapeutics as a potential avenue for finance and investing, with market predictions suggesting a potential increase of up to 53%.
  3. With its dual-agonist approach and novel oral formulation, Viking Therapeutics' weight-management drug could provide a compelling alternative to existing medical-conditions treatments in the market, potentially altering the financial landscape for companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly.

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