Acquisition Buzz Intensifies Around Viking Therapeutics Stock

Viking Therapeutics finds itself at the center of significant market attention, with its shares experiencing notable volatility. A sharp 5% decline in share price coincided with unusually high trading activity, reaching approximately $56 million in volume. This trading pattern underscores a market that is both anxious and keenly focused on the company's upcoming developments.

The company is approaching several critical milestones with presentations scheduled for major industry conferences. At ObesityWeek 2025 (November 4-7) and the AHA Scientific Sessions 2025 (November 7-10), Viking plans to unveil fresh data from its VENTURE study and provide detailed updates on ongoing Phase 3 clinical programs. These disclosures possess the potential to dramatically redirect the stock's trajectory, offering new catalysts for investor consideration.

Oral Formulation Success Fuels Speculation

Recent clinical achievements have significantly amplified market discussions. The oral version of Viking's drug candidate, VK2735, successfully met all primary and secondary endpoints in Phase 2 trials, demonstrating statistically significant weight reduction. The company aims to engage with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration before year-end to negotiate entry into late-stage clinical trials, marking a crucial regulatory step forward.

Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying Viking Therapeutics?

These developments have ignited substantial market speculation:

• Market experts anticipate Viking Therapeutics could become an acquisition target
• Potential valuation estimates range between $7 billion and $9 billion
• Sector-wide aggressive merger and acquisition activity among pharmaceutical giants lends credibility to these rumors

Competitive Positioning in a Booming Market

Viking operates within the explosively growing GLP-1 weight loss therapy sector, a market currently valued at over $100 billion and projected to expand to $150 billion by 2030. Pharmaceutical heavyweights are fiercely competing for market share in this lucrative space. Viking's promising contender, VK2735, has emerged as a serious competitor. This dual GLP-1/GIP agonist demonstrated up to 15% weight reduction in Phase 2 studies, positioning it favorably against established treatments.

The company maintains considerable momentum in its development pipeline. Under the VANQUISH program, Viking has already advanced the injectable formulation of VK2735 into Phase 3 trials, with patient recruitment proceeding according to schedule according to company statements.