Viking Therapeutics Emerges as Prime Acquisition Target in Booming Obesity Drug Market

Growing speculation about a potential buyout has propelled Viking Therapeutics shares to their highest level in three months. The biotech firm finds itself in the spotlight following Pfizer's successful acquisition of Metsera, another developer of obesity treatments. This strategic move by a pharmaceutical giant has investors and industry rivals closely evaluating independent biotechnology companies, with Viking increasingly viewed as a premier asset.

The core of Viking's appeal lies with its promising drug candidate, VK2735. This dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist demonstrated compelling results in its Phase 2 clinical trial, known as the VENTURE study. Data revealed that up to 97% of participants achieved a weight reduction of at least 5%. The company is strategically developing both an injectable and an oral formulation of the treatment, a significant advantage in the competitive metabolic disease landscape. Patient recruitment for Phase 3 studies of the subcutaneous formulation is projected to be completed by late 2025 or early 2026.

Financial Health and Analyst Confidence

Viking Therapeutics is well-positioned to advance its programs, boasting a robust cash reserve of $715 million as of the third quarter of 2025. Company management has confirmed these funds are sufficient to support the planned Phase 3 obesity trials. The market is now anticipating upcoming catalysts, including further clinical data readouts and updates on the Phase 3 VANQUISH program.

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

This financial stability, combined with its clinical progress, has drawn overwhelmingly positive reactions from Wall Street. The consensus rating remains a "Strong Buy," underpinned by numerous favorable analyst reports over the past three months. On November 12, Canaccord Genuity reinforced its bullish stance by raising the price target and reaffirming its "Buy" recommendation, describing Viking as a "leading biotech asset in obesity development." Other firms, including William Blair and Maxim Group, have also expressed strong confidence in the company's prospects.

The Broader Competitive Landscape

The race for dominance in the lucrative obesity drug market is intensifying. Pfizer's acquisition of Metsera appears to have triggered a chain reaction, putting independent firms with valuable assets squarely in the crosshairs. On November 10, Viking's stock surged as much as 5%, driven entirely by merger and acquisition speculation. Market experts are now consistently labeling the company a "highly attractive asset" in the multi-billion dollar obesity sector, making it an increasingly tempting target for large pharmaceutical companies seeking to bolster their market share.