The Motley Foolยท2025-04-14 15:12Core Insights - Pfizer has announced the discontinuation of its danuglipron oral GLP-1 weight loss pill, impacting its position in the market and benefiting competitors Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Viking Therapeutics [2][4]. Group 1: Pfizer's Announcement - Pfizer's danuglipron showed potential efficacy but was discontinued due to a case of potential drug-induced liver injury in a study participant [3]. - The company expressed disappointment but remains committed to advancing other promising programs in the weight loss market [4]. Group 2: Impact on Competitors - Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk saw their stock prices increase by 2% and 2.7%, respectively, following Pfizer's announcement, as they no longer face competition from danuglipron [2][5]. - Eli Lilly reported total revenues exceeding $45 billion last year, while Novo Nordisk surpassed $44 billion, indicating the significant financial stakes in the GLP-1 market [5]. Group 3: Future Prospects for Viking Therapeutics - Viking Therapeutics' stock surged by 9.9% as it is now positioned to potentially become a major player in the GLP-1 market following Pfizer's exit [2]. - JPMorgan noted that Pfizer's decision is a positive development for Viking, making it a more attractive candidate for partnerships with larger pharmaceutical companies [7]. Group 4: Analyst Insights - Guggenheim lowered its price target for Eli Lilly but maintained a buy rating, citing a near-term catalyst with Q1 earnings expected on May 1, projecting earnings of $4.2 billion on $12.8 billion in revenue [6]. - JPMorgan also highlighted Structure Therapeutics and its ACCG-2671 GLP-1 drug, suggesting it could be the second small molecule oral GLP-1 to market, although both Viking and Structure are not yet profitable [8].