The Motley Fool·2025-07-07 07:45Industry Overview - The weight loss drug market is currently valued at $28 billion and is projected to reach nearly $100 billion by 2030, indicating significant growth potential for companies in this sector [2]. Company Analysis: Eli Lilly - Eli Lilly is a leader in the weight loss drug market, sharing its position with Novo Nordisk, and has generated billions in annual revenue from its two blockbuster drugs [5]. - The company's drugs, Mounjaro and Zepbound, utilize the same compound, tirzepatide, which stimulates hormonal pathways to control blood sugar and appetite, leading to high demand that has outstripped supply [6]. - Eli Lilly is also developing orforglipron, an oral weight loss candidate that has shown positive phase 3 trial results and could be the only oral drug in its class without strict dietary restrictions, with regulatory review expected by the end of the year [7][8]. Company Analysis: Viking Therapeutics - Viking Therapeutics is a biotech firm focused on metabolic conditions, making strides with its obesity drug candidate VK2735, which is currently in phase 3 trials for subcutaneous administration and phase 2 for oral form [9]. - The stock of Viking Therapeutics surged over 120% in a single trading session following positive phase 2 data, indicating strong investor interest in its program [10]. - Despite competition from established players like Eli Lilly, there is speculation about potential acquisition interest from larger pharmaceutical companies, given the high demand in the weight loss market [11]. Investment Considerations - Eli Lilly has a first-to-market advantage, is closer to launching an oral candidate, and is already generating significant revenue, making it a safer investment choice for cautious investors [12][14]. - Viking Therapeutics, while riskier due to its lack of current product revenue, could represent a higher growth potential if successful in clinical trials, with stock price being highly reactive to news [12][13].