Core Viewpoint - Viking Therapeutics' stock plummeted nearly 44% following disappointing mid-stage trial results for its oral weight loss drug VK2735, raising concerns about its competitiveness against established players like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk [1][3]. Group 1: Company Performance - Viking Therapeutics' stock opened down nearly 44%, marking its largest intraday drop since April 2016, with a market capitalization of $2.65 billion [1][2]. - The company reported that VK2735 could help patients lose up to 12.2% of their weight, with 80% of participants losing more than 10% [3]. - However, approximately 28% of patients dropped out of the trial within three months, which negatively impacted investor confidence [3][4]. Group 2: Industry Context - Eli Lilly's oral weight loss drug Orforglipron also faced a stock drop of over 14% after its trial results showed a 12.4 kg average weight loss over 72 weeks, with 59.6% of participants losing at least 10% of their weight [6]. - Despite the drop, analysts believe the sell-off was an overreaction, citing the strength of Eli Lilly's core growth drivers [6][7]. - Comparatively, Viking's trial results appear less favorable due to the shorter trial duration and higher dropout rates, which could hinder its market position [7].
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