Why Shares in Viking Therapeutics Surged This Week

Group 1 - Viking Therapeutics' shares increased by over 16% following Novo Nordisk's $5.2 billion acquisition of Akero Therapeutics and Pfizer's $7.3 billion acquisition of Metsera, indicating a rising trend in mergers and acquisitions within the biopharmaceutical industry [1][2] - The recent acquisitions are linked to the weight loss market, with Novo Nordisk being a significant player and Metsera's obesity drug candidates enhancing Pfizer's pipeline [2] - Viking Therapeutics is developing an obesity drug, VK2735, which is currently in a phase 3 trial for its subcutaneous form and has recently completed a phase 2 trial for its oral form, despite facing safety and tolerability issues [3][4] Group 2 - The current deal flow in the industry suggests that larger pharmaceutical companies may be interested in partnering with or acquiring Viking Therapeutics to advance the development of VK2735 through phase 3 trials [4][6] - The competitive landscape in the weight loss market is intensifying as big pharma companies seek to strengthen their positions, potentially increasing the attractiveness of Viking Therapeutics' drug candidate [6]