Prediction: This Undervalued Stock Could Compete With Novo Nordisk by 2029

Core Insights - Viking Therapeutics is positioned to become a significant player in the weight loss market, competing against established companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly [1][2] Company Overview - Viking Therapeutics is a mid-cap biotech company that has faced challenges but has potential upside as it prepares to launch its first weight management medicine, VK2735 [2][8] - The company has a market capitalization of $4 billion and its stock has seen a decline since early last year, attributed to profit-taking by long-term shareholders [8] Product Development - VK2735, Viking's leading candidate, mimics the action of GLP-1 and GIP hormones and is currently in a pivotal phase 3 clinical trial after completing phase 2 studies [3][4] - The phase 3 trial began in June and is expected to conclude by August 2027, with potential FDA approval by late 2028 and market entry in early 2029 [4][5] Clinical Results - In a 13-week phase 2 study, VK2735 achieved a mean placebo-adjusted weight loss of 13.1%, showing competitive results compared to existing weight loss medications [6] - The oral formulation of VK2735 has also shown promising results, with an average weight loss of up to 12.2% in 13 weeks, despite high rates of study discontinuations due to adverse reactions [9][10] Future Pipeline - Viking has additional pipeline programs, including VK2809, targeting metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), and another weight loss candidate expected to enter human clinical trials next year [11]