Key Takeaways Novo Nordisk will acquire Akero Therapeutics for $4.7B plus a contingent $6 per share payment.The deal gives NVO access to Akero's EFX, a late-stage FGF21 analog for MASH with fibrosis regression data.The acquisition advances NVO's goal to broaden its cardiometabolic portfolio beyond semaglutide therapies.Novo Nordisk (NVO) continues to derive the bulk of its revenue from its blockbuster semaglutide (GLP-1 RA) therapies, Wegovy for obesity and Ozempic for type II diabetes (T2D). Together, the ...

Group 1 - Viking Therapeutics' stock fell 42% on August 19, 2025, due to disappointing Phase 2 results for its oral obesity pill VK2735, which showed only up to 12.2% weight loss over three months, underperforming compared to competitors like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk [2] - 28% of patients discontinued VK2735 therapy due to side effects such as nausea and vomiting, indicating potential challenges in patient adherence [2] - Despite the setback with VK2735, Viking has a diversified pipeline with several promising candidates that may be undervalued by the market [3] Group 2 - Viking's current stock price of $24 is significantly below the analyst average price target of $89, suggesting a valuation disconnect that may not be justified given the company's diversified pipeline [3] - The Phase 3 trials for VK2735's subcutaneous formulation began in June 2025, and prior Phase 2 data indicated a viable injectable route with up to 13.1% placebo-adjusted weight loss [6] - Other pipeline assets include VK2809 for NASH/MASH, VK5211 for hip fracture recovery, VK0612 for type 2 diabetes, and VK0214 for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, contributing to further diversification [6] Group 3 - Key risks for Viking include potential clinical disappointments, substantial capital needs for Phase 3 trials, and intense competition in metabolic disorders [7] - For risk-tolerant long-term investors, the current valuation may over-penalize the company for the shortcomings of one program, presenting a speculative investment opportunity [7] - The conclusion suggests that if execution improves across other programs, the diversified pipeline could offer meaningful long-term upside [7]