The mid-cap biotech could become a notable player in the industry's hottest therapeutic area.Novo Nordisk (NVO +3.51%), a Denmark-based drugmaker, is currently a leader in the rapidly growing weight loss market. The company's Wegovy has practically become a household name, and it has plenty more pipeline candidates in the works.However, this area is attracting many more challengers looking to capitalize on its fast expansion. One of them is Viking Therapeutics (VKTX +2.34%), a mid-cap biotech. This smaller ...

It does for weight loss. Its other supposed benefits are debatable https://t.co/AACrCaVbU0 ...

Core Insights - Viking Therapeutics' stock experienced significant volatility, surging over 120% after positive phase 2 trial results for its weight loss candidate VK2735, but has since lost 47% over the past year, although it has gained 16% in the last three months [1][2][6] Company Overview - Viking Therapeutics is focused on developing VK2735, a weight loss candidate that is currently in phase 3 trials, with an oral version in phase 2 [2][3] - VK2735 is categorized alongside GLP-1 receptor agonists, which are currently leading the weight loss market, dominated by companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly [3][4] Market Potential - The weight loss drug market is projected to approach $100 billion by the end of the decade, indicating significant revenue potential for new entrants like Viking [6][4] - Viking's VK2735 demonstrated an average weight loss of up to 13.1% after 13 weeks in phase 2 trials, with no observed plateau, suggesting continued weight loss potential [4][6] Stock Performance - Despite a decline from its peak, the drop in Viking's stock price is not attributed to negative company news but rather to profit-taking by investors and unmet acquisition expectations [7] - The current market cap of Viking Therapeutics is approximately $4 billion, with a stock price range over the past year between $18.92 and $79.10 [6] Upcoming Catalysts - Viking is scheduled to present data on VK2735 at two medical conferences, which may reinforce the drug's significance and support optimism about its market potential [9][10][11] - The presentations will cover the impact of VK2735 on prediabetes and metabolic syndrome, as well as its design in phase 3 studies for obesity and type 2 diabetes patients [10][11][12] Investment Considerations - The current momentum in Viking's stock suggests it may be a favorable investment opportunity, although investors are advised to take a measured approach rather than rushing to buy before the upcoming presentations [12][13]

Two developments Thursday–Eli Lilly’s strong quarterly performance and Novo Nordisk’s unsolicited $9 billion bid for a startup–show why drugmakers can’t get enough of weight loss https://t.co/MpVV3xS7ei ...

Insulin Resistance & Phenotype - The industry observes that patients with protruding bellies often exhibit insulin resistance due to fat accumulation in the stomach area [1] - The industry notes that individuals with fat concentrated in the stomach may appear healthy from the back but have an increased waist circumference, indicating hyperinsulinemia [1] Impact of Insulin on Weight - The industry suggests that individuals with high insulin levels tend to gain weight easily, such as 5 to 10 pounds after a cruise, because insulin promotes storage [2] - The industry emphasizes that it is difficult for individuals with high insulin levels to lose weight [2] Fasting & Insulin Levels - The industry indicates that fasting is effective in lowering insulin levels, which is crucial for weight loss [2][3] - The industry clarifies that fasting and calorie deficit are not the same thing [2][3] - The industry explains that fasting reduces insulin levels by not stimulating the pancreas [3]

Market Sentiment & Competition - Investor sentiment has shifted in favor of Novo Nordisk over Eli Lilly, potentially due to data presented at a conference in Vienna [1] - Novo Nordisk is expanding beyond obesity treatments, addressing concerns like food noise, similar to Eli Lilly's approach [2] - The market is moving towards offering different drug options to cater to various patient segments, considering factors like desired weight loss and side effects [3] Drug Development & Offerings - Novo Nordisk has positive data from both oral and injectable medications [2] - Eli Lilly's Lily Direct program allows patients to access different dosages than standard injections, with some needing only 1 milligram instead of 5 milligrams [5] - Research is exploring ways to counter sarcopenia (muscle loss) associated with significant fat loss during weight loss treatments [6] Prescriber & Patient Considerations - GI side effects, medication adherence, and cost are significant factors for prescribers when choosing medications [2] - Cost is a primary concern for medication uptake [3] - Patients desire options that offer strong weight loss with minimal side effects [3][4]

Novo Nordic shares popping 6% after better thanex than expected trial results from its so-called Wgoi pill. Angelica Peebles is here with more. So much coming out this week in the weight loss space.It has been quite a busy week, I can uh assure you that. But this data definitely impressing. So this was actually not presented at that conference but still coming amid this big week where we have all of these different presentations coming out of this diabetes conference in Vienna.But the headline here is that ...

Clinical Trial Results - Novo Nordisk's experimental daily Wegovy pill showed similar weight loss results compared to its weekly injection in a late-stage trial [1]

Group 1 - Heartland Food Products is acquiring SlimFast from Glanbia to enhance its portfolio in the better-for-you offerings segment [3][4] - The acquisition aligns with consumer trends focused on weight loss and reduced sugar intake [3][4] - SlimFast has experienced a significant decline in sales since 2022, partly due to competition from GLP-1 drugs that suppress appetite [4][6] Group 2 - SlimFast, established in 1977, offers a range of diet shakes, bars, meals, snacks, and other supplement foods [6] - Glanbia purchased SlimFast for $350 million in 2018 but has since faced challenges in the diet category, leading to a non-cash impairment charge of $91.4 million in February [6]

welcome in our guest Jared Holes is on set healthcare strategist. Jared um first your reaction to Novo Eli and anything else you want and also it's kind of a little bit in left field but do we know a lot of people we tal I talked to on this on these drugs complain about muscle loss not fat loss and then they regain the weight. What do we know about these medications as of now.Well, great to be here. I think first of all, both trials seem to be pretty good. Like when you when you look at them for what they a ...