Core Insights - Eli Lilly has achieved exceptional long-term returns and is currently the largest pharmaceutical company by market capitalization, primarily due to its diabetes and weight management drugs [1] - Viking Therapeutics is identified as a potential future leader in the pharmaceutical industry, with its leading drug candidate VK2735 showing promise in the weight loss sector [1] Group 1: Viking Therapeutics and VK2735 - Viking Therapeutics does not have any market-approved products yet, but VK2735, its leading drug candidate, mimics GLP-1 and GIP hormones to aid in weight loss and blood sugar control [2] - VK2735 is undergoing a phase 3 study for a subcutaneous version and has completed phase 2 trials for an oral formulation, with mixed data results impacting market perception [3] - The oral version of VK2735 demonstrated strong efficacy, but concerns over high adverse reaction rates led to significant dropout rates in trials; however, lower doses showed fewer side effects while maintaining efficacy [4] Group 2: Future Developments and Other Therapies - Viking Therapeutics is also developing another weight loss candidate in preclinical studies that targets amylin and calcitonin, with plans to seek regulatory approval for clinical trials in early 2026 [5] - The company is exploring options for a potential quadruple agonist therapy, positioning itself in the same therapeutic class as Eli Lilly's tirzepatide [6]