Core Insights - The article emphasizes the potential of investing in smaller, lesser-known biotech companies alongside established market leaders, highlighting Viking Therapeutics and Axsome Therapeutics as promising candidates for growth in the biotech sector [1][2]. Viking Therapeutics - The weight loss market is projected to grow from $15 billion last year to $150 billion by 2035, driven by breakthroughs and increasing demand for obesity-related treatments [3]. - Viking Therapeutics is developing VK2735, a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist, currently in phase 3 trials for subcutaneous use, with promising efficacy observed in mid-stage trials for an oral formulation [4]. - The company is also working on another weight-loss candidate in preclinical studies and plans to initiate human clinical trials next year, alongside VK2809, which has completed phase 2 studies for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis [7]. Axsome Therapeutics - Axsome Therapeutics has achieved significant clinical and regulatory advancements, with third-quarter revenue reaching $171 million, a 63% year-over-year increase, primarily due to its depression medication, Auvelity [9]. - Auvelity, launched in 2022, is expected to achieve blockbuster status in treating depression and is awaiting approval for use in Alzheimer's disease agitation, with potential peak sales estimated between $1.5 billion to $3 billion [10][11]. - The company has a robust pipeline with other approved products and ongoing late-stage trials, including AXS-12 for narcolepsy and AXS-14 for fibromyalgia, which are expected to enhance financial performance [12][13].

Core Insights - Eli Lilly is positioned to potentially become the first trillion-dollar pharmaceutical company, with a current market cap of $800 billion, while Berkshire Hathaway has a market cap of just over $1 trillion [2][3]. Eli Lilly's Growth Prospects - Eli Lilly is a leader in the rapidly growing weight management drug market, particularly with its product tirzepatide (Zepbound), which is driving significant sales growth [3]. - The company is also pursuing regulatory approval for orforglipron, an oral GLP-1 medication for weight management, which could attract patients averse to injections [4]. - Eli Lilly is developing retatrutide, which mimics the action of three gut hormones and has shown strong efficacy in phase 2 studies, potentially revolutionizing the GLP-1 space [6]. Berkshire Hathaway's Challenges - Berkshire Hathaway faces uncertainty regarding its long-term future as Warren Buffett steps down as CEO, leading to investor concerns about the new leadership under Greg Abel [7]. - The company's largest holding, Apple, is encountering challenges such as significant tariffs and competition in the AI market, which may hinder Berkshire's performance in the near term [9]. - Despite these challenges, Berkshire Hathaway's diversification and investment philosophy may still make it a viable long-term investment, though patience may be required [10].