Viking Therapeutics Shares Surge Amid Biopharma M&A Frenzy

Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) shares jumped over 16% this week following a flurry of acquisitions in the biopharmaceutical sector. The rally coincides with Pfizer's $5.2 billion purchase of Metsera, coming just weeks after Novo Nordisk's $7.3 billion deal. Both transactions signal intensifying competition in the weight-loss drug market—a space where Viking's VK2735 obesity treatment shows promise despite recent safety concerns in oral formulation trials.

Pharma giants are aggressively filling pipeline gaps through M&A, shrinking the pool of available targets. Viking now stands as a potential acquisition candidate, particularly given its subcutaneous VK2735's advancement to Phase 3 trials. While oral formulation data disappointed, deep-pocketed acquirers could leverage their resources to overcome developmental hurdles.

The deals underscore how weight-loss therapeutics have become strategic priorities for major drugmakers. With Viking's market cap still below $3 billion, speculation about a takeover bid continues to build momentum among investors.