Компания Viking Therapeutics, Inc. демонстрирует существенные проблемы с финансовыми показателями, что вызывает опасения у инвесторов. Показатель P/E равен нулю, что указывает на отсутствие прибыли, а также наблюдается негативная динамика по EPS, который значительно ниже медианы отрасли. В то же время, данные о текущем соотношении активов к обязательствам и наличных средствах позитивно выделяют компанию на фоне конкурентов, указывая на её способность покрывать краткосрочные обязательства. Однако, высокие коэффициенты P/B и P/FCF, значительно превышающие медиану, могут указывать на переоцененность акций. С другой стороны, отсутствие долговой нагрузки является положительным фактором, который может помочь компании в будущем. Тем не менее, динамика выручки и чистой прибыли остается отрицательной, что создает дополнительные риски для инвесторов. В общем, компания находится в сложной финансовой ситуации, что слабо поддерживает текущую оценку её акций.

Viking Therapeutics, Inc.

Key Points
Although now mature, the weight-loss drug market remains strong and growing.
The top GLP-1 drug competitors were first to market, but not racing to the finish line has given some drug developers more time to develop a more marketable alternative.
One company is likely to provide a major trial update next year, with several bullish interim updates surfacing in the meantime.
It's not unheard of for biopharma stocks to deliver big gains in relatively short periods; the development of a game-changing drug is usually the catalyst. Even by biopharma standards, though, what analysts expect from Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VKTX) over the next 12 months is shockingly bullish. As of the latest look, Wall Street's consensus one-year price target for shares of this weight-loss drug hopeful stands at $93.59. That's more than 170% above the ticker's present price.
What gives? A combination of factors is at work here, not least the stock's subpar performance since last year, when interest in the entire weight-loss drug revolution began cooling, and this particular company arguably stumbled.
Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue »
Just be patient. The opportunity is still out there, and Viking is quietly well-positioned to push back against the two current titans of the weight-loss drug market.
The business and underlying science are well established
Those two titans are Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO) and Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY), of course. The former makes Wegovy, while the latter manufactures Zepbound.
Both weekly injectables are based on the same underlying GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) science, which slows down the digestion of food while simultaneously suppressing appetite. Both pharmaceutical giants now offer an oral form of their weight-loss drug. In other words, a pill, although Lilly's GLP-1-based agonist pill is branded as Foundayo.
And this raises a fair question: How many options does the weight-loss drug market actually need? Or, said another way, how different could Viking's anti-obesity drug VK2735 (currently in phase 3 trials as a weekly injectable) be from the others in this category?
It's different enough to matter.
That's not necessarily easy to see at first blush. Like Wegovy and Zepbound, Viking Therapeutics' VK2735 is also GLP-1-based, but it's a dual agonist that incorporates GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) therapy into its weekly injectable dosing. A pill-based form of the same drug is currently in phase 2 testing as well, with phase 3 trials expected to begin next quarter.
Still, there's only so much differentiation that can be achieved using the same basic GLP-1 pathway.
In the pharmaceutical business, though -- when it comes to what people are willing to put in their bodies -- little things can matter in a big way. This is where VK2735 shines.
Viking's offering is different enough
Simply put, Viking's VK2735 enjoys a small but significant competitive edge on Wegovy and Zepbound. That's its tolerability combined with its efficacy in a fairly short period of time.
In trials of its injectable formulation, VK2735 achieved an average weight loss of up to 14.7% in just 13 weeks, outperforming other options already on the market. And importantly, most users were willing and able to stick with the treatment regimen. That's not been the case for Wegovy or Zepbound, though, with nausea and other gastrointestinal problems being reported by users of both, as well as for users of Lilly's Foundayo pills.
Viking Therapeutics hasn't fared quite as well with its orally administered version of VK2735. Like most of its comparable alternatives, its weight-loss pill suffered a relatively -- even surprisingly -- high dropout rate during its phase 2 testing. Roughly one-third of the trial's participants discontinued usage before the end of testing, in fact, upending the stock as a result when that update was released in August of last year.
Even in the wake of that steep sell-off, analysts remained largely optimistic. William Blair's Andy Hsieh called the sell-off "extreme and unwarranted," noting that lower doses of the pill could still prove effective and tolerable as a maintenance dose following the wind-down of weight loss from weekly subcutaneous injections, echoing what Viking Therapeutics' CEO Brian Lian said in the same update. That is, "The experimental maintenance arm of this study provides an encouraging signal that supports our belief that transitioning patients from higher doses, injectable or oral, to low oral doses represents a promising approach to weight maintenance therapy."
In other words, the drug works well enough. The company just needs to figure out the optimal way to get users started on their weight-loss journey and then keep them on board once their target weight has been hit. That's something that hasn't yet been directly clinically tested, but it's a paradigm most of the analyst community seems to believe will take shape, even if only pieced together by the marketplace itself.
Up for grabs is a piece of the anti-obesity drug market that Mordor Intelligence expects to grow from last year's $26 billion to more than $130 billion per year by 2031, as the industry refines its initial GLP-1 offerings and figures out how to best acquire and then retain paying customers.
Proactive rather than reactive
There's still significant risk here, of course, as is the case for any biopharma name that doesn't yet have a revenue-bearing product on the market. Things change. The FDA might end up seeing something nobody else has yet. Consumers might not fully understand why VK2735 could be a better option for them.
Nevertheless, it's telling that the vast majority of the analyst community remains firmly bullish on this admittedly volatile pre-revenue company. Not only is their consensus target price well above the stock's current price, but the vast majority of analysts covering Viking Therapeutics currently consider VKTX a strong buy. This suggests most of them anticipate encouraging Phase 3 trial data sometime next year, putting it on pace for a potential FDA approval no later than 2029.
As veteran investors can attest, however, biopharma stocks have a knack for perking up well before such milestones are met.
Should you buy stock in Viking Therapeutics right now?
Before you buy stock in Viking Therapeutics, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Viking Therapeutics wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $498,522!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,276,807!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 983% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 200% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
*Stock Advisor returns as of April 26, 2026.
James Brumley has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Novo Nordisk and Viking Therapeutics. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

This Obesity Stock Could More Than Double Over the Next 12 Months, According to Wall Street

Key Points
This company is involved in technology, retail, entertainment, medical services, and more.
It could become the go-to destination for individuals seeking GLP-1 treatments.
One particular type of drug has become a household name in recent times, and that's a class known as GLP-1. Originally approved for type 2 diabetes, these drugs also showed strengths in weight loss -- and that led to a surge in off-label prescriptions for this indication. Later, drugmakers won approval of these drugs specifically for weight loss.
Today, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk dominate the GLP-1 drug market, selling Zebound and Wegovy, respectively. These are injectables, but Lilly and Novo recently earned the regulatory nod for oral drugs -- Lilly now offers Foundayo, while Novo sells oral Wegovy.
Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue »
These treatments have generated blockbuster revenue for the companies, and rivals, from biotech Viking Therapeutics to pharma giant Pfizer, are developing candidates and hope to eventually join them in this valuable market -- one forecast to approach $100 billion by the end of the decade. But is it possible that the next potential winner in the GLP-1 market may actually be a tech player? Let's find out.
From e-commerce to publishing
This particular tech company is actually involved in a variety of industries, from e-commerce, publishing, and entertainment to physical grocery stores. I'm talking about Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) -- and one of the company's focuses in recent years has been on carving out a spot in the healthcare industry.
Today, Amazon One Medical and Amazon Pharmacy do just this -- the former offers both virtual and in-person medical appointments, while the latter allows patients to easily order prescriptions online. And now, Amazon is using these strengths to launch a new service that addresses the needs of patients who want to lose weight.
Amazon One Medical just announced a weight management program centered around GLP-1 treatment. The program views obesity as a chronic condition, offering patients a comprehensive offering tailored to their specific needs -- and integrating the weight loss journey into the patient's overall healthcare journey at Amazon One Medical. Patients turn to the service for pre-visit screening, prescriptions, follow-up consultations, and more. And all of this leverages the network Amazon has already built, including in-person and virtual medical care, pharmacy, and fast delivery of prescription drugs.
Through the program, patients can order popular GLP-1 medicines, including the latest launches Foundayo and oral Wegovy. Prices are on par with what is generally available elsewhere, but patients benefit from the convenience of organizing their entire weight loss program through Amazon One Medical -- and existing patients will like the promise of 24/7 prescription renewals. Another plus that may appeal to patients: Amazon says all medications are available for "fast delivery" throughout the U.S., and same-day delivery, now happening in almost 3,000 cities, is set to expand its reach.
How Amazon may benefit from the GLP-1 boom
Now, let's consider our question: Could Amazon be the next big winner in the GLP-1 boom? This will depend on the number of patients who decide to choose Amazon to accompany them on the weight loss path. Amazon generates revenue through Amazon One Medical membership fees, as well as through certain visits and medical and pharmacy services. So its well-developed ecosystem of healthcare services could deliver growth if demand for the weight management program takes off.
There's reason to be optimistic about this program's potential due to the high demand for GLP-1 drugs -- and the fact that, at times, patients have had difficulty accessing these treatments. If Amazon makes it easy and convenient for them, the company may become the go-to destination for many patients.
Of course, given the revenue levels generated by Amazon's biggest profit driver, its cloud computing business, I don't expect GLP-1 drugs to become a massive growth engine for the entire company. Amazon Web Services (AWS), the cloud business, recently reached a $142 billion annual revenue run rate. That said, the weight loss program could become a significant driver for Amazon One Medical's growth -- and make Amazon one of the long-term winners in the growing GLP-1 market.
Don’t miss this second chance at a potentially lucrative opportunity
Ever feel like you missed the boat in buying the most successful stocks? Then you’ll want to hear this.
On rare occasions, our expert team of analysts issues a “Double Down” stock recommendation for companies that they think are about to pop. If you’re worried you’ve already missed your chance to invest, now is the best time to buy before it’s too late. And the numbers speak for themselves:
Nvidia: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2009, you’d have $540,224!*
Apple: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2008, you’d have $51,615!*
Netflix: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2004, you’d have $498,522!*
Right now, we’re issuing “Double Down” alerts for three incredible companies, available when you join Stock Advisor, and there may not be another chance like this anytime soon.
Adria Cimino has positions in Amazon. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon and Pfizer. The Motley Fool recommends Novo Nordisk and Viking Therapeutics. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Is This Tech Giant the Next Potential Winner in the GLP-1 Weight Loss Boom?

Key Points
Eli Lilly has been a growth beast, coming off an impressive year in which its revenue rose by 45%.
Viking Therapeutics has an exciting GLP-1 drug in development that, if approved, could send its shares skyrocketing.
Billionaire investor Warren Buffett has said in the past that "the stock market is a device for transferring money from the impatient to the patient."
While it's easy to get caught up in chasing today's hottest trends and growth stocks, the biggest gains often come from being patient and willing to hold on for the long haul. It may not be exciting, and it can be frustrating many times, but if you find a high-quality stock, you can set yourself on a path to generate terrific gains.
Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue »
The most exciting opportunity in healthcare these days is in the GLP-1 market, where many companies are developing weight-loss drugs that could generate billions in revenue. Below, I'll look at two promising stocks in this space: Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY), which is a behemoth with a strong track record, and Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VKTX), which is much smaller in valuation but may have tremendous upside.
The case for Eli Lilly
Eli Lilly is a relatively safe stock to own. Unlike Viking, it already generates billions in revenue and has multiple approved GLP-1 products, including Mounjaro and Zepbound. Regulators also recently approved its weight loss pill, Foundayo, which is likely to be yet another incredible moneymaker for its business.
The healthcare company is raking in revenue, and its profits have been soaring in the process. In 2025, its sales rose by 45%, totaling more than $65 billion. Its net income was just under $21 billion, for an impressive profit margin of around 32%.
The business is also far bigger than just its GLP-1 drugs. In 2024, the Food and Drug Administration approved its Alzheimer's drug, Kisunla, which also may bring in billions for the company. Plus, the company has partnered with tech giant Nvidia to create an artificial intelligence factory to bring new drugs to market more quickly.
Eli Lilly is a growth beast that shows no signs of slowing down. It's effectively the default option for any serious growth investors looking at the healthcare sector.
The case for Viking Therapeutics
Viking is a fairly small company, with a market cap of just $4 billion -- that's a tiny fraction of Eli Lilly's $830 billion valuation. While Eli Lilly is doing well, it should be doing well given that kind of market cap. Viking is riskier, but it could become much more valuable if its GLP-1 drug, VK2735, receives approval. Healthcare giant Pfizer recently agreed to pay up to $10 billion for Metsera, which doesn't have an approved GLP-1 drug just yet. If VK2735 gets across the finish line, large healthcare companies could be lining up to buy Viking's business.
VK2735 has been doing well in clinical trials, with patients losing around 15% of their weight after just 13 weeks on the injectable treatment. The oral version of the drug has also been impressive, with patients losing up to 12% of their weight in a recent trial. The injectable version of VK2735 is already in phase 3 trials, while the oral drug is expected to begin phase 3 trials later this year.
While Viking's business doesn't generate any revenue today, its prospects for growth and profitability would change drastically if VK2735 receives approval.
Which stock is the better buy for the long haul?
I like both of these stocks and believe they can be good buys, but choosing the best one for your portfolio will ultimately depend on your risk tolerance. If you are risk-averse and want a solid, safe stock to own, then the choice is easy: Eli Lilly.
But if you're OK with taking a moderate amount of risk, then Viking Therapeutics may be the better option right now. Eli Lilly's stock is safer, but at more than 40 times earnings, it is expensive, and its upside may be limited if you're buying it at these levels. You may secure some modest returns, but the bigger payoff may come from Viking Therapeutics -- if VK2735 obtains approval. That is, of course, by no means a certainty. But given how well the drug has been performing in clinical trials, I think there's a good chance it gets across the finish line. When that happens, not only could the stock soar, but other healthcare companies may start a bidding war for the business.
Should you buy stock in Eli Lilly right now?
Before you buy stock in Eli Lilly, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Eli Lilly wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $581,304!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,215,992!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 1,016% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 197% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
*Stock Advisor returns as of April 17, 2026.
David Jagielski, CPA has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Nvidia and Pfizer. The Motley Fool recommends Viking Therapeutics. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Better Long-Term Buy: Eli Lilly or Viking Therapeutics?

Eli Lilly and Company LLY announced that a phase III study, ACHIEVE-4, evaluating its newly approved oral GLP-1 weight-loss pill Foundayo (orforglipron), for treating patients with type II diabetes and obesity who also carry elevated cardiovascular risk, met its primary endpoint. Overall, the oral GLP-pill demonstrated cardiovascular safety, strong glucose-lowering, substantial weight loss, and a potential mortality benefit in the study. The study enrolled more than 2,700 participants across 15 countries.
Foundayo was approved by the FDA for treating obesity and launched earlier this month. It is now widely available via LillyDirect and telehealth platforms as well as across U.S. retail pharmacies. For the type II diabetes indication, based on the ACHIEVE-4 data, Lilly plans to file regulatory applications in the United States by the end of the second quarter under a priority review program.
LLY’s ACHIEVE 4 Study Data in Detail
The primary outcome of the ACHIEVE-4 study focused on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE-4), a composite endpoint including cardiovascular death, heart attack, stroke, and hospitalization for unstable angina. Foundayo successfully met its primary goal by demonstrating non-inferiority to insulin glargine, a standard-of-care comparator in reducing MACE events. Foundayo reduced the risk of MACE-4 events by 16% and MACE-3 events by 23% compared to insulin glargine. While this reduction was not statistically significant for superiority, it is clinically meaningful because it demonstrates that the drug does not increase cardiovascular risk—a key regulatory requirement for diabetes therapies—and trends toward benefit. A notable finding was a 57% reduction in all-cause mortality versus insulin glargine in a pre-planned analysis, suggesting potential broader survival benefits, though this result was not adjusted for multiplicity.
Beyond cardiovascular outcomes, Foundayo delivered superior glycemic control, reducing A1C by 1.6% versus. 1.0%, and showed a substantial weight loss benefit of 8.8%, compared to weight gain with insulin, with effects sustained through 104 weeks.
The drug also improved multiple cardiometabolic risk markers, including cholesterol, blood pressure, triglycerides, and inflammation (hsCRP), reinforcing its holistic benefit profile. Safety was consistent with the GLP-1 class, with mainly gastrointestinal side effects and no liver safety issues identified.
Oral pills are expected to be a more convenient alternative to the once-weekly injectable GLP-1 obesity treatments like Lilly’s Zepbound and rival Novo Nordisk NVO Wegovy. Oral pills may significantly lower treatment burden and potentially broaden patient adoption versus injections. They can also be manufactured at scale to meet global demand, which, in turn, can drive billions in additional sales.
The data from the ACHIEVE 4 study position Foundayo as a promising oral alternative to insulin with meaningful metabolic and potential cardiovascular advantages.
Lilly’s stock has risen 7.6% in the past year compared with the industry’s increase of 18.6%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Novo Nordisk had gained approval for an oral version of its obesity drug, Wegovy, in December 2025 and launched the pill in January 2026. The Wegovy pill gave NVO a first-to-market advantage and will initially bring in additional revenues. However, we believe Lilly may be able to close the gap quickly now that the FDA has approved Foundayo.
Can the ACHIEVE-4 Data Address FDA’s Need for More Data?
Earlier this week, the FDA instructed Lilly to collect additional safety data from ongoing studies on Foundayo to understand potential risks related to the use of the pill, including risks of liver injuries and MACE events.
In the letter, the FDA also asked Lilly to track cases of a rare type of thyroid cancer in the United States for at least 15 years. The FDA also asked for more information about delayed gastric emptying associated with the use of Foundayo. The FDA’s need for these post-marketing safety data raised concerns that it may affect decision-making among doctors, payers and patients and hurt Foundayo's commercial prospects as well as its competitive positioning against NVO’s Wegovy pill.
However, the data from the ACHIEVE-4 study could address some of the FDA’s concerns as it successfully demonstrated the drug’s cardiovascular benefits. Also, so far in all clinical studies, including ACHIEVE-4, the use of Foundayo has not been associated with any drug-induced liver injury.
Race to Make Oral Obesity Pill
While Lilly and Novo Nordisk currently dominate the obesity space, smaller biotechs like Structure Therapeutics GPCR and Viking Therapeutics VKTX are also developing oral GLP-1 drugs for treating obesity.
Viking Therapeutics’ dual GIPR/GLP-1 receptor agonist, VK2735, is being developed both as oral and subcutaneous formulations for the treatment of obesity. Viking plans to advance oral VK2735 into phase III development for obesity in the third quarter of 2026.
Structure Therapeutics’ phase II ACCESS study on its orally GLP-1 RA, aleniglipron, demonstrated significant weight loss across all doses. Structure Therapeutics expects to initiate the late-stage program of aleniglipron in obesity in the second half of 2026.
Lilly’s Zacks Rank
Lilly has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
#1 Semiconductor Stock to Buy (Not NVDA)
The incredible demand for data is fueling the market's next digital gold rush. As data centers continue to be built and constantly upgraded, the companies that provide the hardware for these behemoths will become the NVIDIAs of tomorrow.
One under-the-radar chipmaker is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the next growth stage of this market. It specializes in semiconductor products that titans like NVIDIA don't build. It's just beginning to enter the spotlight, which is exactly where you want to be.
See This Stock Now for Free >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
Novo Nordisk A/S (NVO) : Free Stock Analysis Report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

LLY's Oral GLP-1 Pill Foundayo Shows Heart Benefits in Diabetes Study

Key Points
Viking Therapeutics aims to participate in the billion-dollar obesity market.
The company’s most advanced candidate is in a phase 3 trial.
Pharmaceutical and biotech companies may offer your portfolio a sense of stability, and this is for one good reason: Patients need their medical treatments, so they will continue going for them regardless of the economic backdrop. And this helps these companies maintain a certain level of revenue in any environment.
But, in recent times, one particular treatment area has seen explosive demand -- and this has created a massive revenue opportunity for companies serving it or developing potential products. So certain biotech and pharma players, focused on this area, are no longer slower-growth investments -- and they may even appeal to growth investors.
Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue »
The treatment area I'm talking about is obesity. Today Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk lead the weight loss drug market, but many others are working to enter this market -- one that may approach $100 billion by the end of the decade. One of these hopefuls is Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VKTX). Could it be the ultimate millionaire-maker obesity stock for 2026? Let's find out.
Viking's late-stage trials
Viking is a biotech company specializing in metabolic diseases. The company hasn't yet commercialized a drug, but its leading weight loss candidates -- in injectable and oral formulations -- are both progressing through late-stage clinical trials. A phase 3 trial for injectable VK2735 is ongoing, and the oral candidate is set to enter phase 3 in the third quarter of this year.
The injectable trial for obesity completed enrollment ahead of schedule, suggesting people are eager to try this potential new drug.
Viking's candidate is part of the GLP-1 class of drugs, which interact with hormonal pathways controlling appetite and blood sugar levels. Current commercialized drugs -- such as Lilly's Zepbound and Novo's Wegovy -- have met with explosive demand. At a certain point, there was even a shortage.
Individuals aiming to shed pounds like these drugs because they're effective, generally are easy to tolerate, and are easy to take -- injectables are self-administered weekly. Novo and Lilly each recently launched oral drugs, and these are taken daily.
The demand seen so far suggests there is plenty of room for new players to enter the market -- so if all continues to go smoothly for Viking in these late stages of development, the company could capture some market share and generate significant growth. As an example, Lilly's Zepbound brought in more than $4 billion in the recent quarter. Even a fraction of that would be tremendous for a young biotech player.
Viking has skyrocketed on positive news
So, could Viking be the ultimate millionaire-maker stock for your portfolio this year? Viking stock has been known to surge on positive news. When it first reported encouraging phase 2 news for VK2735 back in February of 2024, the stock surged 121% in one trading session. A gain of such proportions won't necessarily happen after each bit of news, but I wouldn't be surprised to see double-digit increases after signs of fresh progress. And since that colossal one-day gain back in 2024, Viking has slipped -- meaning that from current levels, it could have a lot of room to run, particularly if the company moves closer to product commercialization.
Viking also has shown signs of strength in today's difficult market environment -- the stock is posting a slight increase for the year so far.
In spite of this, Viking on its own is unlikely to make you a millionaire. For example, if you invested $10,000 in Viking at the end of 2023 and held it as it soared in early 2024, the value of your investment would have been $50,000. That's fantastic, but it's far from the million-dollar mark.
It's actually rare when a single stock turns an investor into a millionaire -- instead, it's more common for a basket of well-chosen stocks to do the job. In this context, Viking is a great choice. If the company's obesity program continues to deliver encouraging news, Viking could be the ultimate addition to your millionaire-maker portfolio.
Should you buy stock in Viking Therapeutics right now?
Before you buy stock in Viking Therapeutics, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Viking Therapeutics wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $580,872!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,219,180!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 1,016% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 197% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
*Stock Advisor returns as of April 17, 2026.
Adria Cimino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Novo Nordisk and Viking Therapeutics. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Is Viking Therapeutics the Ultimate Millionaire-Maker Obesity Stock for 2026?

Eli Lilly and Company’s LLY stock was down around 1.9% on Wednesday in response to a letter from the FDA that instructed the company to “provide additional safety data” on its newly approved oral GLP-1 weight-loss pill Foundayo (orforglipron). The letter mentioned that Lilly should provide more safety data to understand potential risks related to use of the pill, including risks of liver injuries and major adverse cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke.
Foundayo was approved by the FDA and launched earlier this month and is now widely available via LillyDirect and telehealth platforms as well as across U.S. retail pharmacies. Lilly reportedly claims that in clinical studies, use of Foundayo has not been associated with any drug-induced liver injury.
Oral pills are expected to be a more convenient alternative to the once-weekly injectable GLP-1 obesity treatments like Lilly’s Zepbound and rival Novo Nordisk NVO Wegovy. Oral pills may significantly lower treatment burden and potentially broaden patient adoption versus injections. They can also be manufactured at scale to meet global demand, which, in turn, can drive billions in additional sales.
In the letter, the FDA also asked Lilly to track cases of a rare type of thyroid cancer in the United States for at least 15 years. Labels of Wegovy and Zepbound carry FDA boxed warnings regarding the risk of developing a rare thyroid cancer. The FDA has also asked for more information about delayed gastric emptying associated with the use of Foundayo.
NovoNordisk had gained approval for an oral version of its obesity drug, Wegovy, in December 2025 and launched the pill in January 2026. However, NVO, in its approval letter for Wegovy, was not asked to provide any additional data on heart risks, liver injuries, or thyroid cancer risks. This is likely because the Wegovy pill contains the same active ingredient — semaglutide — already used in Ozempic and Wegovy injection. In contrast, Foundayo is based on a new drug, orforglipron, which may warrant closer scrutiny.
Lilly’s stock has risen 12.7% in the past six months compared with the industry’s increase of 10%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Will FDA’s Need for More Data Hurt Foundayo’s Prospects?
Foundayo can prove to be a commercial game-changer for Lilly with the potential to bring in $1 billion-$2 billion in sales as early as 2026. Such post-approval requirements are routine and do not mean that there is any safety issue with the use of Foundayo. However, the FDA’s request for more safety data may affect decision-making among doctors, payers and patients for Foundayo.
In international markets, Lilly expects to launch orforglipron for obesity during 2027. For the type II diabetes indication, Lilly has filed a regulatory application in the EU and plans to file regulatory applications in the United States and other countries later in 2026.
Lilly is also evaluating orforglipron in late-stage studies in other disease areas like obstructive sleep apnea, osteoarthritis pain of the knee, stress urinary incontinence and hypertension. These multiple late-stage studies on orforglipron can expand the candidate’s revenue potential beyond obesity/type II diabetes.
Race to Make Oral Obesity Pill
While Lilly and Novo Nordisk currently dominate the obesity space, smaller biotechs like Structure Therapeutics GPCR and Viking Therapeutics VKTX are also developing oral GLP-1 drugs for treating obesity.
Viking Therapeutics’ dual GIPR/GLP-1 receptor agonist, VK2735, is being developed both as oral and subcutaneous formulations for the treatment of obesity. Viking plans to advance oral VK2735 into phase III development for obesity in the third quarter of 2026.
Structure Therapeutics’ phase II ACCESS study on its orally GLP-1 RA, aleniglipron, demonstrated significant weight loss across all doses. Structure Therapeutics expects to initiate the late-stage program of aleniglipron in obesity in the second half of 2026.
Lilly’s Zacks Rank
Lilly has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Zacks' Research Chief Picks Stock Most Likely to "At Least Double"
Our experts have revealed their Top 5 recommendations with money-doubling potential – and Director of Research Sheraz Mian believes one is superior to the others. Of course, all our picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier recommendations like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%.
See Our Top Stock to Double (Plus 4 Runners Up) >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

LLY Stock Down as FDA Asks for More Safety Data on Oral Obesity Pill

Eli Lilly LLY has emerged as a dominant force in the cardiometabolic market, driven by strong demand for its blockbuster GLP-1 therapies, Mounjaro for type II diabetes (T2D) and Zepbound for obesity. Although both drugs have been on the market for just over three years, they have become LLY’s key top-line drivers. In 2025, the drugs generated combined sales of $36.5 billion, comprising around 56% of Eli Lilly’s total revenues. Investors will be closely watching the sales performance of Mounjaro and Zepbound when LLY reports its first-quarter 2026 results on April 30.
The robust performance of Mounjaro and Zepbound in the recent quarters has largely been driven by improved domestic supply following the expansion of manufacturing capacity. Additionally, sales of both drugs have been boosted by their rollout across new international markets. The robust momentum of its GLP-1 franchise is a key driver underpinning Eli Lilly’s upbeat 2026 revenue outlook of $80-$83 billion.
We believe that stronger penetration in the U.S. market and rising adoption in international markets likely fueled growth in both drugs in the first quarter of 2026. However, some headwinds are expected from lower pricing.
Beyond cardiometabolic health, Lilly’s broader portfolio, including the oncology drug Verzenio and immunology drug Taltz, also continues to deliver steady growth. The company’s newly launched drugs, including Omvoh and Ebglyss in immunology, Jaypirca in oncology, and Kisunla in neuroscience, are all contributing to top-line growth.
LLY’s Peers in the Obesity Space
Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk NVO presently dominate the obesity market. Mounjaro and Zepbound directly compete with NVO’s semaglutide medicines, Ozempic for T2D and Wegovy for obesity. Like Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk also generates a substantial portion of revenues from both drugs.
Novo Nordisk secured the long-awaited FDA approval for its oral Wegovy pill to treat obesity and reduce cardiovascular risk in late December, followed by its commercial launch in early January. This marked a major milestone, making Wegovy the first GLP-1 RA available in an oral form for weight management. Compared with injectable formulations, the pill offers a far more convenient administration option. Earlier this month, Eli Lilly also secured FDA approval for its GLP-1 obesity pill, Foundayo (orforglipron), and was subsequently launched in the United States, making it a direct competitor to NVO’s Wegovy pill.
The obesity space has garnered much of the spotlight over the past year due to the sizeable and still underpenetrated market opportunity. Smaller biotech firms, like Viking Therapeutics VKTX and Structure Therapeutics GPCR, are also advancing GLP-1–based therapies to challenge the incumbents. Viking Therapeutics’ dual GIPR/GLP-1 receptor agonist, VK2735, is being developed both as oral and subcutaneous formulations for the treatment of obesity. Viking Therapeutics plans to advance oral VK2735 into phase III development for obesity in the third quarter of 2026.
Structure Therapeutics’ phase II ACCESS study on its oral GLP-1 RA, aleniglipron, for obesity, met its primary and all key secondary endpoints. Structure Therapeutics expects to initiate the late-stage program of aleniglipron in obesity in the second half of 2026.
LLY’s Stock Price, Valuation and Estimates
Shares of Eli Lilly have lost 15.8% year to date compared with the industry’s 2.5% decline. The company has also underperformed the sector and the S&P 500 during the same time frame, as seen in the chart below.
LLY Stock Price Movement
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, LLY stock is expensive. Going by the price/earnings ratio, the company’s shares currently trade at 24.87 forward earnings, higher than 17.14 for the industry. However, the stock is trading below its five-year mean of 34.56.
LLY Stock Valuation
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Estimates for Eli Lilly’s 2026 earnings have improved from $33.98 to $34.32 per share in the past 60 days, and estimates for 2027 earnings have improved from $41.89 to $42.00 per share over the same time frame.
LLY Estimate Movement
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Eli Lilly currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Zacks' Research Chief Picks Stock Most Likely to "At Least Double"
Our experts have revealed their Top 5 recommendations with money-doubling potential – and Director of Research Sheraz Mian believes one is superior to the others. Of course, all our picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier recommendations like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%.
See Our Top Stock to Double (Plus 4 Runners Up) >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
Novo Nordisk A/S (NVO) : Free Stock Analysis Report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

How Will Mounjaro and Zepbound Sales Aid LLY's Upcoming Q1 Results?

Novo Nordisk NVO shares have plunged 36.3% in the past three months. The massive sell-off of the stock was primarily due to a weaker-than-expected 2026 financial outlook, pipeline setbacks and impending price cuts for key drugs amid intensifying competition from arch-rival Eli Lilly LLY in the obesity space.
Novo Nordisk is a dominant player in the cardiometabolic space, led by its blockbuster semaglutide-based (GLP-1) drugs, Ozempic (for type II diabetes [T2D]) and Wegovy (for obesity), which generated DKK 206.2 billion in 2025. While legal actions, tighter FDA oversight and strategic partnerships with telehealth firms may curb compounded alternatives, NVO’s structural growth challenges remain unresolved, as is evident from its 2026 outlook.
Novo Nordisk’s 2026 outlook is flattered by a one-off $4.2 billion reversal of U.S. 340B rebates, but this gain is excluded from adjusted metrics, revealing underlying weakness. On a core basis, the company expects sales and operating profit to decline 5-13% (CER), with FX headwinds adding further pressure. Even reported figures suggest largely flat sales and only modest profit growth, indicating limited momentum once non-recurring benefits are removed.
Growth in international markets, driven by GLP-1 adoption and Wegovy expansion, is likely to be offset by pricing pressure, competition and semaglutide exclusivity losses — especially in the United States, where demand and pricing are weakening. Higher R&D and commercial spending will further strain margins. Despite initial optimism around oral Wegovy, investor confidence has faded, as it is unlikely to meaningfully offset near-term challenges.
Lilly recently secured FDA approval of its oral GLP-1 drug, orforglipron, for adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related medical problems, marketed under the brand name Foundayo. The drug will compete directly with NVO’s Wegovy pill. Eli Lilly had launched Zepbound for obesity in December 2023, much later than NVO launched Wegovy injection a couple of years before. Still, Zepbound managed to capture much higher market share than Wegovy and surpassed the latter’s sales in 2025. If past trends hold, Lilly could effectively erase Novo Nordisk’s early lead in the oral GLP-1 market.
Eli Lilly has also strengthened its competitive position in obesity treatment after Zepbound 15 mg outperformed Novo Nordisk’s next-generation candidate, CagriSema, in the 84-week REDEFINE 4 study. Zepbound delivered 25.5% weight loss compared to 23% for CagriSema, causing NVO’s candidate to miss its non-inferiority goal and marking a clear win for Lilly. While Novo has already filed CagriSema and plans further studies, the results underscore Lilly’s current edge in efficacy.
The pressure extends beyond injectables, with Lilly’s Foundayo also beating Novo Nordisk’s Rybelsus in a phase III diabetes study, showing superior A1C reduction, weight loss and added convenience. Meanwhile, NVO’s planned 2027 U.S. price cuts across Wegovy, Ozempic and Rybelsus aim to expand access but risk squeezing margins, further intensifying competition across its core cardiometabolic portfolio.
However, it’s not all negative for Novo Nordisk. The company has one of the broadest cardiometabolic pipelines in the industry, supported by both in-house innovation and strategic partnerships and acquisitions. It continues to make steady progress across multiple next-generation candidates in diabetes and obesity. Backed by strong fundamentals and a still largely untapped global obesity market, Novo Nordisk retains meaningful long-term growth potential. To better assess the opportunity, it’s important to weigh the company’s key strengths against its near-term challenges.
Semaglutide — Still NVO’s Primary Top-Line Driver
Novo Nordisk’s past success has been driven by the sales of Ozempic (semaglutide) and Rybelsus for T2D, and Wegovy for obesity. The company boasts one of the industry's broadest diabetes and obesity care portfolios.
Ozempic and Wegovy are the major revenue drivers. Novo Nordisk is expanding access to Wegovy through broader distribution and partnerships with major U.S. pharmacies, telehealth providers and proprietary and third-party platforms to ensure patients can obtain authentic, FDA-approved treatments. This is expected to mitigate the compounded alternatives problem in 2026. NVO is also investing heavily in developing manufacturing facilities to increase production capacity for current and future Novo Nordisk GLP-1 treatments.
Novo Nordisk is expanding semaglutide's reach through new indications. Wegovy injection is now approved for reducing major cardiovascular events, easing HFpEF symptoms, and relieving osteoarthritis-related knee pain in obesity. NVO has also secured the approval of oral Wegovy — the first GLP-1 therapy in pill form for weight management — in the United States and was launched in early 2026.
Rybelsus’ label in the United States and the EU has been expanded to include cardiovascular benefits in T2D patients. A 7.2 mg Wegovy dose, showing up to 25% weight loss in the STEP UP study, has been approved in the EU and is currently under review in the United States. Label expansion is also being sought for Ozempic in treating peripheral artery disease in the United States and the EU.
NVO Expands Footprint in Rare Diseases and Liver Care
Beyond its GLP-1 portfolio, Novo Nordisk is broadening its presence in rare diseases. The company has submitted a regulatory filing seeking approval for Mim8 in hemophilia A in the United States. NVO has also secured both EU and U.S. approvals for Alhemo to treat hemophilia A and B, with or without inhibitors.
The FDA has also granted accelerated approval to Wegovy as the first GLP-1 therapy to treat noncirrhotic metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis with moderate-to-advanced liver fibrosis. This marked a significant milestone in liver care by offering patients a treatment that can both halt disease activity and reverse liver damage.
NVO Focuses on Next-Generation Drugs
Novo Nordisk is also developing several next-generation obesity candidates in its pipeline, especially targeting the lucrative U.S. market. Apart from CagriSema, NVO is gearing up to launch a dedicated late-stage program evaluating cagrilintide as a monotherapy for obesity.
Novo Nordisk is also gearing up to advance another next-generation candidate, amycretin, for weight management into late-stage development. The phase III program on amycretin is planned to be initiated soon. The company is also developing oral monlunabant in a mid-stage obesity study. It earlier signed a $2.2 billion deal with Septerna to develop and commercialize oral small-molecule medicines for treating obesity, diabetes and other cardiometabolic diseases. NVO recently signed a $2.1 billion partnership with Vivtex to develop next-generation oral biologic medicines for obesity, diabetes and associated comorbidities.
Novo Nordisk also received FDA approval for Awiqli, the first once-weekly long-acting basal insulin (icodec) for adults with T2D, to be used alongside diet and exercise for glycemic control. Already approved in several global markets, the drug’s U.S. clearance further strengthens Novo Nordisk’s diabetes portfolio and reinforces its position in the treatment landscape.
NVO’s Stock Price, Valuation & Estimates
In the past six months, Novo Nordisk shares have lost 33.8% against the industry’s 10% growth. The company has also underperformed the sector and the S&P 500 during the same time frame, as seen in the chart below.
NVO Stock Underperforms the Industry, Sector & the S&P 500
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Novo Nordisk is trading at a discount to the industry, as seen in the chart below. Going by the price/earnings ratio, the company’s shares currently trade at 11.11 forward earnings, which is lower than 17.21 for the industry. The stock is trading much below its five-year mean of 29.25.
NVO Stock Valuation
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Earnings estimates for 2026 have improved from $3.34 to $3.37 per share over the past 60 days. During the same time frame, Novo Nordisk’s 2027 earnings estimates have increased from $3.31 to $3.41.
NVO Estimate Movement
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Here’s How to Play NVO Stock
Given the mounting headwinds, near to medium-term prospects for Novo Nordisk, currently carrying a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), appear challenging, and caution is warranted. NVO is facing elevated stock price volatility amid a weaker 2026 outlook, rising competitive pressure from Eli Lilly, pricing headwinds and increased spending that could weigh on margins. Pipeline setbacks and uncertainty around the company’s ability to defend its leadership in the GLP-1 space further add to the risk-reward imbalance, suggesting investors may be better off staying on the sidelines until greater clarity emerges. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Competition in the obesity treatment market is intensifying as the space attracts new contenders beyond leaders Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. Smaller biotech firms, like Viking Therapeutics VKTX, are advancing GLP-1–based therapies to challenge the incumbents. Viking Therapeutics’ dual GIPR/GLP-1 receptor agonist, VK2735, is being developed both as oral and subcutaneous formulations for the treatment of obesity. Viking Therapeutics plans to advance oral VK2735 into phase III development for obesity in the third quarter of 2026.
Over the long term, however, the investment case remains intact. Novo Nordisk’s strong fundamentals, leadership in cardiometabolic therapies, and expansive pipeline — combined with the still underpenetrated global obesity market — position it well for sustained growth. For investors with a longer horizon, periods of weakness could present an opportunity, as the company retains the potential to generate meaningful wealth once near-term challenges stabilize.
Quantum Computing Stocks Set To Soar
Artificial intelligence has already reshaped the investment landscape, and its convergence with quantum computing could lead to the most significant wealth-building opportunities of our time.
Today, you have a chance to position your portfolio at the forefront of this technological revolution. In our urgent special report, Beyond AI: The Quantum Leap in Computing Power, you'll discover the little-known stocks we believe will win the quantum computing race and deliver massive gains to early investors.
Access the Report Free Now >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

NVO Crashes 36% in 3 Months: Is This an Indication to Sell the Stock?

Eli Lilly LLY announced the launch of its oral GLP-1 pill, Foundayo (orforglipron), in the United States. The drug was approved by the FDA last week for use in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related medical problems.
Eli Lilly has made Foundayo both accessible and affordable. While eligible and commercially insured patients with coverage may pay as little as $25 per month with the Foundayo savings card, self-pay patients will pay $149 per month for the lowest dose. Eligible Medicare Part D beneficiaries may be able to access the drug for $50 per month, with availability expected as early as July 1, 2026.
The company has taken an aggressive commercialization approach. By leveraging its direct-to-consumer platform, LillyDirect, alongside partnerships with Amazon, GoodRx and telehealth provider Ro, the company addresses both accessibility and distribution bottlenecks. Same-day delivery through Amazon Pharmacy further enhances convenience, potentially accelerating early adoption.
Can LLY Dominate the Obesity Space With Foundayo?
This commercial launch marks a significant milestone for Eli Lilly, bringing it closer to rival Novo Nordisk NVO, which secured approval for the Wegovy pill — the first oral GLP-1 pill approved for weight-loss in adults — toward the end of last year. The drug was commercially launched by NVO earlier in January.
From a competitive standpoint, the oral GLP-1 market is in its early innings. Although Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy pill currently benefits from a first-mover advantage, Foundayo may still carve out a strong position in the rapidly expanding obesity market.
A key differentiator for Foundayo is its convenience profile. Unlike injectable GLP-1 therapies and even some oral formulations that require strict dosing conditions, Foundayo can be taken at any time without food or water restrictions. This flexibility could meaningfully improve patient adherence — a critical factor in chronic weight management therapies — and expand its appeal among patients hesitant to start injectable treatments.
Foundayo has demonstrated robust efficacy in clinical studies, including strong weight-loss outcomes, which could further strengthen its competitive positioning in the oral GLP-1 segment.
LLY Stock Performance
Year to date, shares of Lilly have lost 11% compared with the industry’s 1% decline.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Competition Heating Up in the Obesity Space
The obesity market has garnered significant attention, with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk emerging as market leaders. According to research conducted by Goldman Sachs, the obesity market in the United States is expected to reach $100 billion by 2030. This growing opportunity is reflected in how both companies are not only expanding production capacity but advancing more potent and convenient GLP-1-based candidates across their pipelines.
Smaller biotechs, like Structure Therapeutics and Viking Therapeutics VKTX, are stepping up efforts. These companies are currently developing their respective GLP-1-based therapies across different stages of clinical development.
Meanwhile, Structure Therapeutics reported positive results from its phase II ACCESS study evaluating its oral GLP-1 receptor agonist, aleniglipron, in obesity. The study met its primary and all key secondary endpoints, and the company expects to advance the candidate into late-stage development in the second half of 2026.
Viking Therapeutics’ dual GIPR/GLP-1 receptor agonist, VK2735, is being developed in both oral and subcutaneous (SC) formulations for obesity. While the SC version is currently in late-stage development, the company plans to advance the oral formulation into phase III development in the third quarter of 2026.
Eli Lilly and Company Price
LLY’s Zacks Rank
Eli Lilly currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Zacks Names #1 Semiconductor Stock
This under-the-radar company specializes in semiconductor products that titans like NVIDIA don't build. It's uniquely positioned to take advantage of the next growth stage of this market. And it's just beginning to enter the spotlight, which is exactly where you want to be.
With strong earnings growth and an expanding customer base, it's positioned to feed the rampant demand for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Internet of Things. Global semiconductor manufacturing is projected to explode from $452 billion in 2021 to $971 billion by 2028.
See This Stock Now for Free >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
Novo Nordisk A/S (NVO) : Free Stock Analysis Report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

LLY Launches GLP-1 Pill, Expands Access Through Pharmacy Partnerships

Eli Lilly and Company LLY, last week, gained the much-anticipated FDA approval for its once-daily oral GLP-1 pill orforglipron for treating obesity. The pill will be marketed under the name Foundayo. The company expects Foundayo shipments to begin this week, with the drug expected to soon become widely available across U.S. retail pharmacies and telehealth platforms.
Foundayo’s approval was based on data from the phase III ATTAIN clinical program, which showed that the pill delivered an average of 12.4% weight loss at the highest dose.
Oral pills will be a more convenient alternative to the once-weekly injectable GLP-1 obesity treatments like Lilly’s Zepbound and rival Novo Nordisk NVO Wegovy. Oral pills may significantly lower treatment burden and potentially broaden patient adoption versus injections. They can also be manufactured at scale to meet global demand, which, in turn, can drive billions in additional sales.
NovoNordisk had gained approval for an oral version of its obesity drug, Wegovy, in December 2025 and launched the pill in January 2026. The Wegovy pill gave NVO a first-to-market advantage and will initially bring in additional revenues. However, we believe Lilly may be able to close the gap quickly now that the FDA has approved Foundayo. Also, Foundayo offers better patient convenience as it can be taken at any time of day, with or without food. In contrast, NVO’s Wegovy pill has to be taken on an empty stomach, followed by a waiting period of 30 minutes before eating. However, in terms of side effects, Wegovy has a slight edge as it seems to have a more stable safety and tolerability profile than Foundayo, whose use is associated with some gastrointestinal side effects.
Overall, Foundayo’s approval was a huge win for Lilly’s, as evidenced by the stock’s 6.5% rise last week. However, a single positive news is not so important for long-term investors to make an investment decision. Let’s understand the company’s strengths and weaknesses to better analyze how to play LLY’s stock in this scenario.
Strong Growth of LLY’s GLP-1 Drugs Mounjaro and Zepbound
Lilly boasts a robust portfolio of treatments for diabetes and other cardiometabolic conditions, with its cardiometabolic division emerging as the company’s strongest segment. This success is largely attributed to strong sales of Mounjaro and Zepbound. Despite being on the market for slightly more than three years, Mounjaro and Zepbound have become key top-line drivers for Lilly, with demand rising rapidly. These therapies account for more than 50% of the company’s total revenues.
Mounjaro is the market leader in new prescriptions within type II diabetes incretin analogs in both the United States and ex-U.S. markets, while Zepbound also holds a leading market share in the branded obesity market with nearly 70% share of new prescriptions.
In 2025, the drugs generated combined sales of $36.5 billion, comprising around 56% of the company’s total revenues. Robust growth trends in the U.S. incretin analogs market and positive uptake trends of Mounjaro and Zepbound in new international markets led to strong sales growth in 2025, with the trend expected to continue in 2026.
New Drugs Also Contributing to LLY’s Growth
In addition to Mounjaro and Zepbound, Lilly has secured approvals for several other new therapies over the past few years. These include Omvoh for treating ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, BTK inhibitor Jaypirca for mantle cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Ebglyss for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis and Kisunla (donanemab) for early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease. These newly approved drugs are also contributing to Lilly’s revenue growth.
Lilly’s Broad Obesity Pipeline
Lilly is developing several next-generation, more powerful and more convenient GLP-1–based treatments, including oral options and multi-acting candidates.
Foundayo can prove to be a commercial game-changer for Lilly with the potential to bring in $1 billion-$2 billion in sales as early as in 2026. In international markets, Lilly expects to launch orforglipron for obesity during 2027. For the type II diabetes indication, Lilly has filed a regulatory application in the EU and plans to file regulatory applications in the United States and other countries later in 2026.
Lilly is also evaluating orforglipron in late-stage studies in other disease areas like obstructive sleep apnea, osteoarthritis pain of the knee, stress urinary incontinence and hypertension. These multiple late-stage studies on orforglipron can expand the candidate’s revenue potential beyond obesity/type II diabetes
The company is evaluating another key candidate, triple-acting incretin, retatrutide in type II diabetes and obesity, along with other indications like obstructive sleep apnea, knee osteoarthritis, and chronic low back pain, in late-stage studies. Retatrutide represents a new generation of “triple-action” therapy as it targets three biological pathways — GLP-1, GIP and glucagon — whereas existing medicines mostly act on one or two biological pathways.
Data from a phase III study on retatrutide in obesity and knee osteoarthritis pain showed that the drug delivered significant weight loss with substantial relief from osteoarthritis pain. Lilly expects data readouts from additional phase III studies on retatrutide for treating obesity in 2026. It plans to seek approval for retatrutide for obesity and knee osteoarthritis pain in 2026.
Efforts to Diversify Beyond Obesity & Diabetes
In the past couple of years, Lilly has upped its efforts to diversify beyond GLP-1 drugs by expanding into cardiovascular, oncology and neuroscience areas. In 2025, it announced several M&A deals. It acquired Verve Therapeutics to add gene therapies for heart disease to its pipeline. Lilly also acquired Scorpion Therapeutics’ oncology drug and SiteOne Therapeutics’ non-opioid pain candidate. The acquisition of Adverum Biotechnologies in December 2025 added its lead candidate, Ixo-vec, an intravitreal single-administration gene therapy being developed in phase III to treat vision loss associated with wet age-related macular degeneration.
In January 2026, Lilly announced a definitive agreement to buy Ventyx Biosciences to deepen its exposure in oral small-molecule therapies targeting inflammatory-mediated diseases. In February, it announced a deal to acquire private biotech Orna Therapeutics, which is making in vivo CAR-T therapies to treat a wide range of B-cell-driven autoimmune diseases. Last week, Lilly announced a deal to acquire Centessa Pharmaceuticals to expand its presence in sleep disorder therapies and the broader neuroscience space.
Race to Make Oral Obesity Pill Intensifies
The global obesity drug market is projected to grow dramatically, reaching nearly $95 billion by 2030 and potentially $125 billion by 2035, according to Goldman Sachs estimates. While Lilly and Novo Nordisk currently dominate this space, smaller biotechs like Structure Therapeutics GPCR and Viking Therapeutics VKTX are also developing oral GLP-1 drugs for treating obesity.
Viking Therapeutics’ dual GIPR/GLP-1 receptor agonist, VK2735, is being developed both as oral and subcutaneous formulations for the treatment of obesity. Viking plans to advance oral VK2735 into phase III development for obesity in the third quarter of 2026.
Structure Therapeutics’ phase II ACCESS study on its orally GLP-1 RA, aleniglipron, demonstrated significant weight loss across all doses. Structure Therapeutics expects to initiate the late-stage program of aleniglipron in obesity in the second half of 2026.
Novo Nordisk’s key novel candidate in its obesity pipeline is CagriSema, a once-weekly injection, which is a combination of cagrilintide (amylin analogue) and semaglutide (GLP-1). In phase III studies, this candidate has shown 22.7% weight loss. NVO has already filed a new drug application with the FDA seeking approval of CagriSema for obesity. Other key candidates are cagrilintide, a long-acting amylin analogue in phase III and amycretin, a single molecule combining GLP-1 + amylin, which is expected to enter phase III in 2026.
LLY’s Stock Price, Valuation and Estimates
Lilly’s stock has risen 10.9% in the past six months against the industry’s decrease of 0.3%.
LLY Stock Outperforms Industry
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, Lilly’s stock is expensive. Going by the price/earnings ratio, LLY’s shares currently trade at 25.85 forward earnings, much higher than 20.30 for the industry. However, LLY’s stock is trading below its 5-year mean of 34.57.
LLY Stock Valuation
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 has risen from $33.24 to $34.16 per share over the past 60 days, while that for 2027 has risen from $41.48 to $41.90 per share over the same timeframe.
LLY Estimate Movement
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Stay Invested in LLY Stock
Lilly has its share of problems. Prices of most of Lilly’s products are declining in the United States. Price is expected to continue to be a drag on top-line growth in the low to mid-teens percentage in 2026. Rising competition in the GLP-1 diabetes/obesity market is a key headwind. Also, sales of late-life cycle products like Trulicity, Taltz and Verzenio are expected to be flat to down in 2026.
However, exceptional growth from Mounjaro and Zepbound has made Lilly the largest drugmaker. It delivered robust financial performance in 2025 with revenues surging 45% and EPS growing 86%. Expectations for continued growth in 2026 remain high with projected revenues of $80-$83 billion and EPS of $33.50-$35.00.
Despite its expensive valuation, Lilly is a great stock to have in one’s portfolio, given its significant price appreciation, its product and pipeline portfolio in high-growth therapeutic areas like obesity, robust growth prospects and bullish analyst sentiment. Consistently rising estimates also reflect analysts’ optimistic outlook for the stock. Investors should stay invested in this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Radical New Technology Could Hand Investors Huge Gains
Quantum Computing is the next technological revolution, and it could be even more advanced than AI.
While some believed the technology was years away, it is already present and moving fast. Large hyperscalers, such as Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Oracle, and even Meta and Tesla, are scrambling to integrate quantum computing into their infrastructure.
Senior Stock Strategist Kevin Cook reveals 7 carefully selected stocks poised to dominate the quantum computing landscape in his report, Beyond AI: The Quantum Leap in Computing Power.
Kevin was among the early experts who recognized NVIDIA's enormous potential back in 2016. Now, he has keyed in on what could be "the next big thing" in quantum computing supremacy. Today, you have a rare chance to position your portfolio at the forefront of this opportunity.
See Top Quantum Stocks Now >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Viking Therapeutics, Inc.

Options Strategies