Big pharma still needs additional late-stage obesity drug assets. Viking's obesity pipeline could attract major pharmaceutical acquisition interest.

Eli Lilly's GLP-1 portfolio is driving growth in 2026, with Mounjaro, Zepbound and Foundayo gaining traction across obesity, diabetes and related markets.

Eli Lilly dominates the weight loss drug market and competes with fellow pharma giant Novo Nordisk. Viking is studying promising weight loss candidates in late-stage trials.

SAN DIEGO, May 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Viking Therapeutics, Inc. ("Viking") (NASDAQ: VKTX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders, today announced that it will participate at the William Blair 46th Annual Growth Stock Conference and the Jefferies Global Healthcare Conference in June. Details of the company's participation are as follows: William Blair 46th Annual Growth Stock Conference Details: Viking management will deliver a corporate presentation, followed by a breakout session, and participate in investor meetings.Conference Dates: June 2-4, 2026Presentation Date/Time: Tuesday, June 2nd at 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm CTBreakout session: Tuesday, June 2nd at 2:40 pm – 3:10 pm CTLocation: Chicago, IL Jefferies Global Healthcare Conference Details: Viking management will participate in a fireside chat and investor meetings.

Demand for weight-loss drugs has exploded, with material differentiation among the players in the niche. There's a clear leader, but that may not be the best investment option for you in 2026.

There is a need for more weight loss drug options, including oral pills. Viking Therapeutics is working on a promising one, though tolerability might be an issue.

Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY | LLY Price Prediction) is the stock everyone wants to talk about, and the reasons are obvious: Mounjaro revenue jumped 125% to $8.66 billion last quarter, the company raised full-year revenue guidance to $82 to $85 billion, and the market cap now sits at roughly $881.8 billion.

NVO beats Q1 estimates and raises its 2026 outlook. Meanwhile, Eli Lilly's expanding GLP-1 portfolio threatens its obesity market dominance.

Biotech dealmaking accelerated heading into the JPM 2026 Healthcare Conference as large drugmakers face looming patent cliffs and hunt for growth.

LLY expands beyond tirzepatide with oral obesity pills and next-gen drugs like retatrutide to defend its lead in the booming weight-loss market.