Viking CEO: Weight-Loss Deals More Intense Than Seen

The pharmaceutical industry is intensely focused on the burgeoning weight-loss drug market, a sector projected by analysts to surpass $150 billion in annual value by 2030. This significant market growth is fueled by expanding clinical applications, increased patient adoption, enhanced manufacturing capabilities, and the development of next-generation therapies.

Viking Therapeutics CEO Brian Lian recently commented that the level of strategic interest in weight-loss drug deals is likely broader than publicly perceived, with numerous companies closely monitoring the landscape. This heightened interest follows major acquisitions, such as Pfizer's $10 billion purchase of Metsera in November 2025, which involved a competitive bidding process.

Pharmaceutical firms are currently evaluating different approaches to obesity treatments, weighing the benefits of developing new compounds at earlier stages against acquiring proven, albeit potentially more expensive, existing drugs. Viking Therapeutics has expressed openness to external interest but remains prepared to proceed independently if necessary.