Novo Nordisk CEO Signals M&A Interest, Viking Therapeutics Up Nearly 11%
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 14 2026
0mins
Shares of several names in the obesity-drug space, including Viking Therapeutics (VKTX), Terns Pharmaceuticals (TERN), and Structure Therapeutics (GPCR), are moving higher on Wednesday following comments by Novo Nordisk's (NVO) CEO on the company's renewed M&A interest to boost its obesity portfolio after losing U.S. biotech Metsera in a bidding war with Pfizer (PFE) late last year. According to news reports, Chief Executive Officer Mike Doustdar said in an interview at the JPMorgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco that, "We're in the market for big or small... As long as it's complementary to our own assets, then we can go very big, very big in buying something in, but it has to be worth it and it has to be so much better than whatever we have." Viking Therapeutics in early afternoon is trading up almost 11% at $34.04, while Terns Pharmaceuticals and Structure Therapeutics gained about 10% at $38.03 and $85.16, respectively.
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Analyst Views on GPCR
Wall Street analysts forecast GPCR stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for GPCR is 104.00 USD with a low forecast of 65.00 USD and a high forecast of 130.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
13 Analyst Rating
13 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 89.050
Low
65.00
Averages
104.00
High
130.00
Current: 89.050
Low
65.00
Averages
104.00
High
130.00
About GPCR
Structure Therapeutics Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing oral small molecule treatments for chronic metabolic and cardiopulmonary conditions with significant unmet medical needs. Its programs include Aleniglipron (GSBR-1290), ACCG-2671, GIP and GCG Receptor Oral Small Molecule Obesity Programs, ANPA-0073, and LTSE-2578. Its Aleniglipron is an oral and biased small molecule agonist of GLP-1R, a validated GPCR drug target for obesity. ACCG-2671 is an oral small molecule amylin receptor agonist for obesity. ANPA-0073 is a biased agonist targeting the apelin (APJ) receptor agonist. Its LTSE-2578, an Oral Small Molecule LPA1R Antagonist for IPF. It is developing an antagonist that targets lysophosphatidic acid 1 receptor (LPA1R), a GPCR implicated in responses to tissue injury and pro-fibrotic processes, for the treatment of IPF. It is developing oral incretins for potential combination therapy with GLP-1R or amylin candidates.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Structure Therapeutics Advances Aleniglipron into Phase 3 Trials Following Novo Nordisk's Oral GLP-1 Launch
- Market Potential: At the JPMorgan Healthcare Conference, Structure Therapeutics CEO Ray Stevens indicated that the launch of new drugs by Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly is expected to drive significant growth in the obesity treatment market, creating momentum for the broader category.
- Impressive Clinical Data: Aleniglipron demonstrated an approximate 11% weight loss in obese patients over 36 weeks during Phase 2 trials, attracting investor interest and leading to a more than 100% increase in stock price, highlighting its market potential.
- Clear Competitive Advantages: Stevens noted that aleniglipron achieved up to 15.3% weight loss at higher doses over 36 weeks without any observed drug-related liver injuries, showcasing its safety and efficacy, which may surpass other competing drugs.
- Low Production Costs: As a small-molecule pill, aleniglipron can be produced at scale, and Stevens emphasized that this positions the company to efficiently supply the U.S. market, further enhancing its competitive edge.
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Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk Drive Diversification in Obesity Drug Market
- Market Diversification Trend: Eli Lilly's Chief Scientific Officer indicated that the obesity drug market is shifting from a one-size-fits-all approach to offering diverse treatment options for different patients, which is expected to enhance patient choice and treatment outcomes.
- New Drug Development Progress: Novo Nordisk launched the first GLP-1 pill for obesity this month, while Eli Lilly plans to introduce its own oral option later this year, marking a significant expansion in treatment choices that may attract more patients reluctant to use injections.
- Significant Market Potential: Analysts project that the obesity and diabetes drug market could reach nearly $100 billion annually by 2030, as the increase in treatment options and improved patient access are expected to drive further market demand.
- Impact of Medicare Coverage: Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk's agreement with the Trump administration is set to introduce Medicare coverage for obesity drugs for the first time, which will significantly enhance patient access to medications and stimulate market growth.
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