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
Should l Buy GPCR?
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: 73.210
Low
65.00
Averages
104.00
High
130.00
Current: 73.210
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' GLP-1 Drug Shows Promising Potential
- Intensifying Market Competition: Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly currently lead the GLP-1 drug market, but as more pharmaceutical companies enter this space, the market share is expected to expand further, representing a significant growth opportunity in healthcare.
- Clinical Trial Progress: Structure Therapeutics' GLP-1 weight loss pill, aleniglipron, has entered phase 3 trials, with recent data showing a placebo-adjusted weight loss of 15.3% at the highest dosage, demonstrating effectiveness comparable to other top weight loss drugs on the market.
- Safety Advantages: Unlike other GLP-1 drugmakers that typically require trials lasting over 60 weeks, Structure has achieved comparable weight loss results at an earlier stage, and with no liver injuries or significant side effects reported, the treatment appears to be safe.
- Investment Risks and Opportunities: While Structure Therapeutics has a market cap of $6.5 billion and its stock has tripled in the past year, investors should be cautious of its elevated valuation, as any negative outcomes from the phase 3 trials could lead to a steep sell-off.
See More
Structure Therapeutics Emerges as Potential Takeover Target for Big Pharma
- Acquisition Potential: According to an Axios Pro report, Structure Therapeutics (GPCR) is viewed as a potential acquisition target for large pharmaceutical companies due to its development of next-generation oral obesity drugs, with analysts and M&A experts expressing optimism.
- Market Valuation Increase: An M&A expert indicated that if Structure Therapeutics were to be acquired, it could see a 50% premium, raising its valuation from the current $6.3 billion to approximately $9 billion, highlighting its attractiveness in the obesity market.
- Strategic Partnership: Earlier this month, Genentech entered into a $100 million deal with Structure Therapeutics for a GLP-1 weight-loss drug, further enhancing its market position and attracting investor interest.
- Successful Financing: Structure Therapeutics recently completed an upsized public offering, raising $650 million, which provides funding support for its R&D and market expansion, demonstrating strong performance in the capital markets.
See More
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.
See More
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.
See More
Structure Therapeutics Advances Weight-Loss Pill with 11.3% Weight Loss in 36 Weeks
- Clinical Trial Results: In the core Phase 2b ACCESS study, Structure Therapeutics' aleniglipron achieved a clinically significant weight loss of 11.3% over 36 weeks, indicating its potential in the weight-loss drug market and likely attracting more patient interest.
- Adverse Event Monitoring: The study reported a treatment discontinuation rate of 10.4% for aleniglipron, suggesting that while weight loss results are promising, managing side effects is crucial for ensuring long-term patient adherence and safety.
- Market Challenges: The CEO warned that unapproved alternatives could undermine market entry for new drugs, especially when demand exceeds supply, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory measures to protect the market share of new medications.
- Future Research Plans: Structure Therapeutics is conducting three new clinical studies for aleniglipron to gather additional data that will support its Phase 3 program and position the company favorably in the competitive weight-loss drug market.
See More
Viking Therapeutics CEO Highlights Broad Strategic Interest in Weight-Loss Drug Deals, Shares Surge 17%
- Stock Surge: Shares of Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) surged 17% on Wednesday, reflecting strong market interest in its weight-loss drug development, particularly as Novo Nordisk (NVO) seeks acquisitions to enhance its drug portfolio.
- M&A Activity: Novo Nordisk halted its $10 billion bid for the smaller obesity drugmaker Metsera, but successfully acquired Akero Therapeutics for up to $5.2 billion in December, indicating its aggressive strategy in the obesity drug market.
- Clinical Trial Progress: Viking's lead candidate VK2735 demonstrated a significant average weight loss of 14.7% over 13 weeks in mid-stage trials, showcasing its potential in obesity treatment, with ongoing studies for an oral formulation of the drug.
- Market Sentiment: On Stocktwits, retail sentiment around VKTX remained in the 'extremely bullish' territory, with message volume rising from 'high' to 'extremely high', as speculation grew about Novo potentially acquiring Viking for around $10 billion, which would represent substantial upside from its current near $4 billion market cap.
See More
Structure Therapeutics' GLP-1 Drug Shows Promising Potential
- Intensifying Market Competition: Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly currently lead the GLP-1 drug market, but as more pharmaceutical companies enter this space, the market share is expected to expand further, representing a significant growth opportunity in healthcare.
- Clinical Trial Progress: Structure Therapeutics' GLP-1 weight loss pill, aleniglipron, has entered phase 3 trials, with recent data showing a placebo-adjusted weight loss of 15.3% at the highest dosage, demonstrating effectiveness comparable to other top weight loss drugs on the market.
- Safety Advantages: Unlike other GLP-1 drugmakers that typically require trials lasting over 60 weeks, Structure has achieved comparable weight loss results at an earlier stage, and with no liver injuries or significant side effects reported, the treatment appears to be safe.
- Investment Risks and Opportunities: While Structure Therapeutics has a market cap of $6.5 billion and its stock has tripled in the past year, investors should be cautious of its elevated valuation, as any negative outcomes from the phase 3 trials could lead to a steep sell-off.
See More
Structure Therapeutics Emerges as Potential Takeover Target for Big Pharma
- Acquisition Potential: According to an Axios Pro report, Structure Therapeutics (GPCR) is viewed as a potential acquisition target for large pharmaceutical companies due to its development of next-generation oral obesity drugs, with analysts and M&A experts expressing optimism.
- Market Valuation Increase: An M&A expert indicated that if Structure Therapeutics were to be acquired, it could see a 50% premium, raising its valuation from the current $6.3 billion to approximately $9 billion, highlighting its attractiveness in the obesity market.
- Strategic Partnership: Earlier this month, Genentech entered into a $100 million deal with Structure Therapeutics for a GLP-1 weight-loss drug, further enhancing its market position and attracting investor interest.
- Successful Financing: Structure Therapeutics recently completed an upsized public offering, raising $650 million, which provides funding support for its R&D and market expansion, demonstrating strong performance in the capital markets.
See More
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.
See More
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.
See More
Structure Therapeutics Advances Weight-Loss Pill with 11.3% Weight Loss in 36 Weeks
- Clinical Trial Results: In the core Phase 2b ACCESS study, Structure Therapeutics' aleniglipron achieved a clinically significant weight loss of 11.3% over 36 weeks, indicating its potential in the weight-loss drug market and likely attracting more patient interest.
- Adverse Event Monitoring: The study reported a treatment discontinuation rate of 10.4% for aleniglipron, suggesting that while weight loss results are promising, managing side effects is crucial for ensuring long-term patient adherence and safety.
- Market Challenges: The CEO warned that unapproved alternatives could undermine market entry for new drugs, especially when demand exceeds supply, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory measures to protect the market share of new medications.
- Future Research Plans: Structure Therapeutics is conducting three new clinical studies for aleniglipron to gather additional data that will support its Phase 3 program and position the company favorably in the competitive weight-loss drug market.
See More
Viking Therapeutics CEO Highlights Broad Strategic Interest in Weight-Loss Drug Deals, Shares Surge 17%
- Stock Surge: Shares of Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) surged 17% on Wednesday, reflecting strong market interest in its weight-loss drug development, particularly as Novo Nordisk (NVO) seeks acquisitions to enhance its drug portfolio.
- M&A Activity: Novo Nordisk halted its $10 billion bid for the smaller obesity drugmaker Metsera, but successfully acquired Akero Therapeutics for up to $5.2 billion in December, indicating its aggressive strategy in the obesity drug market.
- Clinical Trial Progress: Viking's lead candidate VK2735 demonstrated a significant average weight loss of 14.7% over 13 weeks in mid-stage trials, showcasing its potential in obesity treatment, with ongoing studies for an oral formulation of the drug.
- Market Sentiment: On Stocktwits, retail sentiment around VKTX remained in the 'extremely bullish' territory, with message volume rising from 'high' to 'extremely high', as speculation grew about Novo potentially acquiring Viking for around $10 billion, which would represent substantial upside from its current near $4 billion market cap.
See More
