Eli Lilly Just Raised Its 2026 Sales Forecast to as Much as $92 Billion. But Is Viking Therapeutics the Next Big Obesity Winner?
The Motley Fool ·
Key points
- In Q3, Eli Lilly posted revenue of $24.4 billion, up 39% year over year, driven by a 49% rise in Zepbound sales to $5.4 billion.
- Lilly raised its 2026 sales guidance to $91–$92 billion from $85–$87 billion, signaling confidence in continued weight-loss momentum.
- Viking Therapeutics is advancing VK2735, which combines gut hormones GLP-1 and GIP, aiming to compete in the weight-loss landscape dominated by Zepbound.
- A 13-week Phase 2 trial of subcutaneous VK2735 reported up to 14.7% mean weight loss, with Phase 3 results anticipated in 12–18 months and potential mid-20% weight loss in later data.
- Viking is also pursuing an oral VK2735 that showed encouraging mid-stage results but raised tolerability concerns, including high discontinuation rates at the highest dose.
- The company is testing maintenance regimens, including switching to bi-weekly or monthly dosing and integrating oral VK2735, to preserve weight loss after initial treatment.
- Key risks for Lilly include pricing pressure and potential competition from new entrants; Viking faces the upside of a strong weight-loss pipeline but substantial downside if trials fail or regulatory hurdles arise.
Summary
Eli Lilly lifted its 2026 revenue forecast to as much as $92 billion, buoyed by Zepbound and a 39% quarterly revenue rise, while Viking Therapeutics advances VK2735 as a potential rival in the expanding weight-loss market. Viking’s approach mimics GLP-1/GIP mechanics, with early 13-week data showing meaningful weight loss and ongoing Phase 3 results expected in 12–18 months. The company also pursues an oral form, despite tolerability concerns and higher dropout rates at the top dose, and is testing maintenance regimens to sustain weight loss. Pricing pressure and rising competition loom for Lilly, but its deep pipeline and leadership in weight management sustain optimism. Viking’s upside hinges on robust Phase 3 outcomes and its ability to carve a niche, with significant risk if trials falter.
This summary was written with AI. The full story has every detail.