20 Takeover Rumors Hedge Funds Are Buying

11. Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:VKTX)

No. of Hedge Funds: 42

Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:VKTX), located in California, is developing novel therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders. The company’s lead candidates target non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), obesity, and lipid disorders, using selective receptor modulators. Despite high competition from players like Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:VKTX) generates market shares through strong early-phase data and dual-pathway mechanisms. Their pipeline indicates promising efficacy in liver fat reduction, advancing its position in the metabolic therapeutics market.

The possibility of Pfizer acquiring Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:VKTX) has put the company in the spotlight of takeover rumors in recent months. The company has been developing oral and injectable GLP-1 drugs, a class of drugs that have been gaining significant attention in treating obesity and diabetes. Combining this attention with Pfizer’s desire to enter the rapidly growing market centered around these drugs has fueled rumors of a takeover in 2024. However, Pfizer has recently had some setbacks, like the failure of its danuglipron drug. It may lead the company to lose the idea of acquisition and focus solely on its internal drug development.

The involvement of 47 hedge funds in Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:VKTX) highlights high institutional interest in the stock, possibly arising from speculation around the buyout.