Vertex Just Paid $10 Billion for Crinetics. Here's Why Viking Therapeutics Could Be the Next Big Pharma Takeover Target
2026-07-30 22:30
•Prosper Junior Bakiny •The Motley Fool
•••• •••• Axe Cap view
Why Viking Therapeutics Could Be South Africa’s Next Pharma Play
Vertex’s $10 billion deal for Crinetics highlights the growing value of anti-obesity drugs and puts Viking Therapeutics on the takeover radar.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ recent $10 billion acquisition of Crinetics shines a spotlight on the booming anti-obesity drug market, expected to hit $190 billion by 2035. This move signals that big pharma prefers to buy promising late-stage candidates rather than develop drugs from scratch—a faster, less risky path. Viking Therapeutics is catching eyes with VK2735, a weight-loss drug showing strong early results and entering phase 3 trials. While the potential is huge, the stock is a binary bet; upcoming trial data could send shares sharply in either direction. For South African investors, the direct pharma link to the JSE is weak, but if Viking succeeds, expect biotech appetite to affect USD/ZAR, with rand pressure likely if global risk appetite sours or healthcare stocks sell off. this is just our opinion and not financial advice
Watch Viking Therapeutics closely but wait for phase 3 results before committing. Investors cautious on risk should avoid now; more risk-tolerant buyers can consider a small, speculative position. Consider USD/ZAR as a macro hedge around these healthcare themes.
- VKTX
- VRTX
- USD/ZAR
- Phase 3 trial failure for Viking’s drug
- Broader biotech sector selloff impacting rand volatility
5/10
Following Vertex Pharmaceuticals' $10 billion acquisition of Crinetics, Viking Therapeutics emerges as a potential takeover target due to its promising weight-loss drug pipeline, particularly VK2735 in phase 3 trials. The anti-obesity market is projected to reach $190 billion by 2035, making it attractive for pharmaceutical giants seeking to acquire proven candidates rather than develop from scratch. However, Viking's stock carries significant risk tied to upcoming phase 3 data readouts.
Our take is based on reporting first published by The Motley Fool.