Viking Therapeutics Faces Competitive Challenges in Weight-Loss Market
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jun 03 2026
0mins
Source: Fool
- Intensifying Market Competition: Viking Therapeutics' VK2735 faces fierce competition in the weight-loss drug market from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, particularly with Novo Nordisk's oral Wegovy and Eli Lilly's Foundayo, which is projected to reach $1.2 billion in sales by 2026, highlighting significant market potential.
- Clinical Trial Progress: VK2735 is currently in Phase 3 trials, and while it demonstrated a 14.7% weight loss in Phase 2, the oral formulation showed poor tolerability with a 20% treatment discontinuation rate due to adverse events, which may hinder its market acceptance.
- Dual-Formulation Advantage: VK2735 is being developed as a dual-formulation therapy, with Phase 1 trial results expected in Q3; if proven effective, this could provide Viking with a crucial market share advantage in a competitive landscape.
- Uncertain Future Outlook: Although bulls hope that Phase 3 trials will demonstrate better tolerability and weight loss results, Viking must overcome its lag behind two larger rivals to secure a foothold in the weight-loss drug market.
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Analyst Views on VKTX
Wall Street analysts forecast VKTX stock price to rise
12 Analyst Rating
12 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 30.290
Low
70.00
Averages
97.00
High
125.00
Current: 30.290
Low
70.00
Averages
97.00
High
125.00
About VKTX
Viking Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that is focused on the development of therapies for the treatment of metabolic and endocrine disorders. Its clinical programs include VK2735, a novel dual agonist of the glucagon-like peptide 1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptors for the potential treatment of various metabolic disorders. It is evaluating an oral formulation of VK2735 in a Phase II trial. It is also developing VK2809, a novel, orally available, small molecule selective thyroid hormone receptor beta agonist for the treatment of lipid and metabolic disorders. Its newest program is evaluating a series of internally developed dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonists for the treatment of obesity and other metabolic disorders. In the rare disease space, it is developing VK0214, a novel, orally available, small molecule selective thyroid hormone receptor beta agonist for the potential treatment of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy.
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.
Viking Therapeutics Stock Potential Analysis
- Market Potential: Viking Therapeutics' stock has surged over 300% in the past five years, despite recent declines, indicating strong potential in the nearly $100 billion weight loss drug market, with significant revenue growth expected in the coming years.
- Clinical Trial Progress: The company anticipates reporting data from its maintenance dosing study in Q3 and plans to launch a phase 3 trial for the oral version in Q4, which could serve as catalysts for a stock rebound.
- Product Differentiation Advantage: Viking's VK2735 is a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist being developed in both injectable and oral formats, and if approved, it would be the first drug to offer both formulations, catering to diverse patient needs.
- Market Reaction Potential: Viking's stock has shown sensitivity to news, previously soaring over 100% in a single day following phase 2 data release, suggesting that positive updates could propel the stock towards the $100 target.
See More
Viking Therapeutics Advances in Weight Loss Drug Development
- Massive Market Potential: Viking Therapeutics is developing candidates in the weight loss drug market, projected to reach nearly $100 billion in the coming years; although the company has yet to commercialize any drugs, its lead candidate VK2735 is in late-stage studies, indicating strong market prospects.
- Clinical Trial Progress: Viking plans to launch a phase 3 trial for the oral version of VK2735 in Q4 and expects to report data from a maintenance dosing study in Q3, with these catalysts potentially driving stock price recovery, especially after a decline over the past year.
- Product Differentiation Advantage: VK2735, as the first dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist available in both injectable and oral forms, can cater to varying patient needs during weight loss, potentially attracting more users and generating significant revenue for the company.
- Stock Price Recovery Expectations: Despite Viking's current stock price of about $27, Wall Street's average estimate suggests it could rise above $92 within the next 12 months, representing over 200% growth potential, reflecting optimistic market sentiment regarding its future performance.
See More
Viking Therapeutics Appoints New Chief Medical Officer
- Executive Appointment: Viking Therapeutics has appointed Hubert Chen as Chief Medical Officer, bringing over 20 years of leadership experience in drug discovery, clinical development, and regulatory strategy, which is expected to enhance the company's product development across multiple therapeutic areas.
- Previous Roles: Prior to joining Viking, Chen served as Chief Research and Development Officer at Loyal Animal Health and was President and Chief Scientific Officer at Forte Biosciences, experiences that will provide a strong professional background for his role at Viking.
- Market Reaction: In pre-market trading, VKTX shares were priced at $27.84, down 0.32% from the previous trading day, indicating a cautious market response to the new appointment, which may affect investor confidence.
- Strategic Implications: Chen's appointment not only strengthens Viking's leadership team but may also accelerate the advancement of its clinical projects, enhancing the company's competitiveness in the biopharmaceutical industry, particularly in new drug development.
See More
Viking Therapeutics Appoints New Chief Medical Officer
- Leadership Expansion: Viking Therapeutics has appointed Hubert C. Chen, M.D. as Chief Medical Officer, bringing over 20 years of biotech experience in senior roles across various therapeutic areas, which is expected to enhance the company's clinical development and regulatory affairs.
- Clinical Program Advancement: Chen will oversee the clinical development of VK2735, a novel dual agonist currently in Phase 3 trials for obesity, and successful progression could help the company secure a leading position in the rapidly growing metabolic disease market.
- Innovative Drug Development: Viking is evaluating multiple candidates, including VK2809 and VK0214, with VK2809 showing significant reductions in LDL-C and liver fat in Phase 2 trials, while VK0214 demonstrated good safety and tolerability in a Phase 1 trial, indicating strong potential for market entry.
- Market Opportunity Capture: Chen emphasized that obesity and metabolic disorders represent significant health challenges, and Viking's robust R&D pipeline and scientific innovation aim to improve patient health, which is expected to drive long-term growth potential for the company.
See More
Viking Therapeutics Appoints New Chief Medical Officer
- New Chief Medical Officer: Viking Therapeutics has appointed Hubert C. Chen, M.D. as Chief Medical Officer, bringing over 20 years of leadership experience in drug discovery, clinical development, and regulatory strategy, reporting directly to CEO Brian Lian and overseeing clinical development and medical affairs.
- Advancing Clinical Programs: Dr. Chen's appointment comes at a critical time as Viking moves VK2735 through late-stage development, indicating the company's strategic focus on obesity and metabolic disorders and preparing for potential commercialization.
- Extensive Industry Experience: Prior to joining Viking, Dr. Chen served as Chief Research and Development Officer at Loyal Animal Health, where he led the first FDA-negotiated effectiveness and safety requirements for longevity therapeutics, showcasing his deep expertise in the biotech sector.
- Innovative Therapy Pipeline: Viking is advancing multiple clinical programs, including VK2735 and VK2809, with the former showing promising safety and tolerability in Phase 3 trials for obesity, highlighting the company's potential in developing innovative therapies.
See More
Analyst Optimistic on Viking Therapeutics' Future Potential
- Significant Price Target: Truist Financial analyst sets an $83 price target for Viking Therapeutics, representing a 188% increase from the June 8 opening price of $28.75, reflecting market optimism about its potential drug VK2735.
- Clinical Trial Progress: VK2735 is currently in phase 3 trials, with the injectable version underway and the oral version expected to enter phase 3 in Q3 2026, which could significantly enhance the company's competitive position if successful.
- Massive Market Potential: Morgan Stanley projects the global obesity drug market to grow from $15 billion in 2024 to $150 billion by 2035, with Viking Therapeutics actively developing VK2735 to capture market share in an increasingly crowded space.
- Significant Financial Risks: Despite potential market opportunities, Viking has yet to generate revenue, reporting a net loss of $109 million in 2024 and increasing to $359 million in 2025, with a cash burn of $103 million in just three months, necessitating cautious investor consideration of future uncertainties.
See More
Viking Therapeutics Stock Potential Analysis
- Market Potential: Viking Therapeutics' stock has surged over 300% in the past five years, despite recent declines, indicating strong potential in the nearly $100 billion weight loss drug market, with significant revenue growth expected in the coming years.
- Clinical Trial Progress: The company anticipates reporting data from its maintenance dosing study in Q3 and plans to launch a phase 3 trial for the oral version in Q4, which could serve as catalysts for a stock rebound.
- Product Differentiation Advantage: Viking's VK2735 is a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist being developed in both injectable and oral formats, and if approved, it would be the first drug to offer both formulations, catering to diverse patient needs.
- Market Reaction Potential: Viking's stock has shown sensitivity to news, previously soaring over 100% in a single day following phase 2 data release, suggesting that positive updates could propel the stock towards the $100 target.
See More
Viking Therapeutics Advances in Weight Loss Drug Development
- Massive Market Potential: Viking Therapeutics is developing candidates in the weight loss drug market, projected to reach nearly $100 billion in the coming years; although the company has yet to commercialize any drugs, its lead candidate VK2735 is in late-stage studies, indicating strong market prospects.
- Clinical Trial Progress: Viking plans to launch a phase 3 trial for the oral version of VK2735 in Q4 and expects to report data from a maintenance dosing study in Q3, with these catalysts potentially driving stock price recovery, especially after a decline over the past year.
- Product Differentiation Advantage: VK2735, as the first dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist available in both injectable and oral forms, can cater to varying patient needs during weight loss, potentially attracting more users and generating significant revenue for the company.
- Stock Price Recovery Expectations: Despite Viking's current stock price of about $27, Wall Street's average estimate suggests it could rise above $92 within the next 12 months, representing over 200% growth potential, reflecting optimistic market sentiment regarding its future performance.
See More
Viking Therapeutics Appoints New Chief Medical Officer
- Executive Appointment: Viking Therapeutics has appointed Hubert Chen as Chief Medical Officer, bringing over 20 years of leadership experience in drug discovery, clinical development, and regulatory strategy, which is expected to enhance the company's product development across multiple therapeutic areas.
- Previous Roles: Prior to joining Viking, Chen served as Chief Research and Development Officer at Loyal Animal Health and was President and Chief Scientific Officer at Forte Biosciences, experiences that will provide a strong professional background for his role at Viking.
- Market Reaction: In pre-market trading, VKTX shares were priced at $27.84, down 0.32% from the previous trading day, indicating a cautious market response to the new appointment, which may affect investor confidence.
- Strategic Implications: Chen's appointment not only strengthens Viking's leadership team but may also accelerate the advancement of its clinical projects, enhancing the company's competitiveness in the biopharmaceutical industry, particularly in new drug development.
See More
Viking Therapeutics Appoints New Chief Medical Officer
- Leadership Expansion: Viking Therapeutics has appointed Hubert C. Chen, M.D. as Chief Medical Officer, bringing over 20 years of biotech experience in senior roles across various therapeutic areas, which is expected to enhance the company's clinical development and regulatory affairs.
- Clinical Program Advancement: Chen will oversee the clinical development of VK2735, a novel dual agonist currently in Phase 3 trials for obesity, and successful progression could help the company secure a leading position in the rapidly growing metabolic disease market.
- Innovative Drug Development: Viking is evaluating multiple candidates, including VK2809 and VK0214, with VK2809 showing significant reductions in LDL-C and liver fat in Phase 2 trials, while VK0214 demonstrated good safety and tolerability in a Phase 1 trial, indicating strong potential for market entry.
- Market Opportunity Capture: Chen emphasized that obesity and metabolic disorders represent significant health challenges, and Viking's robust R&D pipeline and scientific innovation aim to improve patient health, which is expected to drive long-term growth potential for the company.
See More
Viking Therapeutics Appoints New Chief Medical Officer
- New Chief Medical Officer: Viking Therapeutics has appointed Hubert C. Chen, M.D. as Chief Medical Officer, bringing over 20 years of leadership experience in drug discovery, clinical development, and regulatory strategy, reporting directly to CEO Brian Lian and overseeing clinical development and medical affairs.
- Advancing Clinical Programs: Dr. Chen's appointment comes at a critical time as Viking moves VK2735 through late-stage development, indicating the company's strategic focus on obesity and metabolic disorders and preparing for potential commercialization.
- Extensive Industry Experience: Prior to joining Viking, Dr. Chen served as Chief Research and Development Officer at Loyal Animal Health, where he led the first FDA-negotiated effectiveness and safety requirements for longevity therapeutics, showcasing his deep expertise in the biotech sector.
- Innovative Therapy Pipeline: Viking is advancing multiple clinical programs, including VK2735 and VK2809, with the former showing promising safety and tolerability in Phase 3 trials for obesity, highlighting the company's potential in developing innovative therapies.
See More
Analyst Optimistic on Viking Therapeutics' Future Potential
- Significant Price Target: Truist Financial analyst sets an $83 price target for Viking Therapeutics, representing a 188% increase from the June 8 opening price of $28.75, reflecting market optimism about its potential drug VK2735.
- Clinical Trial Progress: VK2735 is currently in phase 3 trials, with the injectable version underway and the oral version expected to enter phase 3 in Q3 2026, which could significantly enhance the company's competitive position if successful.
- Massive Market Potential: Morgan Stanley projects the global obesity drug market to grow from $15 billion in 2024 to $150 billion by 2035, with Viking Therapeutics actively developing VK2735 to capture market share in an increasingly crowded space.
- Significant Financial Risks: Despite potential market opportunities, Viking has yet to generate revenue, reporting a net loss of $109 million in 2024 and increasing to $359 million in 2025, with a cash burn of $103 million in just three months, necessitating cautious investor consideration of future uncertainties.
See More
