Eli Lilly Sets High Bar, Competitors Follow Suit
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 11 2026
0mins
Should l Buy VKTX?
Source: NASDAQ.COM
- Eli Lilly's Market Performance: Eli Lilly has excelled over the past decade, reaching a market cap that once exceeded $1 trillion, making it the largest healthcare stock globally, showcasing breakthroughs in its core therapeutic areas; while some may think it's too late to invest, it remains a buy opportunity.
- Potential of Viking Therapeutics: Viking Therapeutics is developing VK2735 as an effective weight loss drug, with strong phase 2 results and a phase 3 study underway, expected to yield results next year, which could significantly enhance its competitive position in the market.
- Abivax's Innovative Treatment: Abivax's candidate obefazimod targets ulcerative colitis and is set to announce maintenance study results in the second quarter; if it demonstrates sustained efficacy, it could lead to a substantial stock price increase and has the potential to generate over $1 billion in annual sales.
- High Risk, High Reward: Both Viking Therapeutics and Abivax present potential high returns, but clinical trial setbacks could severely impact their stock prices, necessitating careful risk-reward assessments by investors.
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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: 33.610
Low
70.00
Averages
97.00
High
125.00
Current: 33.610
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 Executive Buys Shares Amid Obesity Pipeline Progress
- Insider Confidence: Chief Commercial Officer Neil Aubuchon purchased 4,475 shares at $33.50 each on Tuesday, totaling approximately $150,000, signaling strong confidence in the company's obesity drug pipeline as it approaches critical Phase 3 trials.
- Phase 3 Trials Planned: Viking plans to launch two injectable Phase 3 trials for VK2735 in mid-2025 and aims to advance the oral formulation into Phase 3 later this year, indicating a robust strategic focus on obesity treatment development.
- Faster Enrollment Progress: The company reported that enrollment for VK2735 obesity studies has exceeded expectations, reflecting strong market interest in next-generation weight-loss therapies, which could accelerate clinical trial timelines and enhance competitive positioning.
- Market Share Strategy: Aubuchon emphasized that the company does not need to dominate the obesity market, stating that capturing just 5% to 10% market share would be deemed successful, demonstrating a clear understanding of market dynamics amid competition from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk.
See More
Viking Therapeutics Advances VK2735 Development Amid Mixed Trial Results
- Clinical Trial Progress: Viking Therapeutics is conducting two Phase 3 trials for VK2735, including both subcutaneous and oral formulations, with results from the oral maintenance study expected in Q3 2026, reflecting the company's ongoing confidence in the drug's potential.
- Market Reaction: According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, shares of Viking Therapeutics rose by 16.5% in February, primarily driven by the release of the company's fourth-quarter earnings, although the stock remains down by a low single-digit percentage this year compared to last.
- Safety Challenges: The previous Phase 2 VENTURE trial showed VK2735's oral formulation achieved up to 12.2% mean weight loss, but a 20% discontinuation rate due to adverse events raised concerns about its safety and tolerability, particularly gastrointestinal issues.
- FDA Feedback and Future Plans: Following feedback from an end-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA, the company plans to advance oral VK2735 into Phase 3 development in Q3 2026, indicating management's optimistic outlook despite the challenges faced.
See More
Viking Therapeutics Shares Surge 16.5% Following Positive Developments
- Stock Recovery: Viking Therapeutics shares rose by 16.5% in February according to S&P Global Market Intelligence, helping the stock recover in 2026, with current declines limited to low single-digit percentages, indicating market confidence in future developments.
- VK2735 Development Progress: The VK2735 program, a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist, is undergoing trials in both subcutaneous and oral forms, with the oral formulation generating significant market excitement due to its ease of use, despite disappointing top-line results from the Phase 2 trial last August.
- Clinical Trial Updates: The company initiated a maintenance and transition study in Q4, where participants will start with subcutaneous VK2735 before transitioning to a maintenance dose, with results expected in Q3 2026, reflecting ongoing confidence in the oral formulation.
- FDA Feedback and Future Plans: Following feedback from an end-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA, management plans to advance oral VK2735 into Phase 3 development in Q3 2026, while enrollment for the Phase 3 VANQUISH-1 trial has been completed, showcasing the company's proactive approach in clinical development.
See More
Viking Plans to Advance VK2735 Oral Drug
- Clinical Trial Progress: Viking Therapeutics is set to advance its experimental oral obesity drug VK2735 into late-stage studies in Q3 2026, with plans for four late-stage trials by the end of 2026, indicating a proactive approach in the obesity treatment sector.
- Expected Drug Efficacy: The subcutaneous formulation of VK2735 demonstrated a mean weight loss of 14.7% over 13 weeks in mid-stage trials, with the CEO expressing hopes that it will be competitive with existing GLP-1 monoagonists, thereby enhancing market competitiveness.
- Market Competition Analysis: Unlike industry giants Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, which launched subcutaneous forms of their blockbuster obesity drugs first, Viking's strategy to develop both subcutaneous and oral formulations showcases its diversified approach in the obesity drug market, especially as Novo's oral drug launched in January.
- New Drug Application Plans: Viking is also looking to file an application to initiate trials for a novel amylin agonist this quarter, aiming to expand its obesity portfolio and further strengthen its market position in this therapeutic area.
See More
Viking Therapeutics Shows Potential Amid Risks in AI Bubble
- Market Potential: Viking Therapeutics has an average price target of $92.72, indicating an upside of approximately 181% from current levels, reflecting optimistic market expectations for its future performance.
- Clinical Trial Progress: The company is conducting pivotal trials for VK2735, with results expected next year, which will directly impact its competitive position in the rapidly growing weight-loss drug market.
- Product Development Updates: Viking Therapeutics plans to advance an oral version of VK2735 into phase 3 studies in Q3, which, if successful, will further enhance its market competitiveness.
- Risks and Opportunities: While there is significant upside potential, the company must demonstrate competitive efficacy and tolerability in phase 3 trials; otherwise, its stock price may face downward pressure.
See More
VKTX Stock 52-Week High and Low Analysis
- Price Fluctuation Analysis: VKTX's 52-week low is $18.92 per share, while the high is $43.15, with the last trade at $31.51, indicating significant volatility in its stock price over the past year, reflecting varying market expectations for its future performance.
- Technical Indicator Observation: The current price of $31.51 is below its 52-week high, which may suggest a cautious market sentiment, prompting investors to monitor whether it will break through the 200-day moving average to gauge future trends.
- Market Sentiment Assessment: Despite experiencing considerable fluctuations over the past year, VKTX's current price remains above its low point, indicating a degree of market confidence, and investors should closely watch relevant market dynamics.
- Investor Focus: VKTX's stock performance is closely tied to its fundamentals and market trends, and investors should pay attention to the company's upcoming financial reports and industry news to make more informed investment decisions.
See More
Viking Therapeutics Executive Buys Shares Amid Obesity Pipeline Progress
- Insider Confidence: Chief Commercial Officer Neil Aubuchon purchased 4,475 shares at $33.50 each on Tuesday, totaling approximately $150,000, signaling strong confidence in the company's obesity drug pipeline as it approaches critical Phase 3 trials.
- Phase 3 Trials Planned: Viking plans to launch two injectable Phase 3 trials for VK2735 in mid-2025 and aims to advance the oral formulation into Phase 3 later this year, indicating a robust strategic focus on obesity treatment development.
- Faster Enrollment Progress: The company reported that enrollment for VK2735 obesity studies has exceeded expectations, reflecting strong market interest in next-generation weight-loss therapies, which could accelerate clinical trial timelines and enhance competitive positioning.
- Market Share Strategy: Aubuchon emphasized that the company does not need to dominate the obesity market, stating that capturing just 5% to 10% market share would be deemed successful, demonstrating a clear understanding of market dynamics amid competition from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk.
See More
Viking Therapeutics Advances VK2735 Development Amid Mixed Trial Results
- Clinical Trial Progress: Viking Therapeutics is conducting two Phase 3 trials for VK2735, including both subcutaneous and oral formulations, with results from the oral maintenance study expected in Q3 2026, reflecting the company's ongoing confidence in the drug's potential.
- Market Reaction: According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, shares of Viking Therapeutics rose by 16.5% in February, primarily driven by the release of the company's fourth-quarter earnings, although the stock remains down by a low single-digit percentage this year compared to last.
- Safety Challenges: The previous Phase 2 VENTURE trial showed VK2735's oral formulation achieved up to 12.2% mean weight loss, but a 20% discontinuation rate due to adverse events raised concerns about its safety and tolerability, particularly gastrointestinal issues.
- FDA Feedback and Future Plans: Following feedback from an end-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA, the company plans to advance oral VK2735 into Phase 3 development in Q3 2026, indicating management's optimistic outlook despite the challenges faced.
See More
Viking Therapeutics Shares Surge 16.5% Following Positive Developments
- Stock Recovery: Viking Therapeutics shares rose by 16.5% in February according to S&P Global Market Intelligence, helping the stock recover in 2026, with current declines limited to low single-digit percentages, indicating market confidence in future developments.
- VK2735 Development Progress: The VK2735 program, a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist, is undergoing trials in both subcutaneous and oral forms, with the oral formulation generating significant market excitement due to its ease of use, despite disappointing top-line results from the Phase 2 trial last August.
- Clinical Trial Updates: The company initiated a maintenance and transition study in Q4, where participants will start with subcutaneous VK2735 before transitioning to a maintenance dose, with results expected in Q3 2026, reflecting ongoing confidence in the oral formulation.
- FDA Feedback and Future Plans: Following feedback from an end-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA, management plans to advance oral VK2735 into Phase 3 development in Q3 2026, while enrollment for the Phase 3 VANQUISH-1 trial has been completed, showcasing the company's proactive approach in clinical development.
See More
Viking Plans to Advance VK2735 Oral Drug
- Clinical Trial Progress: Viking Therapeutics is set to advance its experimental oral obesity drug VK2735 into late-stage studies in Q3 2026, with plans for four late-stage trials by the end of 2026, indicating a proactive approach in the obesity treatment sector.
- Expected Drug Efficacy: The subcutaneous formulation of VK2735 demonstrated a mean weight loss of 14.7% over 13 weeks in mid-stage trials, with the CEO expressing hopes that it will be competitive with existing GLP-1 monoagonists, thereby enhancing market competitiveness.
- Market Competition Analysis: Unlike industry giants Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, which launched subcutaneous forms of their blockbuster obesity drugs first, Viking's strategy to develop both subcutaneous and oral formulations showcases its diversified approach in the obesity drug market, especially as Novo's oral drug launched in January.
- New Drug Application Plans: Viking is also looking to file an application to initiate trials for a novel amylin agonist this quarter, aiming to expand its obesity portfolio and further strengthen its market position in this therapeutic area.
See More
Viking Therapeutics Shows Potential Amid Risks in AI Bubble
- Market Potential: Viking Therapeutics has an average price target of $92.72, indicating an upside of approximately 181% from current levels, reflecting optimistic market expectations for its future performance.
- Clinical Trial Progress: The company is conducting pivotal trials for VK2735, with results expected next year, which will directly impact its competitive position in the rapidly growing weight-loss drug market.
- Product Development Updates: Viking Therapeutics plans to advance an oral version of VK2735 into phase 3 studies in Q3, which, if successful, will further enhance its market competitiveness.
- Risks and Opportunities: While there is significant upside potential, the company must demonstrate competitive efficacy and tolerability in phase 3 trials; otherwise, its stock price may face downward pressure.
See More
VKTX Stock 52-Week High and Low Analysis
- Price Fluctuation Analysis: VKTX's 52-week low is $18.92 per share, while the high is $43.15, with the last trade at $31.51, indicating significant volatility in its stock price over the past year, reflecting varying market expectations for its future performance.
- Technical Indicator Observation: The current price of $31.51 is below its 52-week high, which may suggest a cautious market sentiment, prompting investors to monitor whether it will break through the 200-day moving average to gauge future trends.
- Market Sentiment Assessment: Despite experiencing considerable fluctuations over the past year, VKTX's current price remains above its low point, indicating a degree of market confidence, and investors should closely watch relevant market dynamics.
- Investor Focus: VKTX's stock performance is closely tied to its fundamentals and market trends, and investors should pay attention to the company's upcoming financial reports and industry news to make more informed investment decisions.
See More
