Viking Therapeutics: A Potential Obesity Market Leader
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Apr 17 2026
0mins
Should l Buy VKTX?
Source: Fool
- Surging Market Demand: The obesity treatment sector is experiencing explosive demand, with projections suggesting a market size nearing $100 billion by the decade's end, positioning Viking Therapeutics as a potential beneficiary of significant revenue opportunities.
- Clinical Trial Progress: Viking's VK2735 injectable is currently in phase 3 trials, having completed enrollment ahead of schedule, indicating strong patient interest; successful trial outcomes could pave the way for commercialization and revenue generation.
- Competitive Edge: As a GLP-1 class drug, Viking's candidate could provide a competitive alternative to existing products from Lilly and Novo, potentially capturing market share and generating substantial income if it successfully enters the market.
- Investment Return Potential: Although Viking has yet to achieve profitability, its stock surged 121% on positive phase 2 news, highlighting its volatility; continued positive developments could yield significant returns for investors in the future.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy VKTX?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
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: 31.700
Low
70.00
Averages
97.00
High
125.00
Current: 31.700
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.
Eli Lilly Leads the Weight Loss Drug Market
- Market Leadership: Eli Lilly is positioned to lead the weight loss drug market, projected to reach $100 billion in the next decade from a current value of $40 billion, indicating strong performance in a rapidly growing sector.
- Significant Sales Growth: In the recent quarter, Mounjaro and Zepbound generated over $12 billion in total sales, reflecting robust consumer demand for GLP-1 drugs and the company's competitive edge in this field.
- New Product Launch: Lilly received FDA approval for its oral weight loss drug Foundayo, treating 20,000 patients in its first month, showcasing strong appeal among new users and potentially providing new growth avenues for the company.
- Managing Competitive Risks: While new products from Novo Nordisk and other competitors pose risks to Zepbound sales, the introduction of Foundayo may broaden the potential audience for GLP-1 drugs, creating new market opportunities for Eli Lilly.
See More
SureNano Science Develops Next-Gen GLP-1 Therapy GEP-44
- Significant Market Potential: The global GLP-1 market is projected to reach $190 billion by 2035, and SureNano Science aims to capitalize on this rapidly growing market by developing GEP-44, a next-generation triple agonist that enhances its competitiveness in obesity and metabolic disease treatment.
- Innovative Therapy Development: GEP-44 is designed as a patented metabolic therapy to address the limitations of first-generation GLP-1 drugs, targeting GLP-1 alongside peptide YY receptors Y1 and Y2, which may significantly improve patient tolerability and treatment outcomes, thereby facilitating successful FDA approval.
- Positive Preclinical Data: SureNano's preclinical studies indicate that GEP-44 achieves approximately 15% weight loss compared to 9% with traditional drugs, while also avoiding common side effects like nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort, potentially establishing a competitive edge in the future market.
- Delivery Technology Innovation: SureNano is exploring non-injection delivery technologies, including oral and sublingual methods, to enhance patient accessibility and long-term adherence, a strategy that not only improves patient experience but may also create new commercial opportunities in a competitive landscape.
See More
VK2735 Clinical Trial Shows Significant Weight Loss
- Significant Weight Loss: VK2735 demonstrated a maximum weight reduction of 12.2% (26.6 lbs) over 13 weeks, showing a dose-dependent effect without a plateau across all cohorts, indicating its potential in obesity treatment.
- High Efficacy and Tolerability: Among VK2735-treated participants, 97% achieved ≥5% weight loss and 80% achieved ≥10%, significantly surpassing the placebo group's 10% and 5%, showcasing its superior efficacy.
- Strong Clinical Applicability: The study population had an average BMI of 37 and an average age of 51, with 54% having pre-diabetes, indicating that VK2735's trial demographics closely resemble those typically encountered in clinical practice, enhancing its market viability.
- Promising Future Development: The oral formulation of VK2735 is poised to become the first marketed dual agonist of GLP-1 and GIP, and combined with the ongoing subcutaneous formulation, it may offer patients a more flexible treatment option, boosting the company's competitive edge in the metabolic disease sector.
See More
VK2735 Clinical Trial Shows Significant Weight Loss Results
- Significant Weight Loss: VK2735 demonstrated a weight reduction of up to 12.2% (26.6 lbs) over 13 weeks, showcasing a dose-dependent effect that began early in treatment, indicating its potential in obesity management.
- High Patient Success Rate: Up to 97% of VK2735-treated participants achieved ≥5% weight loss, and 80% achieved ≥10%, significantly outperforming the placebo group's 10% and 5%, highlighting its superior efficacy.
- Favorable Tolerability: The majority of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) associated with VK2735 were mild or moderate, typically occurring early in treatment and resolving with continued dosing, indicating its safety in clinical use.
- Broad Clinical Application Potential: The oral formulation of VK2735 is poised to become the first marketed dual agonist of GLP-1 and GIP, offering patients a transition from injections to oral administration, addressing market demand for more convenient treatment options.
See More
Viking Therapeutics Accelerates Obesity Drug Development
- Clinical Trial Progress: Viking Therapeutics has fully enrolled both late-stage Vanquish studies ahead of schedule, with over 4,500 and 1,000 patients respectively, indicating the company's proactive positioning in the obesity drug market despite pressure from competitors like Pfizer.
- Financial Challenges: The company reported a Q1 net loss of $158.3 million, or $1.37 per share, which is more than triple the $45.6 million loss from the previous year, while R&D expenses surged to $150.2 million, reflecting high investment in obesity drug development.
- Intensifying Market Competition: Pfizer highlighted obesity drugs as a major future growth driver in its latest earnings report, anticipating that its $10 billion Metsera deal will lead to strong growth post-2028, thereby intensifying competition in the obesity drug market.
- Investor Sentiment: Despite financial pressures, VKTX maintains an 'extremely bullish' sentiment among retail investors, with a 700% surge in message volume over 24 hours, indicating strong market confidence in its obesity drug VK2735.
See More
Viking Therapeutics Showcases VK2735 Clinical Data at ECO 2026
- Clinical Data Presentation: Viking Therapeutics will showcase two posters on VK2735 at the 2026 European Congress on Obesity, focusing on key efficacy and safety data from the 13-week VENTURE-Oral trial, which is expected to attract industry attention and potentially drive future investments.
- VK2735's Potential: As a dual agonist of GLP-1 and GIP receptors, VK2735 is being developed for the treatment of metabolic disorders like obesity, demonstrating a favorable safety and tolerability profile that could provide strategic advantages in a competitive market.
- Diverse Population Study Design: The second poster will highlight the design and participant demographics of the ongoing VANQUISH-1 trial, aimed at assessing VK2735's efficacy in adults with obesity or overweight, reflecting the company's commitment to diverse patient populations.
- Future Development Direction: Viking Therapeutics is focused on developing first-in-class or best-in-class therapies, and the success of VK2735 could pave the way for its subsequent product lines, further solidifying its leadership position in the metabolic disease treatment space.
See More
Eli Lilly Leads the Weight Loss Drug Market
- Market Leadership: Eli Lilly is positioned to lead the weight loss drug market, projected to reach $100 billion in the next decade from a current value of $40 billion, indicating strong performance in a rapidly growing sector.
- Significant Sales Growth: In the recent quarter, Mounjaro and Zepbound generated over $12 billion in total sales, reflecting robust consumer demand for GLP-1 drugs and the company's competitive edge in this field.
- New Product Launch: Lilly received FDA approval for its oral weight loss drug Foundayo, treating 20,000 patients in its first month, showcasing strong appeal among new users and potentially providing new growth avenues for the company.
- Managing Competitive Risks: While new products from Novo Nordisk and other competitors pose risks to Zepbound sales, the introduction of Foundayo may broaden the potential audience for GLP-1 drugs, creating new market opportunities for Eli Lilly.
See More
SureNano Science Develops Next-Gen GLP-1 Therapy GEP-44
- Significant Market Potential: The global GLP-1 market is projected to reach $190 billion by 2035, and SureNano Science aims to capitalize on this rapidly growing market by developing GEP-44, a next-generation triple agonist that enhances its competitiveness in obesity and metabolic disease treatment.
- Innovative Therapy Development: GEP-44 is designed as a patented metabolic therapy to address the limitations of first-generation GLP-1 drugs, targeting GLP-1 alongside peptide YY receptors Y1 and Y2, which may significantly improve patient tolerability and treatment outcomes, thereby facilitating successful FDA approval.
- Positive Preclinical Data: SureNano's preclinical studies indicate that GEP-44 achieves approximately 15% weight loss compared to 9% with traditional drugs, while also avoiding common side effects like nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort, potentially establishing a competitive edge in the future market.
- Delivery Technology Innovation: SureNano is exploring non-injection delivery technologies, including oral and sublingual methods, to enhance patient accessibility and long-term adherence, a strategy that not only improves patient experience but may also create new commercial opportunities in a competitive landscape.
See More
VK2735 Clinical Trial Shows Significant Weight Loss
- Significant Weight Loss: VK2735 demonstrated a maximum weight reduction of 12.2% (26.6 lbs) over 13 weeks, showing a dose-dependent effect without a plateau across all cohorts, indicating its potential in obesity treatment.
- High Efficacy and Tolerability: Among VK2735-treated participants, 97% achieved ≥5% weight loss and 80% achieved ≥10%, significantly surpassing the placebo group's 10% and 5%, showcasing its superior efficacy.
- Strong Clinical Applicability: The study population had an average BMI of 37 and an average age of 51, with 54% having pre-diabetes, indicating that VK2735's trial demographics closely resemble those typically encountered in clinical practice, enhancing its market viability.
- Promising Future Development: The oral formulation of VK2735 is poised to become the first marketed dual agonist of GLP-1 and GIP, and combined with the ongoing subcutaneous formulation, it may offer patients a more flexible treatment option, boosting the company's competitive edge in the metabolic disease sector.
See More
VK2735 Clinical Trial Shows Significant Weight Loss Results
- Significant Weight Loss: VK2735 demonstrated a weight reduction of up to 12.2% (26.6 lbs) over 13 weeks, showcasing a dose-dependent effect that began early in treatment, indicating its potential in obesity management.
- High Patient Success Rate: Up to 97% of VK2735-treated participants achieved ≥5% weight loss, and 80% achieved ≥10%, significantly outperforming the placebo group's 10% and 5%, highlighting its superior efficacy.
- Favorable Tolerability: The majority of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) associated with VK2735 were mild or moderate, typically occurring early in treatment and resolving with continued dosing, indicating its safety in clinical use.
- Broad Clinical Application Potential: The oral formulation of VK2735 is poised to become the first marketed dual agonist of GLP-1 and GIP, offering patients a transition from injections to oral administration, addressing market demand for more convenient treatment options.
See More
Viking Therapeutics Accelerates Obesity Drug Development
- Clinical Trial Progress: Viking Therapeutics has fully enrolled both late-stage Vanquish studies ahead of schedule, with over 4,500 and 1,000 patients respectively, indicating the company's proactive positioning in the obesity drug market despite pressure from competitors like Pfizer.
- Financial Challenges: The company reported a Q1 net loss of $158.3 million, or $1.37 per share, which is more than triple the $45.6 million loss from the previous year, while R&D expenses surged to $150.2 million, reflecting high investment in obesity drug development.
- Intensifying Market Competition: Pfizer highlighted obesity drugs as a major future growth driver in its latest earnings report, anticipating that its $10 billion Metsera deal will lead to strong growth post-2028, thereby intensifying competition in the obesity drug market.
- Investor Sentiment: Despite financial pressures, VKTX maintains an 'extremely bullish' sentiment among retail investors, with a 700% surge in message volume over 24 hours, indicating strong market confidence in its obesity drug VK2735.
See More
Viking Therapeutics Showcases VK2735 Clinical Data at ECO 2026
- Clinical Data Presentation: Viking Therapeutics will showcase two posters on VK2735 at the 2026 European Congress on Obesity, focusing on key efficacy and safety data from the 13-week VENTURE-Oral trial, which is expected to attract industry attention and potentially drive future investments.
- VK2735's Potential: As a dual agonist of GLP-1 and GIP receptors, VK2735 is being developed for the treatment of metabolic disorders like obesity, demonstrating a favorable safety and tolerability profile that could provide strategic advantages in a competitive market.
- Diverse Population Study Design: The second poster will highlight the design and participant demographics of the ongoing VANQUISH-1 trial, aimed at assessing VK2735's efficacy in adults with obesity or overweight, reflecting the company's commitment to diverse patient populations.
- Future Development Direction: Viking Therapeutics is focused on developing first-in-class or best-in-class therapies, and the success of VK2735 could pave the way for its subsequent product lines, further solidifying its leadership position in the metabolic disease treatment space.
See More
