Viking Therapeutics Advances VK2735 to Phase 3 Trials for Weight Management
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 31 2025
0mins
Source: NASDAQ.COM
- Clinical Progress: Viking Therapeutics is advancing its anti-obesity drug VK2735 into Phase 3 trials, and if results are positive, it could significantly boost the company's stock price and enter the rapidly growing weight loss drug market.
- Market Potential: The oral formulation of VK2735 is under development, and upon successful launch, it is expected to generate blockbuster sales in the billions, further solidifying Viking's position in the biotech sector.
- Investor Confidence: Despite a stock price decline in 2025 due to profit-taking and high patient dropout rates in clinical trials, the company still has the potential to rebound through strong clinical and regulatory progress.
- Industry Competition: Viking Therapeutics is well-positioned in the weight loss drug market, especially as other drugs face regulatory challenges, which may attract more investor interest.
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Analyst Views on VKTX
Wall Street analysts forecast VKTX stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for VKTX is 97.00 USD with a low forecast of 70.00 USD and a high forecast of 125.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
12 Analyst Rating
12 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 30.410
Low
70.00
Averages
97.00
High
125.00
Current: 30.410
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.
Investment Strategy Analysis for Biotech Stocks
- Viking Therapeutics Outlook: Viking Therapeutics is developing weight-loss drug VK2735, currently in phase 3 studies, and despite competition, its mid-stage results are stronger than many larger firms, with clinical progress expected in 2026 potentially boosting stock prices.
- New Drug Development: The company is also working on a new weight management candidate set to enter clinical trials this year, and if successful in clinical and regulatory aspects by 2028, it could yield long-term returns for investors.
- BioNTech Clinical Progress: Although BioNTech's financial results have been inconsistent, its cancer drug BNT113 is undergoing late-stage trials and has received FDA Fast Track designation, with important data expected this year that could enhance market performance.
- Rich Drug Pipeline: BioNTech is also advancing Trastuzumab Pamirtecan for endometrial cancer in phase 3 studies, and if these drugs are launched in the coming years, it will significantly improve financial results, thus providing superior returns for shareholders.
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Eli Lilly vs. Viking: Who Will Dominate Weight Loss Market?
- Market Leadership of Eli Lilly: Eli Lilly's weight loss drugs Mounjaro and Zepbound generated over $10 billion in sales last quarter, demonstrating strong growth potential in the weight loss market while solidifying the company's leadership against Novo Nordisk.
- Regulatory Catalyst for New Drug: Lilly is seeking regulatory approval for its oral weight loss drug orforglipron, and if approved, it could act as a positive catalyst for stock performance, further boosting its market share.
- Clinical Progress of Viking: Viking's injectable and oral candidates are meeting trial goals, and the company ended the last quarter with over $700 million in cash, providing robust support for clinical development and indicating future growth potential.
- Market Opportunities and Risks: Although Viking has no products on the market yet, its market value of nearly $4 billion suggests significant upside potential if it secures regulatory approval and begins generating product revenue, positioning it as a potential millionaire-maker stock.
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