Viking Therapeutics Cash Decreases to $603M in Q1 2026
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Apr 29 2026
0mins
Should l Buy VKTX?
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments at quarter end were $603M vs. $706M at previous quarter end. "We are excited to report that the advances and strong momentum Viking created in 2025 have carried forward through Q1 of 2026," stated CEO Brian Lian. "Looking ahead, we continue to execute the Phase 3 clinical development program for our lead obesity program VK2735. Our VANQUISH Phase 3 studies of the subcutaneous formulation are fully enrolled, and our planned Phase 3 studies with the oral tablet formulation are expected to begin later this year, marking a rapid pace of development for this important program. Our goal with these studies is to introduce the industry's first oral and subcutaneous dual GLP-1 and GIP co-agonist molecule for the treatment of obesity...Concurrent with our Phase 3 activities, our novel maintenance dosing trial continues, and we expect to generate data from this study in the third quarter. With our earlier-stage pipeline, our amylin agonist continues to advance, and we expect to initiate a Phase 1 trial for the lead molecule VK3019 later this quarter. Operationally, as VK2735 continues to advance, our organization continues to evolve, as well..."
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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: 31.580
Low
70.00
Averages
97.00
High
125.00
Current: 31.580
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 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
Investor Sentiment on Viking Therapeutics Amid Market Volatility
- Optimistic Market Outlook: Despite a 15% decline in Viking Therapeutics' stock this year, Wall Street remains optimistic, projecting a 207% increase over the next 12 months with a price target of $92.33, reflecting confidence in its growth potential.
- Obesity Drug Development: Viking is developing the anti-obesity drug VK2735, currently undergoing two phase 3 clinical trials for obese patients with and without diabetes, where positive results could serve as a significant catalyst for stock price appreciation.
- Massive Market Demand: With obesity rates in the U.S. estimated at around 40% by the CDC and potentially as high as 70% according to recent studies, there exists a substantial unmet need in the obesity drug market that Viking aims to address with its products.
- Risks and Opportunities: While Viking faces competition from major pharmaceutical companies like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, successful clinical trial outcomes for VK2735 could yield substantial market rewards, though investors should be wary of the stock's inherent volatility.
See More
Eli Lilly Leads Weight Loss Drug Market with New Launch
- Market Share Growth: Eli Lilly has captured a 60% market share in the GLP-1 drug sector, surpassing competitor Novo Nordisk, indicating strong growth potential in the weight loss drug market, particularly as head-to-head studies demonstrate superior weight loss results.
- Significant Revenue Increase: Lilly's Mounjaro revenue surged 125% year-over-year to $8.6 billion, while Zepbound revenue rose 80% to $4.1 billion, providing robust financial backing for future investments and research and development initiatives.
- Successful Launch of Foundayo: The newly launched weight loss pill Foundayo has already reached 20,000 patients within a month, with 80% being new users of this drug class, indicating that it not only replaces injectable GLP-1 drugs but also opens new market opportunities.
- Clear Competitive Advantage: Unlike Novo Nordisk's oral Wegovy, Foundayo does not require fasting, reducing usage restrictions for patients and enhancing convenience, which may further drive Lilly's market share growth in the GLP-1 sector.
See More
Eli Lilly's New Weight Loss Drug Approval Boosts Market Share
- Market Leadership: Eli Lilly has captured a 60% market share in the U.S. GLP-1 drug market, bolstered by head-to-head studies demonstrating superior weight loss results compared to competitors, thereby solidifying its leadership position.
- Significant Revenue Growth: In its latest quarterly report, Lilly reported a 125% year-over-year increase in Mounjaro revenue to $8.6 billion, while Zepbound revenue surged 80% to $4.1 billion, reflecting strong market demand for its weight loss drugs.
- Success of New Drug Foundayo: The newly launched oral weight loss drug Foundayo has already reached 20,000 patients within a month, with 80% being new users of this drug class, indicating that it not only serves as a replacement for injectable GLP-1 drugs but also opens up new market opportunities.
- Clear Competitive Advantage: Unlike Novo Nordisk's oral Wegovy, Foundayo does not require fasting, enhancing patient convenience, which may further drive Lilly's market share growth in the GLP-1 sector and suggests high growth potential in the upcoming quarters.
See More
Viking's VK3019 Shows Strong Early Weight Loss Signals Against Novo Nordisk
- Strong Weight Loss Signals: Viking Therapeutics' VK3019 demonstrated stronger early weight loss signals in animal studies compared to Novo Nordisk's comparable therapy, potentially providing a competitive edge in the obesity treatment market.
- Clinical Trial Progress: Enrollment for the Phase 3 Vanquish trials of VK2735 has been completed, with plans to initiate Phase 3 development of the oral VK2735 formulation in Q4, further advancing the company's obesity treatment strategy.
- Financial Overview: Viking reported a net loss of $158.3 million in Q1, or $1.37 per share, exceeding market expectations, primarily due to a surge in R&D expenses rising to $150 million, indicating the company's ongoing commitment to obesity drug development.
- Market Sentiment Shift: Although VKTX shares slipped 0.4% in premarket trading, retail investor sentiment has turned bullish, with a nearly 200% increase in message volume within 24 hours, reflecting optimistic expectations for VK3019.
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
Investor Sentiment on Viking Therapeutics Amid Market Volatility
- Optimistic Market Outlook: Despite a 15% decline in Viking Therapeutics' stock this year, Wall Street remains optimistic, projecting a 207% increase over the next 12 months with a price target of $92.33, reflecting confidence in its growth potential.
- Obesity Drug Development: Viking is developing the anti-obesity drug VK2735, currently undergoing two phase 3 clinical trials for obese patients with and without diabetes, where positive results could serve as a significant catalyst for stock price appreciation.
- Massive Market Demand: With obesity rates in the U.S. estimated at around 40% by the CDC and potentially as high as 70% according to recent studies, there exists a substantial unmet need in the obesity drug market that Viking aims to address with its products.
- Risks and Opportunities: While Viking faces competition from major pharmaceutical companies like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, successful clinical trial outcomes for VK2735 could yield substantial market rewards, though investors should be wary of the stock's inherent volatility.
See More
Eli Lilly Leads Weight Loss Drug Market with New Launch
- Market Share Growth: Eli Lilly has captured a 60% market share in the GLP-1 drug sector, surpassing competitor Novo Nordisk, indicating strong growth potential in the weight loss drug market, particularly as head-to-head studies demonstrate superior weight loss results.
- Significant Revenue Increase: Lilly's Mounjaro revenue surged 125% year-over-year to $8.6 billion, while Zepbound revenue rose 80% to $4.1 billion, providing robust financial backing for future investments and research and development initiatives.
- Successful Launch of Foundayo: The newly launched weight loss pill Foundayo has already reached 20,000 patients within a month, with 80% being new users of this drug class, indicating that it not only replaces injectable GLP-1 drugs but also opens new market opportunities.
- Clear Competitive Advantage: Unlike Novo Nordisk's oral Wegovy, Foundayo does not require fasting, reducing usage restrictions for patients and enhancing convenience, which may further drive Lilly's market share growth in the GLP-1 sector.
See More
Eli Lilly's New Weight Loss Drug Approval Boosts Market Share
- Market Leadership: Eli Lilly has captured a 60% market share in the U.S. GLP-1 drug market, bolstered by head-to-head studies demonstrating superior weight loss results compared to competitors, thereby solidifying its leadership position.
- Significant Revenue Growth: In its latest quarterly report, Lilly reported a 125% year-over-year increase in Mounjaro revenue to $8.6 billion, while Zepbound revenue surged 80% to $4.1 billion, reflecting strong market demand for its weight loss drugs.
- Success of New Drug Foundayo: The newly launched oral weight loss drug Foundayo has already reached 20,000 patients within a month, with 80% being new users of this drug class, indicating that it not only serves as a replacement for injectable GLP-1 drugs but also opens up new market opportunities.
- Clear Competitive Advantage: Unlike Novo Nordisk's oral Wegovy, Foundayo does not require fasting, enhancing patient convenience, which may further drive Lilly's market share growth in the GLP-1 sector and suggests high growth potential in the upcoming quarters.
See More
Viking's VK3019 Shows Strong Early Weight Loss Signals Against Novo Nordisk
- Strong Weight Loss Signals: Viking Therapeutics' VK3019 demonstrated stronger early weight loss signals in animal studies compared to Novo Nordisk's comparable therapy, potentially providing a competitive edge in the obesity treatment market.
- Clinical Trial Progress: Enrollment for the Phase 3 Vanquish trials of VK2735 has been completed, with plans to initiate Phase 3 development of the oral VK2735 formulation in Q4, further advancing the company's obesity treatment strategy.
- Financial Overview: Viking reported a net loss of $158.3 million in Q1, or $1.37 per share, exceeding market expectations, primarily due to a surge in R&D expenses rising to $150 million, indicating the company's ongoing commitment to obesity drug development.
- Market Sentiment Shift: Although VKTX shares slipped 0.4% in premarket trading, retail investor sentiment has turned bullish, with a nearly 200% increase in message volume within 24 hours, reflecting optimistic expectations for VK3019.
See More
