Viking Therapeutics' VK2735 Achieves 14.7% Weight Loss After 13 Weeks in Obesity Trial
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 12 2026
0mins
Should l Buy VKTX?
Source: PRnewswire
- Clinical Trial Results: Viking Therapeutics' Phase 2 VENTURE trial of VK2735 demonstrated an impressive average weight loss of up to 14.7% over 13 weeks, indicating significant efficacy in obesity treatment without a plateau, highlighting its potential as a leading therapy.
- Safety and Tolerability: The VENTURE study reported that most adverse events associated with VK2735 were mild to moderate, with treatment discontinuation rates comparable to placebo, reinforcing its favorable safety profile and enhancing its competitive edge in the market.
- Follow-Up Research Plans: Viking is conducting two Phase 3 studies (VANQUISH-1 and VANQUISH-2) aiming to enroll approximately 4,650 adults with obesity, designed to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of VK2735, which could further propel its market application.
- Positive Market Response: The response from patients and clinicians regarding the VANQUISH studies has been positive, with VANQUISH-1 over-enrolled ahead of schedule, indicating strong market demand for VK2735 and potentially laying a solid foundation for the company's future growth.
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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: 36.010
Low
70.00
Averages
97.00
High
125.00
Current: 36.010
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.
ACT Capital Management Acquires New Position in Viking Therapeutics
- New Investment Position: On February 17, 2026, ACT Capital Management disclosed a new position by acquiring 206,100 shares of Viking Therapeutics worth $7.25 million, indicating confidence in the company's market potential.
- Significant Asset Allocation: This acquisition represents 5.86% of ACT Capital Management's reportable assets, highlighting Viking Therapeutics' importance within the investment portfolio and its future growth potential.
- Positive Clinical Progress: Viking's lead candidate VK2735 has shown promising results in a Phase 2 trial, with patients achieving an average weight reduction of 14.7%, propelling the program into late-stage development and indicating potential market success.
- Strong Financial Position: With approximately $706 million in cash at the end of 2025, Viking Therapeutics is well-positioned to advance its clinical pipeline and develop new therapies, enhancing its competitiveness in the biotech sector.
See More
Eli Lilly Leads U.S. Weight Loss Drug Market
- Market Share Leadership: Eli Lilly commands a 60% share of the U.S. weight loss drug market, driven by strong performance of its tirzepatide products (Mounjaro and Zepbound), solidifying its leadership in the rapidly growing weight loss sector.
- Competitive Landscape: Viking Therapeutics is advancing its VK2735 candidate through clinical trials, with strong results suggesting it could enter phase 3 trials in Q3, indicating potential competition against Lilly and Novo Nordisk's offerings, intensifying market rivalry.
- Demand and Supply Dynamics: The demand for weight loss drugs remains high, at times exceeding supply, providing Viking with an opportunity to carve out market share if its candidate successfully completes trials and gains regulatory approval.
- Investment Opportunity: Despite Eli Lilly's stock dropping about 8% this year, its forward P/E ratio has decreased to 28x, indicating a favorable investment opportunity in this weight loss leader, especially with the potential regulatory approval of its oral weight loss drug on the horizon.
See More
Eli Lilly vs. Viking Therapeutics in Weight Loss Drug Market
- Market Share Leadership: Eli Lilly commands a 60% share in the weight loss drug market, bolstered by investments in manufacturing capacity and head-to-head studies showing superior weight loss efficacy compared to Novo Nordisk, solidifying its leadership in the U.S. market.
- Strong Product Performance: Lilly's Mounjaro and Zepbound achieved triple-digit revenue growth in the latest quarter, and despite an 8% drop in stock price this year, it trades at a forward P/E of 28, reflecting market confidence in its growth prospects.
- Clinical Trial Progress: Viking Therapeutics is advancing its VK2735 candidate into phase 3 trials, showing strong performance, and with demand for weight loss drugs exceeding supply, successful regulatory approval could carve out significant market share for the company.
- Potential Market Opportunity: Lilly's oral weight loss drug is under regulatory review and could be approved in the coming weeks, serving as a catalyst for its stock price, making this an opportune time for investors to consider shares in this weight loss drug leader.
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 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
ACT Capital Management Acquires New Position in Viking Therapeutics
- New Investment Position: On February 17, 2026, ACT Capital Management disclosed a new position by acquiring 206,100 shares of Viking Therapeutics worth $7.25 million, indicating confidence in the company's market potential.
- Significant Asset Allocation: This acquisition represents 5.86% of ACT Capital Management's reportable assets, highlighting Viking Therapeutics' importance within the investment portfolio and its future growth potential.
- Positive Clinical Progress: Viking's lead candidate VK2735 has shown promising results in a Phase 2 trial, with patients achieving an average weight reduction of 14.7%, propelling the program into late-stage development and indicating potential market success.
- Strong Financial Position: With approximately $706 million in cash at the end of 2025, Viking Therapeutics is well-positioned to advance its clinical pipeline and develop new therapies, enhancing its competitiveness in the biotech sector.
See More
Eli Lilly Leads U.S. Weight Loss Drug Market
- Market Share Leadership: Eli Lilly commands a 60% share of the U.S. weight loss drug market, driven by strong performance of its tirzepatide products (Mounjaro and Zepbound), solidifying its leadership in the rapidly growing weight loss sector.
- Competitive Landscape: Viking Therapeutics is advancing its VK2735 candidate through clinical trials, with strong results suggesting it could enter phase 3 trials in Q3, indicating potential competition against Lilly and Novo Nordisk's offerings, intensifying market rivalry.
- Demand and Supply Dynamics: The demand for weight loss drugs remains high, at times exceeding supply, providing Viking with an opportunity to carve out market share if its candidate successfully completes trials and gains regulatory approval.
- Investment Opportunity: Despite Eli Lilly's stock dropping about 8% this year, its forward P/E ratio has decreased to 28x, indicating a favorable investment opportunity in this weight loss leader, especially with the potential regulatory approval of its oral weight loss drug on the horizon.
See More
Eli Lilly vs. Viking Therapeutics in Weight Loss Drug Market
- Market Share Leadership: Eli Lilly commands a 60% share in the weight loss drug market, bolstered by investments in manufacturing capacity and head-to-head studies showing superior weight loss efficacy compared to Novo Nordisk, solidifying its leadership in the U.S. market.
- Strong Product Performance: Lilly's Mounjaro and Zepbound achieved triple-digit revenue growth in the latest quarter, and despite an 8% drop in stock price this year, it trades at a forward P/E of 28, reflecting market confidence in its growth prospects.
- Clinical Trial Progress: Viking Therapeutics is advancing its VK2735 candidate into phase 3 trials, showing strong performance, and with demand for weight loss drugs exceeding supply, successful regulatory approval could carve out significant market share for the company.
- Potential Market Opportunity: Lilly's oral weight loss drug is under regulatory review and could be approved in the coming weeks, serving as a catalyst for its stock price, making this an opportune time for investors to consider shares in this weight loss drug leader.
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 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
