Viking's Cash and Short-Term Investments Drop to $706M
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 11 2026
0mins
Should l Buy VKTX?
At December 31, 2025, Viking held cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $706M, compared to $903 M as of December 31, 2024. "The past year was an exceptional year for Viking marked by rapid progress across our obesity portfolio," stated Brian Lian, Ph.D., CEO of Viking. "In June, the company initiated the Phase 3 VANQUISH clinical program evaluating the subcutaneous formulation of VK2735, a dual agonist of the GLP-1 and GIP receptors, for obesity. We announced completion of enrollment in VANQUISH-1 in the fourth quarter and expect to complete enrollment in VANQUISH-2 later this quarter. In 2025 the company also announced positive top-line results from its Phase 2 VENTURE-Oral dosing trial of the tablet formulation of VK2735 in obesity. Following feedback from an end-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA, we plan to advance oral VK2735 into Phase 3 development in 3Q26. Based on exciting early data suggesting the potential for maintenance dosing with VK2735, in the fourth quarter we initiated a study designed to evaluate monthly subcutaneous dosing, daily oral dosing, and weekly oral dosing. This trial will provide data to potentially further differentiate VK2735 as the only dual agonist molecule with the potential to dose monthly or to allow transition from subcutaneous to oral administration for weight maintenance. This study is fully enrolled and we look forward to announcing the results in the third quarter of 2026. We also expect to file an IND for our novel amylin agonist this quarter, expanding our obesity franchise. During the year Viking continued building the foundation to support commercial activities by entering into a comprehensive manufacturing and supply agreement for VK2735 and expanding our commercial depth to prepare for success. Throughout these activities we have continued to exercise fiscal discipline and maintain a strong balance sheet, which will allow us to meet key milestones in the quarters ahead. We expect 2026 to be another exciting and productive year and look forward to providing updates along the way."
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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: 30.450
Low
70.00
Averages
97.00
High
125.00
Current: 30.450
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 Targets Weight Loss Drug Market Growth
- Clinical Trial Progress: Viking Therapeutics is advancing its VK2735 candidate in a phase 3 trial for the injectable format while planning to initiate a phase 3 trial for the oral format in Q3 this year, marking a proactive approach in the weight loss drug market that could establish a competitive foundation for future growth.
- Significant Market Potential: Analysts project that the obesity drug market could reach nearly $100 billion by 2030, providing ample growth opportunities for newcomers like Viking, especially as demand for GLP-1 drugs continues to rise.
- Diversified Product Pipeline: Viking plans to file a request to initiate clinical trials for another dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonist in Q1, demonstrating the company's strategy to diversify its weight loss drug development to cater to various patient needs.
- Investment Risk Consideration: While Viking's candidate shows promising data, investors should cautiously assess risks since the company has no products on the market yet, and uncertainty may persist until clinical trial outcomes are confirmed.
See More
U.S. Markets Volatile as Investor Sentiment Turns Cautious
- Positive Job Data: Recent U.S. employment figures indicate a rise in new jobs, and while inflation eases, the overall market remains volatile, reflecting investor concerns about future economic prospects that could impact stock performance.
- Mixed Industry Results: Automakers reported mixed earnings, with some industrial stocks outperforming the broader market; however, overall equity demand remains capped, indicating a growing risk-off sentiment among investors.
- AI Panic Trade: The launch of a new freight efficiency platform by an AI firm has spooked markets, leading to sharp declines in traditionally resilient trucking and logistics stocks, as fears grow over the vulnerability of labor-intensive business models to automation.
- Real Estate Impacted: The real estate sector and other old-economy industries have also been hit, as traders express unease over potential AI-driven disruptions, further exacerbating market uncertainty.
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Doseology Sciences Launches New Energy Product Line
- Market Trend Analysis: The global health and wellness sector is projected to reach $6 trillion in consumer spending by 2026, driven by rising demand for functional products, compelling companies to adapt to the FDA's updated 'Healthy' labeling framework to meet market needs.
- New Product Launch: Doseology Sciences launched caffeine-based energy pouches in January 2026, marking the entry of its Feed That Brain brand into the rapidly growing oral pouch market, utilizing a sugar-free, non-carbonated, portable design to cater to consumer demand for healthier alternatives.
- Strategic Acquisition: Doseology acquired the Feed That Brain brand for $400,000 in August 2025, enhancing its competitive edge in the functional product space, while also appointing Joseph Mimran as a strategic advisor to further bolster brand influence.
- Optimistic Market Outlook: The global energy drinks market is expected to grow from $79.4 billion in 2024 to $125.1 billion by 2030, indicating strong market demand, and Doseology's product innovations align perfectly with this trend, likely driving future company growth.
See More
Doseology Sciences Launches New Energy Product Line
- Market Trend Analysis: The global health and wellness sector is projected to reach $6 trillion in consumer spending by 2026, driven by rising demand for functional products, compelling companies to adapt to the FDA's new labeling framework to meet consumer preferences for sugar-free and preservative-free options, thereby enhancing market competitiveness.
- New Product Launch: Doseology Sciences initiated pilot production of caffeine-based energy pouches in January 2026, marking the entry of its Feed That Brain brand into the rapidly growing oral pouch market, which is expected to attract consumers seeking portable energy supplements.
- Strategic Acquisition: Doseology acquired the Feed That Brain brand for $400,000 in August 2025, leveraging its strengths in functional product design to drive compliant new product development and further expand market share.
- Market Potential: The global energy drinks market is expected to grow from $79.4 billion in 2024 to $125.1 billion by 2030, indicating strong market demand, and Doseology's product innovations align perfectly with this trend, likely driving future growth for the company.
See More
Viking Therapeutics' VK2735 Sees Strong Demand Amid Novo Nordisk Launch
- Strong Market Demand: Since its U.S. launch in early January, Novo Nordisk's oral Wegovy has seen weekly prescription fills reach 50,000, indicating robust demand for oral GLP-1 therapies, which bodes well for Viking Therapeutics' VK2735 as it positions itself to capture significant market opportunities.
- Clinical Trial Progress: Viking plans to initiate Phase 3 trials for VK2735 in Q3 2026, with encouraging mid-stage data showing patients lost up to 12.2% of their body weight in just 13 weeks, providing strong support for the drug's market potential.
- Solid Financial Position: Viking reported a Q4 2025 loss of $1.38 per share due to increased R&D spending, with full-year expenses rising to $345 million; however, the company ended the year with $706 million in cash and short-term investments, sufficient to fund ongoing trials and data readouts.
- Optimistic Investor Sentiment: On Stocktwits, retail sentiment for VKTX is bullish with extremely high message volume, as investors are optimistic that the upcoming maintenance dosing trial will provide a good opportunity to re-rate the stock price upward, reflecting confidence in the company's future performance.
See More
U.S. Stocks Plunge as Tech Sector Weighs Down Market
- Tech Sector Retreat: U.S. stocks experienced a significant decline on Thursday, with the S&P 500 down 1.57%, the Dow Jones down 1.34%, and the Nasdaq 100 down 2.04%, primarily driven by a sell-off in the Magnificent Seven tech stocks, indicating concerns over the profitability outlook in the tech sector.
- Cisco Systems Warning: Cisco Systems saw its stock plummet over 12% after forecasting that rising memory chip prices would erode profitability, raising investor concerns about future performance and potentially diminishing market confidence.
- Weak Economic Data: Initial jobless claims in the U.S. fell by 5,000 to 227,000, below the expected 223,000, while January existing home sales dropped 8.4% month-over-month to 3.91 million, marking a 16-month low, which reflects signs of economic slowdown that could impact market sentiment.
- Positive Earnings Season: Despite the overall market downturn, over 76% of S&P 500 companies that reported earnings exceeded expectations, with Q4 earnings projected to grow by 8.4%, indicating strong corporate profitability that may provide support for the market.
See More
Viking Therapeutics Targets Weight Loss Drug Market Growth
- Clinical Trial Progress: Viking Therapeutics is advancing its VK2735 candidate in a phase 3 trial for the injectable format while planning to initiate a phase 3 trial for the oral format in Q3 this year, marking a proactive approach in the weight loss drug market that could establish a competitive foundation for future growth.
- Significant Market Potential: Analysts project that the obesity drug market could reach nearly $100 billion by 2030, providing ample growth opportunities for newcomers like Viking, especially as demand for GLP-1 drugs continues to rise.
- Diversified Product Pipeline: Viking plans to file a request to initiate clinical trials for another dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonist in Q1, demonstrating the company's strategy to diversify its weight loss drug development to cater to various patient needs.
- Investment Risk Consideration: While Viking's candidate shows promising data, investors should cautiously assess risks since the company has no products on the market yet, and uncertainty may persist until clinical trial outcomes are confirmed.
See More
U.S. Markets Volatile as Investor Sentiment Turns Cautious
- Positive Job Data: Recent U.S. employment figures indicate a rise in new jobs, and while inflation eases, the overall market remains volatile, reflecting investor concerns about future economic prospects that could impact stock performance.
- Mixed Industry Results: Automakers reported mixed earnings, with some industrial stocks outperforming the broader market; however, overall equity demand remains capped, indicating a growing risk-off sentiment among investors.
- AI Panic Trade: The launch of a new freight efficiency platform by an AI firm has spooked markets, leading to sharp declines in traditionally resilient trucking and logistics stocks, as fears grow over the vulnerability of labor-intensive business models to automation.
- Real Estate Impacted: The real estate sector and other old-economy industries have also been hit, as traders express unease over potential AI-driven disruptions, further exacerbating market uncertainty.
See More
Doseology Sciences Launches New Energy Product Line
- Market Trend Analysis: The global health and wellness sector is projected to reach $6 trillion in consumer spending by 2026, driven by rising demand for functional products, compelling companies to adapt to the FDA's updated 'Healthy' labeling framework to meet market needs.
- New Product Launch: Doseology Sciences launched caffeine-based energy pouches in January 2026, marking the entry of its Feed That Brain brand into the rapidly growing oral pouch market, utilizing a sugar-free, non-carbonated, portable design to cater to consumer demand for healthier alternatives.
- Strategic Acquisition: Doseology acquired the Feed That Brain brand for $400,000 in August 2025, enhancing its competitive edge in the functional product space, while also appointing Joseph Mimran as a strategic advisor to further bolster brand influence.
- Optimistic Market Outlook: The global energy drinks market is expected to grow from $79.4 billion in 2024 to $125.1 billion by 2030, indicating strong market demand, and Doseology's product innovations align perfectly with this trend, likely driving future company growth.
See More
Doseology Sciences Launches New Energy Product Line
- Market Trend Analysis: The global health and wellness sector is projected to reach $6 trillion in consumer spending by 2026, driven by rising demand for functional products, compelling companies to adapt to the FDA's new labeling framework to meet consumer preferences for sugar-free and preservative-free options, thereby enhancing market competitiveness.
- New Product Launch: Doseology Sciences initiated pilot production of caffeine-based energy pouches in January 2026, marking the entry of its Feed That Brain brand into the rapidly growing oral pouch market, which is expected to attract consumers seeking portable energy supplements.
- Strategic Acquisition: Doseology acquired the Feed That Brain brand for $400,000 in August 2025, leveraging its strengths in functional product design to drive compliant new product development and further expand market share.
- Market Potential: The global energy drinks market is expected to grow from $79.4 billion in 2024 to $125.1 billion by 2030, indicating strong market demand, and Doseology's product innovations align perfectly with this trend, likely driving future growth for the company.
See More
Viking Therapeutics' VK2735 Sees Strong Demand Amid Novo Nordisk Launch
- Strong Market Demand: Since its U.S. launch in early January, Novo Nordisk's oral Wegovy has seen weekly prescription fills reach 50,000, indicating robust demand for oral GLP-1 therapies, which bodes well for Viking Therapeutics' VK2735 as it positions itself to capture significant market opportunities.
- Clinical Trial Progress: Viking plans to initiate Phase 3 trials for VK2735 in Q3 2026, with encouraging mid-stage data showing patients lost up to 12.2% of their body weight in just 13 weeks, providing strong support for the drug's market potential.
- Solid Financial Position: Viking reported a Q4 2025 loss of $1.38 per share due to increased R&D spending, with full-year expenses rising to $345 million; however, the company ended the year with $706 million in cash and short-term investments, sufficient to fund ongoing trials and data readouts.
- Optimistic Investor Sentiment: On Stocktwits, retail sentiment for VKTX is bullish with extremely high message volume, as investors are optimistic that the upcoming maintenance dosing trial will provide a good opportunity to re-rate the stock price upward, reflecting confidence in the company's future performance.
See More
U.S. Stocks Plunge as Tech Sector Weighs Down Market
- Tech Sector Retreat: U.S. stocks experienced a significant decline on Thursday, with the S&P 500 down 1.57%, the Dow Jones down 1.34%, and the Nasdaq 100 down 2.04%, primarily driven by a sell-off in the Magnificent Seven tech stocks, indicating concerns over the profitability outlook in the tech sector.
- Cisco Systems Warning: Cisco Systems saw its stock plummet over 12% after forecasting that rising memory chip prices would erode profitability, raising investor concerns about future performance and potentially diminishing market confidence.
- Weak Economic Data: Initial jobless claims in the U.S. fell by 5,000 to 227,000, below the expected 223,000, while January existing home sales dropped 8.4% month-over-month to 3.91 million, marking a 16-month low, which reflects signs of economic slowdown that could impact market sentiment.
- Positive Earnings Season: Despite the overall market downturn, over 76% of S&P 500 companies that reported earnings exceeded expectations, with Q4 earnings projected to grow by 8.4%, indicating strong corporate profitability that may provide support for the market.
See More
