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Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ:VKTX | VKTX Price Prediction) reports third-quarter results on October 28, 2026. Shares fell 41.

Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (VKTX - Free Report) closed the most recent trading day at $25.76, moving -2.35% from the previous trading session. This move lagged the S&P 500's daily loss of 1.21%. Meanwhile, the Dow gained 0.02%, and the Nasdaq, a tech-heavy index, lost 2.6%.

Coming into today, shares of the company had lost 36.66% in the past month. In that same time, the Medical sector gained 2.71%, while the S&P 500 lost 0.03%.

Market participants will be closely following the financial results of Viking Therapeutics, Inc. in its upcoming release. The company plans to announce its earnings on October 28, 2026. The company's upcoming EPS is projected at -$1, signifying a 23.46% drop compared to the same quarter of the previous year.

For the full year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates project earnings of -$4.46 per share and a revenue of $0 million, demonstrating changes of -39.81% and 0%, respectively, from the preceding year.

Additionally, investors should keep an eye on any recent revisions to analyst forecasts for Viking Therapeutics, Inc. These revisions typically reflect the latest short-term business trends, which can change frequently. Consequently, upward revisions in estimates express analysts' positivity towards the business operations and its ability to generate profits.

Our research demonstrates that these adjustments in estimates directly associate with imminent stock price performance. To benefit from this, we have developed the Zacks Rank, a proprietary model which takes these estimate changes into account and provides an actionable rating system.

The Zacks Rank system, stretching from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), has a noteworthy track record of outperforming, validated by third-party audits, with stocks rated #1 producing an average annual return of +25% since the year 1988. The Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has moved 0.16% higher within the past month. Currently, Viking Therapeutics, Inc. is carrying a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).

The Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry is part of the Medical sector. Currently, this industry holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 105, positioning it in the top 43% of all 250+ industries.

The Zacks Industry Rank assesses the vigor of our specific industry groups by computing the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks incorporated in the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

Be sure to use Zacks.com to monitor all these stock-influencing metrics, and more, throughout the forthcoming trading sessions.

Conference Call Scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time 

, /PRNewswire/ -- Viking Therapeutics, Inc. ("Viking") (NASDAQ: VKTX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders, today announced that the company will release financial results for the third quarter of 2026 after the market close on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.

The company will host a conference call to discuss financial results and general corporate updates beginning at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. To participate in the conference call, please dial (844) 850-0543 from the U.S. or (412) 317-5199 from outside the U.S.  In addition, following the completion of the call, a telephone replay will be accessible until November 4, 2026, by dialing (855) 669-9658 from the U.S. and Canada, or (412) 317-0088 and entering conference ID #1882451. Those interested in listening to the conference call live via the internet may do so by visiting the Webcasts page of Viking's website at https://ir.vikingtherapeutics.com/webcasts-presentations. An archive of the webcast will also be available on the Webcasts page of the company's website for 30 days.

About Viking Therapeutics, Inc.

Viking Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company advancing a next-generation portfolio of therapies for obesity and metabolic disease. Guided by deep expertise in metabolic biology and rigorous science, Viking is developing innovative treatments to help people achieve meaningful, lasting health improvements by treating obesity first. The company's lead program, VK2735, is a dual glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist in development in both subcutaneous and oral formulations for obesity. VK2735 is currently being evaluated in Phase 3 clinical studies for obesity, along with maintenance dosing strategies designed to support long-term weight management. Viking is also advancing additional obesity programs, including VK3019, an amylin receptor agonist, VK2809, an orally available thyroid hormone receptor beta agonist for metabolic and liver disease, and VK0214 for the rare genetic disorder X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD).

For more information about Viking Therapeutics, please visit www.vikingtherapeutics.com.

SOURCE Viking Therapeutics, Inc

Biopharmaceutical company trial results are full of uncertainty; just ask Viking Therapeutics (VKTX +1.60%) investors, who have been on a bit of a roller-coaster ride with the company's key weight loss drug, VK2735, in its oral formulation. Still, the latest announcement of the initiation of two phase 3 trials creates a lot of promise for investors. Here's why.

Viking Therapeutics and VK2735 As a reminder, Viking already has the weight loss drug in two phase 3 trials in subcutaneous (injectable) form, namely for obesity (VANQUISH-1) and adults with type 2 diabetes who have obesity or are overweight (VANQUISH-2). It's also undergoing a smaller maintenance trial to test a combination of an initial subcutaneous VK2735 dose followed by an oral VK2735 maintenance dose, following a successful maintenance trial using subcutaneous VK2735 as the maintenance dose.

Image source: Getty Images.

The development of subcutaneous and oral formulations of VK2735 is part of Viking's dual-formulation strategy. That's why it recently announced the initiation of phase 3 trials for oral VK2735 for obesity (SUNRISE-1) and adults with type 2 diabetes with obesity or weight issues (SUNRISE-2)

Viking Therapeutics and oral VK2735 As with all oral medications, there are concerns about safety and tolerability. As such, investors were delighted with the exemplary tolerability data coming from the phase 1 oral VK2735 trial (MAD) in 2024. The 28-day MAD trial involved 37 treated patients, of whom "mild nausea was reported in five (14%) VK2735-treated subjects," with no vomiting, and only one reporting diarrhea. According to the press release, "no clinically meaningful differences were reported for GI-related adverse events among subjects treated with VK2735 compared with placebo."

While phase 1 trials tend to be small, tolerability is generally excellent. That's why investors were shocked by the safety and tolerability results from the phase 2 oral VK2735 (VENTURE-Oral) trial.

In common with MAD, the 13-week VENTURE-Oral showed good efficacy, but unfortunately, it had a 20% discontinuation rate due to adverse events among treated participants.  The result caused the stock to crash.

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Why investors have cause for optimism over the phase 3 oral VK2735 trials First, the phase 2 trial appeared to have a difficult cohort, with 13% of the placebo group also discontinuing due to an adverse event.

Second, the phase 2 trial used a relatively aggressive titration, with 13 weeks of daily oral dosing. The phase 3 trial will be over 68 weeks. In addition, as CEO Brian Lian disclosed during a Morgan Stanley conference, in phase 2, "we had dosed people with 4 tablets, and they were a little bit larger tablets. That wasn't a great experience for some people." Management is focused on reducing the tablet size and count for the phase 3 trial.

Third, management has lowered the maximum dosing in the phase 3 trial. Whereas phase 1 had dosing from 2.5 mg to 40 mg, phase 2 was more aggressive, going from 15 mg to 120 mg, and phase 3 is designed to dose at 27.5 mg, 35 mg, and 55 mg doses.

All told, the combination of a potentially easier trial cohort, longer, less aggressive titration (treated patients have more time to adjust), and less aggressive dosing may well yield a more favorable phase 3 outcome.

Viking Therapeutics (VKTX -8.04%) wasted no time raising cash after the release of a successful maintenance trial, which strengthened the investment case for the stock. Viking raised more than $316 million in a stock offering at $35 per share and $258.75 million in convertible senior notes for gross proceeds of $575 million.

Why Viking Therapeutics needs the cash Clinical trials don't come cheap, and definitely not for the kind of large phase 3 trials that Viking is currently undertaking for its GLP-1 and GIP agonist, VK2735. The company is already undertaking 78-week phase 3 trials for VK2735 in subcutaneous (injectable) form in obesity (Vanquish-1) and adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity (Vanquish-2). In addition, management recently announced the initiation of 68-week phase 3 trials for VK2735 oral in obesity (Sunrise-1) and in "adults with type 2 diabetes who are obese or overweight" (Sunrise-2).

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In addition, Viking is currently undertaking the second part of the maintenance trial in which an initial 21-week subcutaneous dose of VK2735 will be followed by 12 weeks of a range of oral VK2735 maintenance doses.

The duration and size of these trials, as well as the company's lack of revenue, mean Viking is likely to burn cash until at least 2030, according to the Wall Street consensus from S&P Global Market Intelligence.

Clearly, Viking needs the cash not only to fund all the VK2735 trials but also to ensure the ongoing development of the rest of its pipeline, including an amylin agonist, VK3019 -- a class of weight-loss drugs that can be taken by patients who can't tolerate GLP-1 agonists or in combination with them. Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are also developing amylin agonists.

Image source: Getty Images.

A stock to buy? In the near future, investors are waiting for the second part of the maintenance trial. Given that it includes VK2735 oral as a maintenance dose, it's arguably much more important to the company's dual formulation strategy than the first part of the trial. Those results will hit in 2027, as will the Vanquish-1 and Vanquish-2 trials, although much later in the year, with Sunrise-1 and Sunrise-2 likely in 2028.

Given that CFO Greg Zante told investors in July that "our guidance remains intact that we have cash into 2028," the $575 million in cash will also support any commercial development of VK2735 and the company's ongoing pipeline development. In reality, the company's future pivots on the clinical success of VK2735. Still, the recent cash raise derisks the stock and enables management to continue to try to generate value for investors.

Lee Samaha has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. The Motley Fool recommends Viking Therapeutics. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Key Takeaways Viking initiated two phase III trials of oral VK2735 in adults with obesity, with and without T2D.Phase II results showed up to 12.2% mean weight loss at the highest dose versus 1.3% with placebo.VKTX is expanding its obesity pipeline with injectable VK2735 studies, oral maintenance research and VK3019. Viking Therapeutics (VKTX - Free Report) announced that it has initiated the phase III SUNRISE program to evaluate the oral formulation of its investigational obesity drug VK2735.

The program consists of two phase III studies. The SUNRISE-1 study will enroll obese or overweight adults without type II diabetes (T2D) who have at least one weight-related comorbidity, while the SUNRISE-2 study will enroll obese or overweight adults with T2D.

Viking is targeting an enrolment of 560 adults in each study. These participants will be randomized to either one of the three dosing arms of once-daily VK2735 (27.5 mg, 35 mg, 55 mg) or placebo.

The study’s primary endpoint is the percent change in body weight after 68 weeks of treatment with oral VK2735 versus placebo. Secondary and exploratory endpoints will assess additional safety and efficacy details, including the proportion of participants who lose at least 5%, 10%, 15% or 20% of their body weight.

The initiation of the SUNRISE program is supported by positive results from the phase II VENTURE-Oral study, which evaluated once-daily VK2735 oral for 13 weeks. The study met its primary and secondary endpoints. Participants receiving the highest dose achieved a mean body weight reduction of up to 12.2% compared with 1.3% in the placebo group.

VKTX Stock’s PerformanceDespite the positive update, shares of Viking were down 4.4% on Wednesday.

Year to date, the stock has lost 27.6% compared with the industry’s 0.3% decline.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

New Initiation Expands Viking’s Obesity PipelineVK2735, VKTX’s most advanced candidate, is designed to target both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. This dual action has already demonstrated efficacy with Eli Lilly’s (LLY - Free Report) tirzepatide, which is marketed as Zepbound for obesity and Mounjaro for T2D. Tirzepatide has demonstrated substantial weight loss and improved blood sugar control.

In addition to the oral formulation, Viking is developing a subcutaneous (SC) formulation of VK2735, administered by injection. This version is being evaluated across two phase III studies in adults with obesity or overweight, with and without T2D. The company has already completed enrolment in both studies.

In September, Viking reported encouraging results from the first part of its VK2735 maintenance study, which showed that participants preserved most of their weight loss from the induction phase even when dosing frequency was materially reduced. Data showed that while participants who moved to every-other-week dosing maintained an average of 90% of their earlier weight loss, while those who switched to monthly dosing maintained an average of 85%.

Building on these results, Viking recently initiated the second part of its maintenance study to evaluate oral VK2735 as a potential option for maintaining weight loss. The study will assess whether weight loss achieved with weekly VK2735 SC can be maintained using oral tablets or less frequent injections. An update on this study is expected next year.

Alongside announcing the initiation of the SUNRISE program, Viking clarified a dosing detail in its oral maintenance study. An earlier announcement had incorrectly referred to “weekly oral doses,” whereas the oral maintenance arm will evaluate daily oral dosing. This distinction is important as the company explores the potential for oral VK2735 to complement its injectable formulation and offer greater flexibility for long-term weight management.

Viking is also broadening its obesity pipeline beyond VK2735. In June, the company initiated a phase I study of VK3019, an investigational dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonist. Management believes therapies targeting these receptors could be used alone or in combination with GLP-1 or dual GLP-1/GIP agonists to improve weight-loss induction and support longer-term weight management.

Intensifying Competition in the Obesity SpaceAdvancing oral VK2735 into phase III development further expands Viking’s obesity pipeline as competition intensifies in a market dominated by pharma giants Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk (NVO - Free Report) . Both companies are already market oral and injectable obesity treatments. Lilly markets injectable Zepbound and oral Foundayo, while Novo Nordisk markets injectable Wegovy and its oral Wegovy pill.

The competitive landscape is also evolving rapidly as drugmakers develop next-generation combination therapies. Lilly recently reported results for EloraTZP, an investigational combination of eloralintide, a selective amylin receptor agonist and Zepbound. Data from a phase IIb study showed that all EloraTZP combinations met the primary and secondary endpoints, delivering substantial weight loss and A1C reductions at 48 weeks. LLY plans to advance the candidate into phase III development in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk has submitted CagriSema to the FDA for weight management. The once-weekly treatment combines Wegovy with cagrilintide, a long-acting amylin receptor agonist. A final decision is expected before this year’s end.

VKTX’s Zacks RankViking Therapeutics currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

SUNRISE -1 and SUNRISE-2 Studies to Evaluate Oral VK2735 in Obese Adults with and without Type 2 Diabetes 

, /PRNewswire/ -- Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (Viking) (NASDAQ: VKTX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders, today announced the initiation of the SUNRISE Phase 3 clinical program for oral VK2735, the company's dual agonist of the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors. VK2375 is being developed in both oral and subcutaneous formulations for the potential treatment of various metabolic disorders such as obesity.

The SUNRISE Phase 3 program includes two studies evaluating oral VK2735: one in adults with obesity and another in obese or overweight adults with type 2 diabetes. Each study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial designed to assess the efficacy and safety of VK2735, with patients receiving once-daily oral VK2735 for 68 weeks. SUNRISE-1 and SUNRISE-2 will each target enrollment of 560 adults. SUNRISE-1 will include obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) or overweight (BMI ≥27 kg/m2) adults without type 2 diabetes who have at least one weight-related comorbidity. SUNRISE-2 will enroll adults with type 2 diabetes who are obese or overweight. Participants in both trials will be randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups receiving once-daily VK2735 doses of 27.5 mg, 35 mg, 55 mg, or placebo.

The primary endpoint of both trials is the percent change in body weight from baseline for participants receiving oral VK2735 as compared to placebo after 68 weeks of treatment. Secondary and exploratory endpoints will evaluate a range of additional safety and efficacy metrics, including the percentage of patients who achieve ≥ 5%, ≥ 10%, ≥ 15% or ≥ 20% body weight reduction from baseline. 

"Advancing the oral tablet formulation of VK2735 into Phase 3 is an exciting step toward expanding Viking's portfolio of therapeutic treatments for obesity," said Brian Lian, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Viking. "Oral VK2735 represents the most advanced oral dual GLP-1/GIP agonist in clinical development and has the potential to be positioned as either an induction therapy or in the maintenance setting, increasing the treatment options available to patients and clinicians. Obesity is a chronic disease that often requires long-term treatment, making convenience and ease of use important considerations for supporting patients throughout their treatment journey. We believe a once-daily oral therapy could offer a flexible dosing option that may support improved treatment adherence over time. Oral VK2735, together with our subcutaneous formulation, which is currently in the Phase 3 VANQUISH registration program, could provide clinicians and patients with greater choice in selecting an approach to weight loss and long-term management that best meets the needs of individual patients."

In 2025, Viking announced positive top-line results from the Phase 2 VENTURE-Oral Dosing study of the oral tablet formulation of VK2735 in obesity. The study successfully achieved its primary and secondary endpoints, with patients receiving once-daily oral VK2735 demonstrating clinically meaningful reductions in body weight compared with placebo. For the primary endpoint after 13 weeks of treatment, patients receiving oral VK2735 demonstrated statistically significant, dose-dependent reductions in mean body weight from baseline of up to 12.2%. Differences compared with placebo were statistically significant for all doses greater than 15 mg starting at Week 1 and were maintained throughout the study. Weight loss was progressive through Week 13 with no evidence of a plateau. Up to 97% of patients receiving oral VK2735 achieved at least 5% weight loss, and up to 80% achieved at least 10% weight loss, compared with 10% and 5% of patients receiving placebo, respectively.

Oral VK2735 also demonstrated encouraging safety and tolerability in the Phase 2 VENTURE-Oral study, with 98% of reported drug-related treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) characterized as mild or moderate. Gastrointestinal (GI)-related events were the most commonly observed TEAEs and were consistent with the known effects of dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists. Across VK2735 treatment cohorts, GI-related events generally occurred early in treatment and subsided with continued dosing. Progressive dose escalation in 30 mg increments enabled participants to advance rapidly to higher dose levels while maintaining an encouraging tolerability profile.

In addition to the SUNRISE Phase 3 program, Viking is currently conducting a maintenance dosing trial of oral VK2735 and two Phase 3 studies evaluating subcutaneous VK2735 (VANQUISH-1 and VANQUISH-2). The VANQUISH trials are randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trials designed to assess the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous VK2735 dosed weekly for 78 weeks. The VANQUISH-1 study is fully enrolled with approximately 4,500 adults who do not have type 2 diabetes and who have obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) or are overweight (BMI ≥27 kg/m2) with at least one weight-related co-morbid condition. The VANQUISH-2 study is also fully enrolled with approximately 1,000 adults with type 2 diabetes who have obesity or are overweight. Patients in both trials are being randomized to one of four weekly VK2735 treatment arms of 7.5 mg, 12.5 mg, 17.5 mg, or placebo.

Correction Note: The company's press release issued on October 6, 2026, entitled, Viking Therapeutics Announces Initiation of VK2735 Oral Maintenance Dosing Clinical Trial in Patients with Obesity, incorrectly stated that the trial would be evaluating, "weekly oral doses." The trial will be evaluating maintenance dosing options including daily oral doses, monthly subcutaneous doses, every-other-week subcutaneous doses, or placebo. 

About GLP-1 and Dual GLP-1/GIP Agonists

Activation of the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor has been shown to decrease glucose, reduce appetite, lower body weight, and improve insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes, obesity, or both. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is currently marketed in various dosage strengths and forms as Ozempic®, Rybelsus®, and Wegovy®. More recently, research efforts have explored the potential co-activation of the glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) receptor as a means of enhancing the therapeutic benefits of GLP-1 receptor activation. Tirzepatide is a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is currently marketed in various dosage strengths and forms as Mounjaro® and Zepbound®.

About Viking Therapeutics, Inc.

Viking Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company advancing a next-generation portfolio of therapies for obesity and metabolic disease. Guided by deep expertise in metabolic biology and rigorous science, Viking is developing innovative treatments to help people achieve meaningful, lasting health improvements by treating obesity first. The company's lead program, VK2735, is a dual glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist in development in both subcutaneous and oral formulations for obesity. VK2735 is currently being evaluated in Phase 3 clinical studies for obesity, along with maintenance dosing strategies designed to support long-term weight management. Viking is also advancing additional obesity programs, including VK3019, an amylin receptor agonist, VK2809, an orally available thyroid hormone receptor beta agonist for metabolic and liver disease, and VK0214 for the rare genetic disorder X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD).

For more information about Viking Therapeutics, please visit www.vikingtherapeutics.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding Viking Therapeutics, Inc., under the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements about Viking's expectations regarding its clinical and preclinical development programs, anticipated timing for reporting clinical data and cash resources.Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely and reported results should not be considered as an indication of future performance.These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: risks associated with the success, cost and timing of Viking's product candidate development activities and clinical trials, including those for VK2735, VK0214, VK2809, and the company's other incretin receptor agonists; risks that prior clinical and preclinical results may not be replicated; risks regarding regulatory requirements; and other risks that are described in Viking's most recent periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Viking's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, including the risk factors set forth in those filings.These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof.Viking disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements except as required by law.

SOURCE Viking Therapeutics, Inc.

The market for weight loss drugs continues to move fast, and one of the main arenas for competition right now is how those medicines are formulated. For a lot of people, taking a daily pill is less burdensome than taking a once-a-week injection, which is why drug developers are working on porting their injectables over to the oral route.

Viking Therapeutics (VKTX +2.81%) doesn't yet have approval for its injectable candidate, VK2735, but it does have decent data, which is why its oral formulation of the same molecule is about to enter late-stage testing. Given this setup, is now a good time to buy Viking's stock?

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The next phase is on the way, but competition will become an obstacle VK2735 activates the receptors for two gut hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, as does Eli Lilly's Zepbound. Citing feedback from an end-of-phase 2 meeting with the FDA, Viking plans to start phase 3 trials of the pill in the fourth quarter.

In phase 2 testing, patients taking the pill lost up to 12.2% of their body weight over 13 weeks, compared with just 1.3% in the placebo group. But 20% of patients receiving VK2735 quit over side effects, versus 13% on placebo. And in the top-dose cohort, 38% stopped treatment -- indicating that the candidate may struggle against competitors deemed by prescribers to be less likely to cause burdensome side effects.

Viking says the doses it plans to test showed no meaningful difference from placebo in gut side effects. But phase 2 showed a clear dose-response relationship between weight loss and side effects, so it's very likely that lower, more tolerable doses lead to less weight loss.

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Lilly's commercialized weight-loss pill, Foundayo, led patients to experience 11.1% weight loss after 72 weeks of treatment, versus 2.1% for placebo, and side effects caused only 5% to 10% of users to stop. What's more, the trial ran about five times longer than Viking's phase 2 despite having a much lower discontinuation rate due to side effects.

There may be a niche in the market to explore if Viking's candidate proves more effective over short time frames despite being more unpleasant. But it's also true that many patients will prefer a slower option that's less uncomfortable, like Foundayo.

The shot could be the bigger prize Viking's injectable formulation of VK2735 appears to be more potent than the pill, with patients achieving up to 14.7% weight loss after 13 weeks of weekly shots in a phase 2 trial.

In a separate phase 1 study, 13 patients who remained on weekly 17.5-mg doses through week 33 lost 21.7% of their body weight. Interestingly, a subgroup of patients who switched to monthly shots maintained 90% of their weight loss over 12 weeks, versus 61% for placebo. If those results are borne out, it could be a point of favorable differentiation from the competition.

VK2735's injectable is scheduled to conclude its phase 3 testing in July 2027. If the results resemble those of phase 2, VK2735 could become a credible alternative to Zepbound. Monthly dosing could set it apart, but the phase 3 trials only test weekly dosing.

So a lot is riding on those results for Viking's stock. But even if the biotech produces positive results for its jab and gets it approved and commercialized, and eventually does the same for its pill form, it'll still be trying to enter a crowded market that's increasingly cornered by the incumbents.

Viking's stock is still worth buying based on its data today and what it could stand to gain if it succeeds, but investors should be aware that it'll have a hard time gaining commercial traction, given what we know about how its candidates perform today.

In the latest close session, Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (VKTX - Free Report) was down 2.84% at $27.73. The stock's change was less than the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.47%. At the same time, the Dow added 0.1%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq lost 1.25%.

Shares of the company witnessed a loss of 12.72% over the previous month, trailing the performance of the Medical sector with its loss of 3.97%, and the S&P 500's gain of 1.15%.

The upcoming earnings release of Viking Therapeutics, Inc. will be of great interest to investors. On that day, Viking Therapeutics, Inc. is projected to report earnings of -$1 per share, which would represent a year-over-year decline of 23.46%.

For the annual period, the Zacks Consensus Estimates anticipate earnings of -$4.47 per share and a revenue of $0 million, signifying shifts of -40.13% and 0%, respectively, from the last year.

Investors should also pay attention to any latest changes in analyst estimates for Viking Therapeutics, Inc. These revisions typically reflect the latest short-term business trends, which can change frequently. With this in mind, we can consider positive estimate revisions a sign of optimism about the business outlook.

Research indicates that these estimate revisions are directly correlated with near-term share price momentum. Investors can capitalize on this by using the Zacks Rank. This model considers these estimate changes and provides a simple, actionable rating system.

The Zacks Rank system, running from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), holds an admirable track record of superior performance, independently audited, with #1 stocks contributing an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the past month, there's been no change in the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. Viking Therapeutics, Inc. currently has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).

The Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry is part of the Medical sector. With its current Zacks Industry Rank of 182, this industry ranks in the bottom 27% of all industries, numbering over 250.

The Zacks Industry Rank gauges the strength of our industry groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

Keep in mind to rely on Zacks.com to watch all these stock-impacting metrics, and more, in the succeeding trading sessions.

Viking Therapeutics faces dilution and rising obesity competition, but VK2735's pipeline progress could offer catalysts and support a rebound.

Viking Therapeutics (VKTX -6.41%) stock soared after the release of excellent top-line results from a maintenance study of its weight-loss drug VK2735, and the company promptly moved to ultimately raise $575 million via a supplementary public offering of common stock ($316.2 million worth at $35) and $258.8 million in convertible senior notes. However, the stock now trades below the $35 price of this latest common equity offering. Is it worth buying?

On balance, the answer is: If you were bullish on the stock before the top-line results came out, it makes sense to buy it now, too.

Image source: Getty Images.

Let's run some simple numbers. At the time of writing, Viking's stock is up only 8.4% from the day before the results announcement. However, the share count before the stock offering was 116.6 million, and the company closed on another 9 million shares. The increase in share count dilutes existing shareholders, and you can pencil in a rough reduction in earnings per share of about 7.2%, or 0.928 of its previous level.

However, the share price rose 8.44%, so earnings per share per dollar invested at the current share price have also changed. You can calculate this by dividing 0.928 by 1.084 (the increased share price), which gives 0.856, a 14.4% reduction.

In plain English, assuming the same earnings, the earnings yield per dollar invested at today's price will be 14.4% lower.

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So is Viking Therapeutics stock a buy? While the top-line results were excellent, they didn't include the oral pill (which will come in the second part of the trial), but they were good enough to somewhat de-risk maintenance dosing with injectable VK2735. That's a major plus in itself and justifies the de facto 14.4% loss in earnings power per dollar (assuming unchanged earnings) for investors, both before and after the results release and the subsequent common stock offering.

Lee Samaha has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Viking Therapeutics. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Novo Nordisk (NVO -1.04%) has a problem. The company generates most of its revenue from its diabetes and obesity products, but stiff competition from Eli Lilly (LLY -2.33%) in these markets has significantly disrupted its business. To make matters worse, other drugmakers will launch brand-new products in this field over the next few years. Novo Nordisk could struggle even more in a more competitive environment.

To Novo Nordisk's credit, the company has a fairly attractive pipeline, but it could expand it through licensing deals or acquisitions. In fact, Novo recently acquired three obesity assets from Kallyope, a privately held biotech. Could the pharmaceutical giant acquire smaller companies to further beef up its pipeline? If Novo does decide to go that route, here are two companies that could be great targets: Kailera Therapeutics (KLRA +3.91%) and Viking Therapeutics (VKTX +2.48%).

Image source: The Motley Fool.

1. Kailera Therapeutics Kailera Therapeutics went public earlier this year in what, at the time, broke the record for the largest biotech IPO in history. It's not hard to understand why. Kailera has a pipeline of multiple weight-loss candidates that it licensed from a China-based company. Some of Kailera's attractive candidates include ribupatide, a medicine that mimics the actions of the GLP-1 and GIP hormones, which is being developed in subcutaneous and oral formulations. Ribupatide is being tested in obesity and diabetes. The subcutaneous version is undergoing a Phase 3 study in weight loss for which we should have data in 2028.

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We have already seen results from some of ribupatide's studies, including those conducted in China. And so far, it looks promising. Kailera's pipeline also includes KAI-7535, an investigational oral weight-loss medicine undergoing a global Phase 2 obesity study. Then there is KAI-4729, a medicine that mimics the action of three gut hormones: GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon.

This approach could potentially produce substantial weight loss, as Eli Lilly has demonstrated with its own triple agonist, retatrutide, which has posted impressive Phase 3 results. Of course, Eli Lilly's success doesn't guarantee that KAI-4729 will follow in its footsteps, but Kailera has several highly promising pipeline candidates and could be a great acquisition target for any company looking to improve its position in this space. So, perhaps Novo might take a second look at Kailera.

2. Viking Therapeutics Viking Therapeutics is proving to be a notable contender in the weight-loss market. The company's subcutaneous VK2735 posted excellent Phase 2 results and is now undergoing two Phase 3 clinical trials. Viking Therapeutics is also developing an oral formulation of this medicine and plans to begin late-stage studies soon. Further, earlier this year, Viking started Phase 1 studies for a newer weight loss drug called VK3019. This medicine mimics the actions of the hormones amylin and calcitonin.

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In theory, Viking Therapeutics could combine VK2735 with VK3019 to target four hormone pathways, though we are a long way from that. Still, the possibility is enticing and one of the factors that makes Viking an attractive acquisition target. Here's another: The company recently posted excellent results in a maintenance study for subcutaneous VK2735.

After about five months of weekly doses of the medicine, during which patients lost between 16% and 19% of their weight, they switched to either monthly or every-other-week dosing, which helped keep significantly more weight off than those who took a placebo over 12 weeks. Viking's pipeline looks increasingly promising and could help Novo Nordisk strengthen its portfolio.

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What does the future hold? Of course, we can't be sure that Novo Nordisk will acquire either one of these companies. It might go for a different biotech company focused on weight-loss medicines, or it may even choose to diversify its lineup and pipeline -- something management has highlighted as a priority -- by acquiring a company with a completely different specialization.

Importantly, Novo's own weight loss and diabetes pipeline is strong. Phase 3 assets like zenagamtide look promising, and it boasts several other exciting candidates, including UBT251, a triple agonist.

Novo looks likely to remain a leader in this area even without an acquisition, and provided it can post excellent clinical trial results for leading candidates over the next couple of years, its shares could soar. The company also runs the risk of clinical setbacks, but given the depth of its pipeline and its financial flexibility, which enables it to pursue acquisitions or licensing deals, Novo's shares are attractive at current levels.

Investors looking to capitalize on the rapidly expanding weight loss drug market have increasingly more options. Eli Lilly (LLY -2.33%) and Novo Nordisk (NVO -1.04%) are still the leaders, but several other drugmakers are making significant clinical headway. One of them is Viking Therapeutics (VKTX +2.48%), a clinical-stage biotech. Viking Therapeutics was having a fairly uneventful year until recently, when it posted highly encouraging results from a clinical trial, sending the stock soaring by more than 30% in one day. Let's look deeper into these results and determine what they could mean for Viking's prospects.

Image source: The Motley Fool.

Viking makes a case for maintenance dosing Let's start with some background on how GLP-1-based weight loss medicines work. By mimicking naturally occurring hormones such as GLP-1, which promotes satiety, these medications help patients feel fuller for longer, leading them to eat less and aiding weight loss.

However, many people gain the weight back after stopping treatment, partly because of the return of food noise. Several companies are looking for ways to help people keep the weight off. Viking Therapeutics tested various doses of its leading anti-obesity candidate, VK2735, administered subcutaneously every other week or monthly (VK2735 also mimics the action of the GIP hormone).

The results were impressive. Patients lost an average of about 16% to 19% of their weight over 21 weeks, after which they switched to less frequent dosing. Those taking the medicine every other week maintained up to 97% of their weight loss three months after switching to this new dosing schedule, and patients taking it monthly maintained up to 90% of their weight loss. Those taking a placebo maintained only 61% of their weight loss over the same period. These results suggest that patients may not need to continue weekly injections to maintain most of their previously achieved weight loss.

They could, potentially, switch to a more convenient dosing schedule. There is also an important opportunity here for Viking Therapeutics to steal some of its competitors' patients. Suppose someone loses a significant amount of weight with Wegovy or Zepbound but is worried about gaining it back once they stop treatment. This person may be able to switch to Viking's VK2735 on an every-other-week or monthly regimen and receive 12 or 26 doses per year instead of 52 -- that's a huge difference.

The caveat here is that these results apply only to patients who initially lost weight on VK2735, so we can't extrapolate these results to patients who lost weight on Zepbound or Wegovy. Also, the study was fairly small, with only about 180 patients. That was enough to provide proof-of-concept evidence, but Viking Therapeutics will need similar successes in larger clinical trials.

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There are more catalysts ahead Viking Therapeutics plans to run a second part of this study, in which it will test oral maintenance dosing regimens using an oral formulation of VK2735. The company is also testing subcutaneous VK2735 in two Phase 3 studies, and it should start late-stage clinical trials for oral VK2735 by the end of the year. Viking Therapeutics' shares may have soared after its recent clinical win, but there is plenty more upside ahead, provided the company can deliver further successes in ongoing and upcoming studies.

The recent data once again highlighted just how promising VK2735 is. Even beyond the maintenance results, the first part yielded a robust mean weight loss of roughly 16% to 19% over 21 weeks (versus 0.1% for those taking a placebo). That said, there are potential risks to consider. One of them is share dilution. After Viking's shares soared following its clinical win, the company announced a capital raise that included issuing new shares. This move was hardly surprising. Clinical-stage biotech companies that generate no revenue and are consistently unprofitable have only so many options to raise funds.

But investors should keep that in mind: there could be more dilutive funding rounds in the future following clinical trial successes. Also, the weight-loss market will become increasingly competitive in the coming years. And finally, Viking has yet to post excellent results for its leading candidate in a Phase 3 clinical trial. And if data from its ongoing late-stage studies fall short of expectations, the stock will fall off a cliff and will have a lot of trouble recovering. The bottom line: Viking Therapeutics is a risky stock.

The company could deliver market-beating returns over the next five years if it establishes itself as a notable player in the anti-obesity space, but there is also a very real possibility that it will destroy shareholders' wealth over this period. Invest accordingly.

Artificial intelligence (AI) stocks have generated massive returns for investors in recent years. But they've also become expensive along the way, and investing in them today may not be nearly as enticing as it was even a year or two ago, when their valuations were more modest.

There's risk with AI stocks, even top names such as Nvidia, because any hint of a slowdown in business could wreak havoc on their share prices.

For investors who want some enticing growth stocks to buy that aren't dependent on AI, there are three solid options to consider: Viking Therapeutics (VKTX -2.71%), Take-Two Interactive Software (TTWO -0.01%), and Five Below (FIVE -2.55%).

Image source: Getty Images.

Viking TherapeuticsViking Therapeutics is a small but promising healthcare stock that has a lot of potential in GLP-1. Its shares rose recently on news that the company's GLP-1 drug, VK2735, helped patients lose weight and helped them keep nearly all the weight off when switching to maintenance dosing, with dosing every other week or on a monthly basis.

It increases the odds that VK2735 will obtain approval in the near future, which could send the stock skyrocketing. I also believe that Viking may be a possible acquisition target for a larger healthcare company. At roughly $4.1 billion in market cap, its valuation isn't terribly high, and it has a very promising asset in VK2735.

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There's some risk here because Viking isn't generating revenue yet, but for investors willing to be patient and accept some uncertainty, Viking could be a top stock to own with significant upside in the long run.

Take-Two InteractiveThis year is likely to be a big one for Take-Two Interactive, which is the company behind the popular Grand Theft Auto series. The newest game in the series, Grand Theft Auto VI, is scheduled to come out later this year. Sales are likely to be through the roof for the highly anticipated game.

There are also significant opportunities for the business to generate revenue from the game even after a customer purchases it, due to its strong focus on online gameplay. While Take-Two stock has struggled in the past 12 months, declining by more than 20%, strong sales numbers for its newest game could send the stock soaring in a hurry.

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It's currently trading at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 28 (based on analyst expectations). But hype and strong sales numbers for Grand Theft Auto VI could lead to not only an upgrade in forecasts, but also the stock commanding a higher earnings multiple.

Five BelowFive Below is a value retailer that has done an excellent job of drawing kids into its stores with the latest trendy products. And with many of its products priced below $5, the stores can be more attractive options for families on a budget. That's evident given how well the business has been doing.

In its most recent quarter, which ended on Aug. 1, Five Below reported impressive revenue growth of 22.9%. Even its comparable growth rate, which is a measure of how well stores are doing compared to the same period a year ago, was solid at over 14%. Many retailers are content with single-digit comparable growth. Five Below has been performing incredibly well by comparison.

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The stock has been rallying 44% over the past 12 months, but even with the sharp increase in value, it's trading at a reasonable forward P/E multiple of 22; it's not all that higher than the S&P 500 average of 20. Given the solid growth it has been generating, Five Below's valuation doesn't appear to be too high at all, as there can still be far more room for the stock to rise even higher in the months ahead.

Kuehn Law Encourages Investors of Viking Therapeutics, Inc. to Contact Law FirmPR Newswire

NEW YORK, Sept. 28, 2026

, /PRNewswire/ -- Kuehn Law, PLLC, a shareholder litigation law firm, is investigating whether certain officers and directors of Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: VKTX) breached their fiduciary duties to shareholders. The investigation concerns potential self-dealing. Shareholders may be entitled to damages and corporate governance reforms.

If you are a long-term VKTX stockholder please contact Justin Kuehn, Esq. by email at [email protected] or call (833) 672-0814. The consultation and case are free with no obligation to you. Kuehn Law pays all case costs and does not charge its investor clients. Shareholders should contact the firm immediately as there may be limited time to enforce your rights.

Why Your Participation Matters:

As a shareholder your voice matters, and by getting involved, you contribute to the integrity and fairness of the financial markets. Your investment. Your voice. Your future.™

For additional information, please visit Shareholder Derivative Litigation - Kuehn Law.

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Contacts:
Kuehn Law, PLLC
Justin Kuehn, Esq.
53 Hill Street, Suite 605
Southampton, NY 11968
[email protected]
(833) 672-0814

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kuehn-law-encourages-investors-of-viking-therapeutics-inc-to-contact-law-firm-302891041.html

SOURCE Kuehn Law, PLLC

, /PRNewswire/ -- Kuehn Law, PLLC, a shareholder litigation law firm, is investigating whether certain officers and directors of Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: VKTX) breached their fiduciary duties to shareholders. The investigation concerns potential self-dealing. Shareholders may be entitled to damages and corporate governance reforms.

If you are a long-term VKTX stockholder please contact Justin Kuehn, Esq. by email at [email protected] or call (833) 672-0814. The consultation and case are free with no obligation to you. Kuehn Law pays all case costs and does not charge its investor clients. Shareholders should contact the firm immediately as there may be limited time to enforce your rights. 

Why Your Participation Matters:

As a shareholder your voice matters, and by getting involved, you contribute to the integrity and fairness of the financial markets. Your investment. Your voice. Your future.™ 

For additional information, please visit Shareholder Derivative Litigation - Kuehn Law.

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Contacts:
Kuehn Law, PLLC
Justin Kuehn, Esq.
53 Hill Street, Suite 605
Southampton, NY 11968
[email protected]
(833) 672-0814

SOURCE Kuehn Law, PLLC

Investing in a top company can offer safety and stability, but oftentimes, the potential upside can also be limited. Take Eli Lilly (LLY +0.21%) as a prime example. It's a leader in the GLP-1 space and a top healthcare company, with a market cap of more than $1 trillion. It's generated impressive returns totaling more than 400% in five years, but with a much higher valuation, it may not perform nearly as well over the next five years.

Targeting a smaller stock instead may be a more compelling option for investors. And one that could have plenty of upside is Viking Therapeutics (VKTX -2.38%). It recently gave investors some terrific news related to its GLP-1 drug.

Image source: Getty Images.

Viking's stock surged on exciting GLP-1 dataLast week, shares of Viking Therapeutics took off after the company reported that its GLP-1 drug, VK2735, performed well in a recent clinical trial. Patients who used the drug weekly achieved weight loss between 16% and 19%. And when they transitioned to using it for maintenance purposes were able to maintain 97% of their weight loss when using it every other week, and 90% when using it on a monthly basis.

While VK2735 hasn't obtained approval from regulators, it has been demonstrating high efficacy in trials. Even if it doesn't end up rivaling Eli Lilly's Zepbound, even generating $1 billion or more in revenue could be a game changer for this healthcare stock. Currently, Viking doesn't have an approved drug in its portfolio, and thus, it just burns through cash. Approval of VK2735 could, however, change that significantly.

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Viking's stock is risky, but it also has tremendous upsideAt around $4.4 billion in market cap, Viking is nowhere near the size of Eli Lilly. It's not as safe a stock to own, and while VK2735 has shown progress in trials, there's no guarantee it will obtain approval in the near future.

But for investors who are willing to take on risk and accept that uncertainty, I believe there could be considerable gains ahead. Healthcare companies are eager to get into the GLP-1 race, and Viking, which has a compelling asset in VK2735, could potentially become an attractive acquisition target for a larger healthcare company to pursue. Thus, the stock could surge in value if the drug obtains approval, or simply if another company ends up acquiring it, for the purpose of adding VK2735 to its portfolio.

In the past 12 months, Viking's stock has risen by more than 40%, but with a modest market cap, it may still have plenty of room to become much more valuable in the future.

Viking Therapeutics (VKTX -3.24%) stock surged this week on results from a maintenance study of its key pipeline obesity treatment, VK2735. The top-line results led to a slew of Wall Street upgrades and helped support the case for VK2735 as a potential long-term obesity treatment, and the company promptly announced a $400 million capital raise, which it increased to $500 million the following day.

Three key numbers from the report GLP-1 and GIP agonist, VK2735, has the potential to carve out a niche in the highly competitive weight-loss market by delivering rapid weight loss and serving as a maintenance therapy, either subcutaneously (injectable) or orally. This study focused solely on injectable doses: a weekly dose for 21 weeks, followed by weekly, biweekly, or monthly maintenance dosing.

Image source: Getty Images.

First, a 22% adjusted weight loss at week 33 in the cohort taking a weekly 17mg dose for 21 weeks, then a weekly 17.5 mg maintenance dose over 12 weeks, with "no plateau observed." This data compares favorably with the rapidity of weight loss achieved by rival drugs.

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Second, the cohort taking the weekly 21-week dose of 17.5mg who switched to a biweekly 17.5mg maintenance dose over 12 weeks maintained 97% of the weight loss achieved at 21 weeks.

Third, the cohort taking the weekly 21-week dose of 17.5mg who switched to a monthly 17.5mg maintenance dose over 12 weeks maintained 90% of the weight loss achieved at 21 weeks.

The latter two results indicate potential for maintenance therapies to help patients sustain weight loss over time, and the first provides further evidence that VK2735 can deliver rapid weight loss.

Where next for Viking It's exciting data, and investors will look forward to the second part of the study, in which an oral maintenance dose will be trialed. In addition, Viking already has VK2735 (subcutaneous) in a Phase 3 trial and expects to commence VK2735 (oral) in a Phase 3 trial by the end of this year.

Lee Samaha has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Viking Therapeutics. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (VKTX - Free Report) closed at $36.75 in the latest trading session, marking a -11.76% move from the prior day. This change lagged the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.03%. At the same time, the Dow lost 0.31%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq gained 0.01%.

Prior to today's trading, shares of the company had gained 21.15% outpaced the Medical sector's loss of 4.15% and the S&P 500's gain of 0.53%.

Analysts and investors alike will be keeping a close eye on the performance of Viking Therapeutics, Inc. in its upcoming earnings disclosure. On that day, Viking Therapeutics, Inc. is projected to report earnings of -$1 per share, which would represent a year-over-year decline of 23.46%.

Regarding the entire year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates forecast earnings of -$4.47 per share and revenue of $0 million, indicating changes of -40.13% and 0%, respectively, compared to the previous year.

It's also important for investors to be aware of any recent modifications to analyst estimates for Viking Therapeutics, Inc. Recent revisions tend to reflect the latest near-term business trends. As a result, we can interpret positive estimate revisions as a good sign for the business outlook.

Our research demonstrates that these adjustments in estimates directly associate with imminent stock price performance. Investors can capitalize on this by using the Zacks Rank. This model considers these estimate changes and provides a simple, actionable rating system.

Ranging from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), the Zacks Rank system has a proven, outside-audited track record of outperformance, with #1 stocks returning an average of +25% annually since 1988. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has remained unchanged. Currently, Viking Therapeutics, Inc. is carrying a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).

The Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry is part of the Medical sector. At present, this industry carries a Zacks Industry Rank of 174, placing it within the bottom 30% of over 250 industries.

The Zacks Industry Rank gauges the strength of our individual industry groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

Keep in mind to rely on Zacks.com to watch all these stock-impacting metrics, and more, in the succeeding trading sessions.

Viking Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:VKTX) shares are trading lower by at least 15% on Thursday as investors digest news of an upsized equity offering and convertible senior notes financing, while S&P 500 futures are down 0.5%.

• Viking Therapeutics stock is showing notable weakness. What’s pressuring VKTX stock?

Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) Stock Drops After Upsized FinancingThe clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company priced its concurrent public offerings of 7.85 million shares at $35 per share, and $225 million in 2% convertible senior notes due 2032.

Viking estimates that the net proceeds from the common stock offering will be approximately $258.2 million (or approximately $297 million if the underwriters fully exercise their option to purchase additional shares).

The company will use the capital for the continued clinical development, advancement, and commercialization of its VK2735 program, VK3019 program, and for other general research and development, working capital, and general corporate purposes.

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VKTX Technical Analysis: Key Support, Resistance and TrendWith the stock at $36, the price is still holding above its major trend gauges — about 8.3% above the 20-day SMA ($33.16) and roughly 7.8% above the 200-day SMA ($33.31) — which suggests the longer-term uptrend hasn’t fully broken despite today’s sharp pullback.

The nearby $36.50 area is the first spot where rebounds can stall, while $31.50 is the key downside level to watch if selling continues.

RSI is the cleaner momentum read right now: at 54.83, it’s neutral, implying the move isn’t "stretched" enough to be automatically overbought or oversold.

The moving-average structure is mixed: the 20-day SMA is below the 50-day SMA (a short-term bearish crossover), but the 50-day SMA remains above the 200-day SMA, keeping the July golden cross backdrop intact.

Historically, the stock saw RSI overbought conditions in September and oversold conditions in February, so traders will be watching whether this drop pushes momentum back toward the lower end of its recent range.

Key Resistance: $36.50 — Nearby pivot area where rebounds can stall after a sharp down session. Key Support: $31.50 — Prior demand zone that becomes the "line in the sand" if the pullback deepens. How Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) Ranks on MomentumBelow is the Benzinga Edge scorecard for Viking Therapeutics, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses compared to the broader market:

Momentum: Bullish (Score: 89.65) — The stock has been showing strong relative strength on a multi-week basis, even with today’s drawdown. The Verdict: Viking Therapeutics’ Benzinga Edge signal reveals a momentum-driven story, where trend-followers may stay interested as long as the stock holds above its key moving averages.

After a financing-driven sell-off, the next tradeable question is whether buyers defend support near $31.50 or whether the pullback starts to unwind the post-golden-cross trend.

VKTX Stock Price Activity: Viking Therapeutics shares were down 15.61% to $35.15 at the time of publication on Thursday, according to Benzinga Pro data.

Photo: Shutterstock

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This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

© 2026 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

, /PRNewswire/ -- Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: VKTX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders, today announced the pricing of its concurrent public offerings of 7,857,143 shares of common stock, at a public offering price of $35.00 per share, and $225.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2.00% convertible senior notes due 2032 (the "notes"). The offering size of each of the common stock offering and note offering was increased from the previously announced offering size of $200.0 million of shares of common stock and $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of notes. The issuance and sale of the common stock and the notes are scheduled to settle on September 25, 2026, subject to customary closing conditions. Viking also granted the underwriters of the common stock offering a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 1,178,571 shares of common stock, and granted the underwriters of the note offering a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional $33.75 million aggregate principal amount of notes solely to cover over-allotments. The completion of the common stock offering will not be contingent on the completion of the note offering, and the completion of the note offering will not be contingent on the completion of the common stock offering.

Morgan Stanley, J.P. Morgan, Jefferies, Leerink Partners and William Blair are acting as joint book-running managers for the note offering. Morgan Stanley, J.P. Morgan, Jefferies, Leerink Partners, William Blair and Raymond James are acting as joint book-running managers for the common stock offering. Oppenheimer & Co. is acting as lead manager and Canaccord Genuity, H.C. Wainwright & Co., B. Riley Securities, Maxim Group LLC and Laidlaw & Company (U.K.) Ltd. are acting as co-managers for the common stock offering.

The notes will be senior, unsecured obligations of Viking and will accrue interest at a rate of 2.00% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year, beginning on April 15, 2027. The notes will mature on October 15, 2032, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted. Before July 15, 2032, noteholders will have the right to convert their notes only upon the occurrence of certain events. From and after July 15, 2032, noteholders may convert their notes at any time at their election until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately before the maturity date. Viking will settle conversions by paying or delivering, as applicable, cash, shares of its common stock or a combination of cash and shares of its common stock, at Viking's election. The initial conversion rate is 19.7044 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes, which represents an initial conversion price of approximately $50.75 per share of common stock. The initial conversion price represents a premium of approximately 45% over the public offering price per share of common stock in the common stock offering. The conversion rate and conversion price will be subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events.

The notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part (subject to certain limitations), for cash at Viking's option at any time, and from time to time, on or after October 22, 2029 and on or before the 25th scheduled trading day immediately before the maturity date, but only if the last reported sale price per share of Viking's common stock exceeds 130% of the conversion price for a specified period of time. The notes will also be redeemable, in whole and not in part, for cash at Viking's election at any time if the principal amount of the notes then outstanding is less than 15% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes issued in this offering (including any additional notes issued pursuant to any exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase additional notes). The redemption price will be equal to the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date.

If a "fundamental change" (as defined in the indenture for the notes) occurs, then, subject to a limited exception, noteholders may require Viking to repurchase their notes for cash. The repurchase price will be equal to the principal amount of the notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date.

Viking estimates that the net proceeds from the common stock offering will be approximately $258.2 million (or approximately $297.0 million if the underwriters of the common stock offering fully exercise their option to purchase additional shares of common stock), after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses. Viking estimates that the net proceeds from the note offering will be approximately $218.0 million (or approximately $250.8 million if the underwriters of the note offering fully exercise their option to purchase additional notes), after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and Viking's estimated offering expenses. Viking intends to use the net proceeds from the note offering, together with the net proceeds from the common stock offering, for the continued clinical development, advancement and commercialization of its VK2735 program, the continued clinical development and advancement of its VK3019 program and for other general research and development, working capital and general corporate purposes.

The offerings are being made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Each offering will be made only by means of a prospectus supplement relating to that offering and an accompanying prospectus. An electronic copy of the preliminary prospectus supplement (and, when available, the final prospectus supplement) for each offering, together with the accompanying prospectus, is or will be available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, copies of these documents can be obtained by contacting: Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC at 180 Varick Street, 2nd Floor, New York, New York 10014, Attention: Prospectus Department; or J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717 or by email at [email protected] and [email protected].

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities referred to in this press release, nor will there be any sale of any such securities, in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, sale or solicitation would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction.

About Viking Therapeutics, Inc.

Viking Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing a next-generation portfolio of therapies for obesity and metabolic disease. Guided by deep expertise in metabolic biology and rigorous science, Viking is developing innovative treatments to help people achieve meaningful, lasting health improvements by treating obesity first. The company's lead program, VK2735, is a dual glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist in development in both subcutaneous and oral formulations for obesity. VK2735 is currently being evaluated in Phase 3 clinical studies for obesity, along with maintenance dosing strategies designed to support long-term weight management. Viking is also advancing additional obesity programs, including VK3019, an amylin receptor agonist, VK2809, an orally available thyroid hormone receptor beta agonist for metabolic and liver disease, and VK0214 for the rare genetic disorder X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD).

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding Viking Therapeutics, Inc., under the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements about the completion of the offerings and the expected amount and intended use of the net proceeds. Forward-looking statements represent Viking's current expectations regarding future events and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those implied by the forward-looking statements. Among those risks and uncertainties are market conditions, the satisfaction of the closing conditions related to the offerings, risks described under the caption "Risk Factors" in the preliminary prospectus supplements (and, when available, the final prospectus supplements) for the offerings and risks relating to Viking's business, including those described in Viking's most recent periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Viking's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, including the risk factors set forth in those filings.  Viking may not consummate the offerings described in this press release and, if the offerings are consummated, cannot provide any assurances regarding its ability to effectively apply the net proceeds as described above. The forward-looking statements included in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release, and Viking does not undertake to update the statements included in this press release for subsequent developments, except as may be required by law.

SOURCE Viking Therapeutics, Inc.

, /PRNewswire/ -- Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: VKTX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders, today announced its intention to offer, subject to market and other conditions, $200.0 million of common stock and $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2032 (the "notes") in separate public offerings registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Viking also expects to grant the underwriters of the common stock offering a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional $30.0 million of common stock, and expects to grant the underwriters of the note offering a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional $30.0 million aggregate principal amount of notes solely to cover over-allotments. The completion of the common stock offering will not be contingent on the completion of the note offering, and the completion of the note offering will not be contingent on the completion of the common stock offering.

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC are acting as joint book-running managers for the note offering and the common stock offering.

The notes will be senior, unsecured obligations of Viking, will accrue interest payable semi-annually in arrears and will mature on October 15, 2032, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted. Noteholders will have the right to convert their notes in certain circumstances and during specified periods. Viking will settle conversions by paying or delivering, as applicable, cash, shares of its common stock or a combination of cash and shares of its common stock, at Viking's election.

The notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part (subject to certain limitations), for cash at Viking's option at any time, and from time to time, on or after October 22, 2029 and on or before the 25th scheduled trading day immediately before the maturity date, but only if the last reported sale price per share of Viking's common stock exceeds 130% of the conversion price for a specified period of time. The notes will also be redeemable, in whole and not in part, for cash at Viking's election at any time if the principal amount of the notes then outstanding is less than 15% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes issued in this offering (including any additional notes issued pursuant to any exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase additional notes). The redemption price will be equal to the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date.

If certain corporate events that constitute a "fundamental change" occur, then, subject to a limited exception, noteholders may require Viking to repurchase their notes for cash. The repurchase price will be equal to the principal amount of the notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date.

The interest rate, initial conversion rate and other terms of the notes will be determined at the pricing of the note offering.

Viking intends to use the net proceeds from the note offering, together with the net proceeds from the common stock offering, for the continued clinical development, advancement and commercialization of its VK2735 program, the continued clinical development and advancement of its VK3019 program and for other general research and development, working capital and general corporate purposes.

The offerings are being made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Each offering will be made only by means of a prospectus supplement relating to that offering and an accompanying prospectus. An electronic copy of the preliminary prospectus supplement for each offering, together with the accompanying prospectus, is available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, copies of each preliminary prospectus supplement, together with the accompanying prospectus, can be obtained by contacting: Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC at 180 Varick Street, 2nd Floor, New York, New York 10014, Attention: Prospectus Department; or J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717 or by email at [email protected] and [email protected].

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities referred to in this press release, nor will there be any sale of any such securities, in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, sale or solicitation would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction.

About Viking Therapeutics, Inc.

Viking Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing a next-generation portfolio of therapies for obesity and metabolic disease. Guided by deep expertise in metabolic biology and rigorous science, Viking is developing innovative treatments to help people achieve meaningful, lasting health improvements by treating obesity first. The company's lead program, VK2735, is a dual glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist in development in both subcutaneous and oral formulations for obesity. VK2735 is currently being evaluated in Phase 3 clinical studies for obesity, along with maintenance dosing strategies designed to support long-term weight management. Viking is also advancing additional obesity programs, including VK3019, an amylin receptor agonist, VK2809, an orally available thyroid hormone receptor beta agonist for metabolic and liver disease, and VK0214 for the rare genetic disorder X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD).

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding Viking Therapeutics, Inc., under the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements about the anticipated terms of the notes being offered, Vikings ability to complete the offerings on the anticipated terms or at all, the timing and size of the proposed offerings and Viking's intended use of the proceeds. Forward-looking statements represent Viking's current expectations regarding future events and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those implied by the forward-looking statements. Among those risks and uncertainties are market conditions, including market interest rates, the trading price and volatility of Viking's common stock, risks described under the caption "Risk Factors" in the preliminary prospectus supplements for the proposed offerings and risks relating to Viking's business, including those described in Viking's most recent periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Viking's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, including the risk factors set forth in those filings.  Viking may not consummate the proposed offerings described in this press release and, if the proposed offerings are consummated, cannot provide any assurances regarding the final terms of the offerings or the notes or its ability to effectively apply the net proceeds as described above. The forward-looking statements included in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release, and Viking does not undertake to update the statements included in this press release for subsequent developments, except as may be required by law.

SOURCE Viking Therapeutics, Inc.

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Jaguar Health and Viking Therapeutics are both sinking Wednesday morning, but the forces behind each drop point in completely different directions, and the broader biotech sector is barely flinching.

Two biotechnology names are lower in Wednesday morning trading for unrelated reasons, and the biotechnology sector itself isn’t selling off. Jaguar Health (NASDAQ:JAGX) stock is at $14.21, down 59%, while Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ:VKTX | VKTX Price Prediction) stock is at $39.11, down 4%.

The iShares Biotechnology ETF (NASDAQ:IBB) is down 0.1% in Wednesday morning trading, close to unchanged. Meanwhile, the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (NYSEARCA:SPY) is down 0.44%, so the broad market is off by a wider margin than the biotechnology fund. Thus, two individual names are falling inside a sector that has barely moved.

What Is Behind Each Move Jaguar Health is a small pharmaceutical company that develops prescription drugs derived from plants for gastrointestinal disease states. No company disclosure has been verified for Wednesday’s session, which leaves profit taking after a large prior run as the mechanism the figures support. That reading is offered as the likeliest explanation for the decline rather than as a confirmed cause, and Jaguar Health stock is still up 9% over the past month even after this session’s fall.

Viking Therapeutics is a different situation. The company reported positive top-line data from a maintenance trial of its obesity drug candidate and scheduled a special call to discuss the findings with investors. Its stock advanced sharply on Tuesday before giving part of that back on Wednesday, so this morning’s slip is a pullback that follows good news.

The Viking Therapeutics catalyst adds useful color. Positive top-line data from a maintenance trial is the kind of news that supports a longer investment thesis, and the company’s decision to schedule a special call for investors signals that management wanted the results framed in detail. That framing typically carries more weight over weeks than in the single session that follows.

The pattern in both stocks is worth naming clearly. A one-day drop that leaves a name higher on the month reads as a giveback, and both Jaguar Health and Viking Therapeutics fit that description on Wednesday. The nuance is that Jaguar Health’s giveback follows a very sharp run in a micro-cap where large percentage moves in either direction are routine.

Interpreting the Move Against the Sector The IBB biotechnology fund is close to unchanged and the SPY broad-market fund is lower by more than it, which is the point of the framing. Jaguar Health and Viking Therapeutics are moving because of what is happening at each company on its own, and today’s session doesn’t offer a sector story to attach either decline to.

Viking Therapeutics stock is up 14% over the past month, so today’s decline sits inside a stretch of gains. Jaguar Health tells the more dramatic version of the same shape, with the stock still positive over the past month after a session that has taken it down by well over half. In both cases the one-month picture matters more than the one-day picture for judging where these names stand.

What to Watch Next Investors can watch for whether Viking Therapeutics stock stabilizes once the maintenance data has been fully digested and whether the special investor call adds detail that shifts the read. The trial data is the operative news for Viking Therapeutics, and today’s slip doesn’t change that.

Jaguar Health stock is the trickier one to consider, because no verified disclosure sits behind Wednesday’s move. Traders may want to keep an eye on whether Jaguar Health finds a floor near current levels or continues to unwind the recent run. Readers weighing either name can calibrate their positions to the volatility on display, especially in a low-priced micro-cap where daily percentage swings are large.

The bigger picture across the biotechnology sector matters. too. With the IBB sector fund close to unchanged, there’s no shared trigger to look for, so traders can treat these two moves as company-specific rather than as evidence of anything broader. That framing sets expectations for how much either stock is likely to snap back or extend the move from here.

Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.

Shares of Viking Therapeutics (VKTX +35.67%) surged on Tuesday after the biopharmaceutical specialist announced encouraging clinical trial results for its experimental weight loss drug.

Image source: Getty Images.

Positive results People receiving weekly doses of Viking's investigational obesity drug, VK2735, lost 16% to 19% of their bodyweight after 21 weeks, compared with roughly 0% for placebo.

Moreover, participants' weight loss was progressive, with no evidence of plateau, suggesting that further weight loss is likely with longer-term dosing.

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After the 21-week period, study participants were transitioned to maintenance dosing regimens for an additional 12 weeks. People who switched to every-other-week dosing maintained up to 97% of their weight loss, while those who were placed on monthly dosing schedules maintained up to 90%, compared to 61% for placebo.

Importantly, VK2735 demonstrated "highly encouraging tolerability" during the maintenance phase of the study, with gastrointestinal-related adverse events similar to placebo. Discontinuation rates, in turn, were low.

"We believe flexible dosing approaches will provide both patients and their providers with new options for improving long-term adherence to therapy and sustained weight management, both of which are essential to realizing the most critical benefits of weight loss, such as improved cardiovascular health, enhanced physical function, and increased quality of life," Viking CEO Brian Lian said.

A massive market opportunity Annual sales of obesity drugs could soar to $150 billion by 2035, according to Morgan Stanley. Healthcare giants Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk currently dominate the market. Yet the clinical success of VK2735 suggests that Viking Therapeutics could become a formidable challenger to the leaders of this lucrative and rapidly expanding global market.

Joe Tenebruso has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. The Motley Fool recommends Viking Therapeutics. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.