Viking Therapeutics: Analysts Target $93.60 – Phase-3 Studies on Track
By Redaktion aktie.com
This article was created with the help of artificial intelligence.
Key Takeaways
- Viking Therapeutics closed at $28.45 on August 25, 2026, down 0.52 percent from the prior day's close
- 26 analysts see an average price target of $93.60 (median: $95), ranging from $83 to $101
- Phase-3 studies VANQUISH-1 and VANQUISH-2 for the subcutaneous formulation of VK2735 are fully enrolled (as of July 29, 2026)
- VK2735 is a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist for obesity treatment; topline results expected in the second half of 2027
- RSI stood at 45.23 points on August 24, 2026, in the neutral range; market capitalization is $3.8 billion
Viking Therapeutics Inc. (VKTX) closed at $28.45 on August 25, 2026, down 0.52 percent from the previous day's close of $28.60. The US-based biotech company headquartered in San Diego develops novel therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders, focusing on its lead candidate VK2735, a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist for treating obesity.
Analyst Consensus Significantly Above Current Price
The average price target from 26 analysts stands at $93.60 (median: $95.00) according to current data, representing an upside potential of approximately 229 percent compared to the current price. The range of price targets spans from $83 (lowest) to $101 (highest). Analyst sentiment is predominantly positive: nine analysts rate the stock "Strong Buy", 14 rate it "Buy", and three rate it "Hold". There are no sell recommendations (as of August 25, 2026).
The market capitalization currently stands at approximately $3.8 billion. The company has a price-to-book ratio of 6.22. A price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) does not exist since Viking Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotech company that has not yet achieved profitability – the loss per share (EPS) was negative $4.66.
Phase-3 Studies for VK2735 Fully Enrolled
On July 29, 2026, Viking Therapeutics announced that both Phase-3 studies VANQUISH-1 and VANQUISH-2 for the subcutaneous formulation of VK2735 have achieved full enrollment and are progressing as planned. VK2735 is a dual agonist that activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors – a mechanism of action already used in other obesity medications such as tirzepatide (Eli Lilly).
Data on maintenance dosing are expected in the third quarter of 2026. Topline results from the Phase-3 studies are expected in the second half of 2027. The two registration-enabling studies investigate the efficacy and safety of the subcutaneous injection in patients with obesity.
Oral Formulation in Clinical Development
Parallel to the subcutaneous administration, Viking Therapeutics is developing an oral formulation of VK2735. A Phase-2 study is currently active and recruiting participants. The oral dosage form could improve therapy adherence, as many patients prefer tablets to injections. Initial data on the oral formulation are expected in 2027.
Technical Indicators Neutral to Slightly Weak
The Relative Strength Index (RSI) stood at 45.23 points on August 24, 2026, placing it in the neutral range between 30 and 70. An RSI below 30 indicates an oversold stock, above 70 indicates an overbought stock. The stock trades significantly below its 52-week high of $43.15 but above its year-to-date low of $22.96. Average trading volume is approximately 1.76 million shares.
Competitive Landscape in the Obesity Market
Viking Therapeutics operates in a highly competitive market. Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk currently dominate with their GLP-1-based medications Mounjaro (tirzepatid) and Wegovy (semaglutide). Analysts estimate the global market for obesity medications at several dozen billion dollars annually. Other competitors in the pipeline include Amgen, Roche, and Structure Therapeutics.
If successful, the development of VK2735 could make Viking Therapeutics an attractive takeover target for larger pharmaceutical companies looking to expand their position in the growing obesity segment. The company itself currently generates no revenues and finances itself through capital raises.
Market Environment and Risk Factors
As a clinical-stage biotech company, Viking Therapeutics carries typical development risk: the Phase-3 studies could deliver negative results, side effects could jeopardize approval, or competitors could reach the market faster. A beta of 0.61 suggests that the stock is less volatile than the overall market – an unusual characteristic for biotech stocks, which typically exhibit high betas.
The next key catalysts are the expected maintenance dosing data in the third quarter of 2026 and the topline results from the Phase-3 studies in the second half of 2027. These milestones are likely to significantly influence the stock's price development.