Viking Therapeutics: Phase-3 Trials for VK2735 Ongoing – Q1 Loss Due to High R&D Spending
This article was created with the help of artificial intelligence.
Key Takeaways
- Viking Therapeutics missed Q1 2026 earnings estimates in late May 2026 due to increased R&D spending
- The Phase-3 trials VANQUISH-1 (4,650 participants) and VANQUISH-2 (1,100 participants) for VK2735 are fully recruited
- Results from the Phase-3 trials are expected in the course of 2026
- The stock closed at 29.78 USD on June 4, 2026 (+1.53 percent)
- Market capitalization is approximately 3.8 billion US dollars (as of June 4, 2026)
- Viking Therapeutics presented on June 4, 2026 at the Jefferies Global Healthcare Conference
Viking Therapeutics missed earnings estimates for the first quarter of 2026 in late May 2026. The US-based biotechnology company reported that the miss was attributable to increased spending on research and development as the company advances clinical trials and manufacturing of its lead product VK2735.
Phase-3 Trials for VK2735 Fully Recruited
Viking Therapeutics is developing VK2735 as a subcutaneous and oral therapy for obesity. The two Phase-3 trials for the subcutaneous variant are fully recruited and currently ongoing. The VANQUISH-1 trial enrolled approximately 4,650 participants, VANQUISH-2 approximately 1,100 participants. According to the company report from March 14, 2026, results are expected in the course of 2026.
In addition to the subcutaneous formulation, an oral tablet formulation is also in development. This is currently in Phase-2 trials.
Stock Performance and Market Data
Viking Therapeutics shares (NASDAQ: VKTX) closed at 29.78 USD on June 4, 2026, up 1.53 percent from the prior day (29.33 USD). The 52-week range is between 22.96 USD and 43.15 USD. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) was at 42.98 on June 4, 2026, indicating a neutral market condition. The market capitalization is approximately 3.8 billion US dollars.
Conference Presentation at Jefferies
On June 4, 2026, Viking Therapeutics presented at the Jefferies Global Healthcare Conference 2026. CEO Brian Lian presented the development status of the pipeline and ongoing clinical programs. The presentation took place at 1:25 p.m. EDT.
Financial Profile and Valuation
Viking Therapeutics has been listed on NASDAQ since April 29, 2015. As of June 4, 2026, the company reported a loss per share (EPS) of -4.15 USD. A price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) is not available due to negative earnings. The price-to-book ratio (P/B) is 6.22. The company does not pay a dividend. A beta of 0.68 indicates lower volatility compared to the overall market.
Focus on Metabolic Disorders
Viking Therapeutics focuses on developing therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders. In addition to VK2735 for weight reduction, the company is developing other candidates in its pipeline. The company is headquartered in the US and operates in the biotechnology sector.