Viking Therapeutics Starts Phase-3 Trial for Oral Obesity Drug VK2735

Viking Therapeutics plans to start Phase-3 trials for its oral obesity drug VK2735 in the third quarter of 2026, according to a report from July 2, 2026. The California-based U.S. biotech company is positioning itself as a challenger in the growing GLP-1 market for weight loss.

VK2735: Interim Results and Market Potential

A dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist is a medication that activates two different metabolic receptors simultaneously, thereby regulating appetite, blood sugar, and weight. VK2735 belongs to this drug class and is in clinical development in both injectable and oral formulations.

In an interim analysis from July 2026, subjects showed an average weight loss of 12.2 percent of their body weight over 13 weeks. These data form the basis for the planned transition to the decisive Phase-3 trial scheduled for the third quarter of 2026.

The GLP-1 market is dominated by established players like Novo Nordisk. According to the report from July 2, 2026, Novo Nordisk's oral formulation of Wegovy reached 50,000 prescriptions per week after launch – an indicator of commercial demand for oral obesity therapies.

Financial Situation and Market Valuation

Viking's stock closed at 28.45 USD on August 14, 2026, down 0.15 USD or 0.52 percent from the previous day. Market capitalization stands at approximately 3.8 billion USD. The 52-week high is 43.15 USD, the low is 22.96 USD.

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) stood at 42.4 on August 13, 2026 – a value in the neutral to slightly oversold range. The RSI is a technical indicator that classifies values below 30 as oversold and above 70 as overbought.

Viking Therapeutics records a loss per share (EPS) of -4.66 USD. A price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) is not available, as the company, as a clinical biotech firm, has not yet generated revenue. The price-to-book ratio (P/B) stands at 6.22.

Analyst Ratings and Price Targets

According to analyst consensus from July 9, 2026, 23 analysts recommend the stock as a buy (22 Buy, 1 Strong Buy), while one analyst issues a hold recommendation. There are no sell recommendations.

The average price target is 93.60 USD, the median price target is 95 USD. The range extends from 83 USD (lowest price target) to 101 USD (highest price target). Based on the closing price from August 14, 2026, this represents an implied upside potential of approximately 229 percent to the average price target.

Pipeline and Strategic Focus

In addition to oral VK2735, Viking Therapeutics is developing an injectable formulation of the same active ingredient, which is also in Phase-3 trials. The company focuses on novel therapies for metabolic and endocrine diseases.

Viking Therapeutics' initial public offering took place on April 29, 2015. The company is classified in the biotechnology sector and has a beta value of 0.61 – a measure of the stock's volatility relative to the overall market. A beta below 1 indicates lower volatility than the market.

Competitive Environment and Challenges

The obesity therapy market is experiencing strong growth, but is characterized by established pharmaceutical companies with approved products. Viking must demonstrate efficacy and safety in larger patient populations in Phase-3 trials before applying for market approval.

The average trading volume of the stock is approximately 1.74 million shares. On August 14, 2026, 3,840 shares were traded – a significantly below-average volume indicating low trading activity on that day.