Viking Therapeutics: Stock at $28.95 Following Phase-3 Start for Obesity Candidate VK2735
By Redaktion aktie.com
This article was created with the help of artificial intelligence.
Key Takeaways
- Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) closed at $28.95 on August 21, 2026, a decline of 1.70 percent from the previous day.
- VK2735, the company's lead candidate, showed an average weight reduction of 14.7 percent after 13 weeks of subcutaneous administration in Phase 2 studies.
- 22 analysts recommended the stock as a buy (as of July 9, 2026), with an average price target of $93.60 and a range of $83.00 to $101.00.
- VK2809 for MASH reduced liver fat content by an average of 55 percent in Phase 2b studies and led to MASH resolution in 75 percent of patients.
- The market capitalization is approximately $3.80 billion with earnings per share (EPS) of -$4.66, typical for biotech companies in the clinical stage.
Viking Therapeutics Inc. (VKTX) closed at $28.95 on August 21, 2026, a decline of 1.70 percent from the previous day. The U.S. biotech company focuses on developing VK2735, a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist for obesity, which is now in Phase 3 studies.
Clinical Progress for VK2735
VK2735 is Viking Therapeutics' lead candidate and belongs to the class of dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists. This drug class addresses metabolic diseases, particularly obesity. The company published results of the Phase 2 VENTURE study in January 2026, in which patients achieved an average weight reduction of 14.7 percent after 13 weeks of subcutaneous administration—the highest dosage showed weight loss of up to 17.6 percent.
In the oral formulation (VK2735A), twelve weeks of treatment resulted in an average weight reduction of 5.3 percent, with 57 percent of subjects losing at least five percent of their body weight. These data formed the basis for progression to Phase 3 development.
VK2809 for Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH)
Another focus is VK2809, a thyroid hormone receptor beta agonist for treating MASH (formerly known as NASH). In Phase 2b studies, a significant reduction in liver fat content of an average 55 percent was observed at the 10 mg dose over 52 weeks. MASH resolution without worsening of fibrosis was observed in 75 percent of patients.
MASH is a progressive liver disease in which inflammation and fat accumulation can lead to fibrosis and later to cirrhosis. VK2809 is intended to regulate the metabolism of liver fat and inhibit inflammatory processes.
Analyst Ratings and Price Targets
According to analyst assessments from July 9, 2026, 22 analysts assigned a buy recommendation, one analyst recommended "Strong Buy" and one recommended "Hold". No analyst recommended a sell. The average price target is $93.60, with a median of $95.00. The range spans from a low target of $83.00 to a high target of $101.00.
Technical analysis shows a Relative Strength Index (RSI) of 47.93 on August 21, 2026, indicating neutral market sentiment—values between 30 and 70 are considered neutral, without overbought or oversold conditions.
Fundamental Data and Market Positioning
Viking Therapeutics has a market capitalization of approximately $3.80 billion. The company is in the clinical development phase and does not yet generate revenue. Earnings per share (EPS) were -$4.66, which is typical for biotech firms in the clinical stage that focus on research and development.
The price-to-book ratio (P/B) is 6.22. The stock traded in the 52-week period between a low of $22.96 and a high of $43.15. Average trading volume is 1.76 million shares.
Competitive Environment in the Obesity Market
Viking Therapeutics operates in a highly competitive market. Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly dominate the GLP-1 agonist segment with approved products such as Wegovy and Zepbound. VKTX performance in 2026 as of June 29 was plus 8.2 percent, while the industry average reached 11.7 percent. Novo Nordisk recorded a loss of 5.5 percent in the same period.
The company focuses on differentiation through oral and subcutaneous formulations of VK2735 as well as on the development of VK2809 for an indication with high medical need and currently limited therapeutic options.