Viking Therapeutics: Promising Developments in Clinical Pipeline and Strategic Progress Support Buy Rating

Leerink Partners analyst Thomas Smith reiterated a Buy rating on Viking Therapeutics (VKTX – Research Report) on February 5 and set a price target of $118.00.

Thomas Smith has given his Buy rating due to a combination of factors surrounding Viking Therapeutics’ promising developments in their clinical pipeline. The company reported its fourth-quarter 2024 financial results and provided updates on its metabolism-focused projects, especially the VK2735 asset, which is a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist aimed at addressing obesity. The reaffirmation of clinical timelines and the narrowing of the Phase 3 trial initiation to the second quarter of 2025 suggest strong progress and commitment to advancing this treatment. Notably, Viking Therapeutics has sufficient supply for the Phase 3 program and is working towards securing broader agreements for commercial supply, which is critical for successful market entry.
Furthermore, the ongoing Phase 2a VENTURE-Oral study is proceeding as planned, with data expected in the latter half of 2025. Previous data presentations have emphasized the potential of both subcutaneous and oral formulations of VK2735, showing significant body weight reductions and favorable tolerability profiles. The company is also exploring promising preclinical programs and is considering strategic partnerships for their THR-β agonist programs. These developments support Thomas Smith’s optimistic view of Viking Therapeutics’ future prospects and underpin his Buy rating for the stock.

In another report released today, Maxim Group also reiterated a Buy rating on the stock with a $70.00 price target.

Based on the recent corporate insider activity of 58 insiders, corporate insider sentiment is negative on the stock. This means that over the past quarter there has been an increase of insiders selling their shares of VKTX in relation to earlier this year.