Leerink Partners analyst Thomas Smith has reiterated their bullish stance on VKTX stock, giving a Buy rating yesterday.
Thomas Smith has given his Buy rating due to a combination of factors that highlight Viking Therapeutics’ promising pipeline and strategic execution. The company has reaffirmed its clinical timelines for its lead asset, VK2735, which is a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist aimed at treating obesity. The initiation of the Phase 3 program for subcutaneous VK2735 is on schedule, with plans to conduct studies on both obesity and obesity combined with Type 2 diabetes, following FDA guidance for trial design.
Additionally, Viking Therapeutics has demonstrated strong commercial manufacturing capabilities, securing agreements to produce significant quantities of autoinjectors and oral tablets. The company’s progress in its clinical programs, including the upcoming Phase 2 oral trial results expected in the third quarter of 2025, suggests a competitive clinical profile. These developments, along with plans to file an IND for a new dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonist, underscore the fundamental and strategic value of Viking Therapeutics’ portfolio in the obesity and metabolic disease space.
Smith covers the Healthcare sector, focusing on stocks such as Viking Therapeutics, Immunovant, and Cartesian Therapeutics. According to TipRanks, Smith has an average return of 32.6% and a 43.89% success rate on recommended stocks.
In another report released yesterday, Scotiabank also reiterated a Buy rating on the stock with a $102.00 price target.