Leerink Partners analyst Thomas Smith has maintained their bullish stance on VKTX stock, giving a Buy rating on April 14.
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Thomas Smith’s rating is based on several compelling factors. Firstly, the discontinuation of Pfizer’s oral GLP-1 receptor agonist, danuglipron, due to safety concerns, has shifted attention to Viking Therapeutics’ VK2735. VK2735 has shown promising results in both Phase 2 trials for its subcutaneous formulation and Phase 1b trials for its oral formulation, particularly in reducing body weight in obese patients with minimal side effects.
Additionally, the rapid enrollment in the Phase 2 VENTURE-Oral trial indicates strong interest and confidence in VK2735’s potential. The anticipated release of Phase 2 data in the latter half of 2025 is expected to further validate VK2735’s efficacy and safety profile. These factors collectively highlight VK2735’s best-in-class potential and strategic optionality, justifying the Buy rating for Viking Therapeutics.
In another report released on April 14, BTIG also reiterated a Buy rating on the stock with a $125.00 price target.
VKTX’s price has also changed dramatically for the past six months – from $65.800 to $24.570, which is a -62.66% drop .