Stifel says buy Viking Therapeutics following ‘overreaction’ to Phase 2 outcome

Stifel reiterates a Buy rating and $95 price target on shares of Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) following an “overreaction” to the Phase 2 Venture-Oral outcome, telling investors in a research note that VK2735 still stands out as the most potent and flexible peptide among current contenders. The trial demonstrated dose-dependent weight loss, progressive weight loss at all doses with no plateau, and early statistical significance over 15mg, the firm says, adding that the high-to-low dose maintenance cohort showed rapid induction weight loss that progressed at the lower dose, suggesting a viable commercial angle and ideal maintenance positioning.