Viking Therapeutics Advances VK2735 Obesity Drug Into Phase 3 After 15% Weight Loss

Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) shares rose 7% after the company initiated a human trial for its obesity drug VK3019. The study will assess safety, tolerability, and weight effects. VK3019 targets amylin and calcitonin receptors, potentially offering a new weight management option. Raymond James maintains a 'Strong Buy' rating, citing pipeline expansion and near-term catalysts. Analysts' average price target is $92.58, implying 166% upside.

Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VKTX) shares fell 18.6% in July as investors focused on cash burn and potential dilution. The company reported Q2 cash use of about $96 million and ended with $502 million cash, down from $706 million. It also filed an SEC registration for up to $500 million in common stock. Phase 3 trials for VK2735 are enrolled, with VK2736 maintenance results expected this quarter.

Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) reported a wider Q2 2026 net loss of $128.02 million and filed a universal shelf registration plus a $500 million at-the-market common stock offering, expanding funding options. The article links these moves to investor expectations for VK2735 obesity drug development, noting dilution and cash burn risks and citing forecasts of $118.5 million revenue and $12.9 million earnings by 2029.

Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (VKTX) filed an SEC Form 8-K — Results of Operations and Financial Condition. Exhibit 99.1 Viking Therapeutics Reports Second Quarter 2026 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update Conference call scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET today -- Phase 3 VANQUISH 1 & 2 Trials for Subcutaneous VK2735 in Obesity Fully Enrolled and Advancing -- -- Oral Phase 3 VK2735

Truist Financial began coverage of Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) with a “buy” rating and an $83.00 price target, implying 159.5% upside from the prior close, according to the firm. Other analysts set targets from $95 to $102 and ratings ranging from “buy” to “sell.” VKTX shares traded at $31.99 midweek; it reported Q1 EPS of ($1.37), missing the ($1.01) consensus.

Polymarket traders and analysts are focusing on Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) as an obesity M&A target, citing an estimated 38.5% implied acquisition probability before 2027. The company has no revenue and a ~$3.59B market cap; shares closed at $30.89 on May 22, 2026. Analysts’ mean target is $92.33. Viking’s oral VK2735 showed up to 12.2% weight loss at 13 weeks, and Phase 3 VANQUISH-1 is fully enrolled with 4,500+ patients. Potential buyers mentioned include Eli Lilly, Pfizer, and Novo Nordisk.