2 Stocks That Could Soar in Q4
Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) plans to start a phase 3 trial for its obesity and type 2 diabetes drug, VK2735, in Q4, following mixed phase 2 results. Arcutis Biotherapeutics (ARQT) aims to expand its Zoryve cream's market, with an FDA decision on a new indication expected in early 2027. Both companies have catalysts that could impact their stock prices.
How this was made
The 30-second read
Why it matters
VKTX’s near-term Phase 3 oral trial start is the more immediate catalyst; ARQT’s FDA NDA acceptance points to a later decision window but supports the TAM expansion thesis.
Market read
Traders may monitor VKTX for Phase 3 oral trial commencement details and FDA interactions, while ARQT is more of a longer-dated regulatory catalyst watch.
What to watch
For VKTX, the key swing factor is whether Phase 3 oral tolerability matches the dose-reduction strategy; for ARQT, the pediatric NDA outcome and label breadth are the real valuation drivers, not the acceptance itself.
Background
The piece frames two healthcare growth names as Q4 upside candidates based on upcoming clinical and regulatory catalysts.
Ticker impact
Viking Therapeutics plans to commence a Phase 3 trial of oral VK2735 in Q4, with FDA alignment a key catalyst.
Shares likely face upside bias as investors price in improved oral-dose execution and FDA feedback.
The article highlights a new, time-bound clinical milestone (Phase 3 start in Q4) and management dose adjustments after Phase 2 discontinuations, which can materially shift perceived probability of success.
Arcutis Biotherapeutics has an FDA-accepted NDA for Zoryve cream in atopic dermatitis for 3- to 24-month-olds, with a decision possible in Feb 2027.
Stock likely trades with a positive tilt as the market anticipates the upcoming FDA decision timeline.
The catalyst described is an FDA decision timing (Feb 2027) rather than new trial results or an immediate approval, so near-term impact may be limited.
Market effects
Highlights ongoing obesity and dermatology drug development pipelines, reinforcing that clinical-stage milestones and FDA review timelines remain key drivers for healthcare growth stocks.
Primarily US biotech sentiment, with no direct cross-market macro linkage described.
Limited, as the catalysts are company-specific clinical and FDA processes.
Counterpoint
Clinical-trial commencement and FDA review timelines may already be partially priced; without new Phase 3 data or an FDA decision, upside could fade on execution risk.
Key entities
- companyViking Therapeutics
Plans to start a Phase 3 trial of oral VK2735 in Q4 after earlier Phase 2 oral safety/tolerability issues.
- companyArcutis Biotherapeutics
Has an FDA-accepted NDA for Zoryve cream in atopic dermatitis for 3- to 24-month-olds, with a decision possible in Feb 2027.
- regulatorFDA
Will review the Zoryve NDA and provide input relevant to VK2735 Phase 3 trial design.
