Source: Tony Dante
Introduction
Viking Therapeutics, a prominent player in the biotech industry, is renowned for its pioneering work in creating novel treatments for metabolic and endocrine disorders. The company, which trades on the NASDAQ:VKTX, is currently making strides with its VK2735 program, a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist intended to combat obesity and diabetes. A key point of interest for investors is that this drug is under trial in both subcutaneous and oral forms, with the latter attracting considerable attention due to its convenience for users.
Jefferies’ “Buy” Rating
On March 12, 2026, leading global investment banking firm Jefferies reaffirmed its positive view of Viking Therapeutics, reiterating its “Buy” rating for VKTX. This rating was consistent with its previous assessment, in which the firm recommended investors to “hold” the stock. At the time of this rating, VKTX was trading at $35.49.
Viking Therapeutics’ Stock Performance
The “Buy” rating came on the heels of a remarkable 16.5% surge in VKTX shares in February, as reported by S&P Global Market Intelligence. This uptick was primarily attributed to the company’s release of its fourth-quarter earnings and a corporate update. This rally in February played a significant role in the stock’s recovery trajectory in 2026, bringing down its annual decline to a mere single-digit percentage. It’s worth noting that for smaller biotech entities like Viking Therapeutics, stock price dynamics are frequently dictated by advancements in their drug pipeline.
Progress of the VK2735 Program
The VK2735 program, particularly the oral version, remains a hot topic among investors and analysts, despite previous market dissatisfaction with top-line results. Viking Therapeutics is currently conducting two Phase 3 trials for the subcutaneous formulation of VK2735. The company has scheduled a maintenance study for 2026, which could potentially offer critical insights into the oral formulation’s tolerance levels, ahead of the Phase 3 trial conclusion. This data could significantly influence the stock’s future trajectory and investor sentiment.
Current Market Position
At present, VKTX is trading at $35.36, marking a slight decrease of approximately 1.13%. The stock’s daily trading volume stands at around 1.50 million shares. Over the past year, VKTX has witnessed highs and lows, reaching a peak of $43.15 and a trough of $18.92, which translates into a market capitalization of roughly $4.09 billion. Within the span of a single trading day, the stock price oscillated between $34.58 and $36.21. Despite these fluctuations, the potential of VK2735 remains a significant factor for the company’s future growth prospects.
Conclusion
As Viking Therapeutics continues its progress with the VK2735 program, the company’s stock demonstrates a promising investment potential. The biotech sector often sees stock movements based on developments in their drug pipeline, and with the VK2735 program’s potential, Viking Therapeutics’ stock is one to watch. While the stock has seen some volatility, the investment world’s interest in the company’s pioneering work in metabolic and endocrine disorder treatments is clearly evident. The market eagerly awaits more updates on the VK2735 program, as the clinical trials’ outcome will likely have a significant impact on VKTX’s future valuation and growth prospects.