Viking Therapeutics Advances Obesity Treatment and Expands Clinical Programs, Boosts Financial Position

Viking Therapeutics has made significant progress in its clinical and operational goals, launching the VANQUISH Phase 3 registration initiative for obesity and completing enrollment for the Phase 2 VENTURE-Oral Dosing trial. The company aims to file an IND application for its amylin agonist program before year-end. Viking Therapeutics has a strong financial position with over $850 million in cash, supporting its ongoing and future clinical trials. The average target price for the company is $89.81, indicating a potential upside of 168.90% from the current price.

Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: VKTX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on metabolic and endocrine disorders, has made notable progress in its clinical pipeline and financial position. The company announced its financial results for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2025, and provided updates on its clinical programs.

Clinical Milestones

Viking Therapeutics has achieved several key milestones in its clinical pipeline. The company initiated the VANQUISH Phase 3 registration trials for its obesity treatment, VK2735. This program consists of two studies: one in patients with obesity and one in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes. The VANQUISH-1 study aims to enroll approximately 4,500 adults with obesity or who are overweight, while the VANQUISH-2 study targets around 1,100 adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity. The primary endpoint of these trials is the percent change in body weight from baseline after 78 weeks of treatment.

Additionally, Viking Therapeutics completed enrollment for the Phase 2 VENTURE-Oral Dosing trial, which evaluates the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and weight loss efficacy of VK2735 in an oral tablet formulation. The study enrolled approximately 280 patients and expects to report results in the second half of 2025. The company also continues to make progress with its dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonist (DACRA) program, with plans to file an investigational new drug (IND) application in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Financial Highlights

For the second quarter ended June 30, 2025, Viking Therapeutics reported a net loss of $65.6 million, or $0.58 per share, compared to a net loss of $22.3 million, or $0.20 per share, in the same period in 2024. Research and development expenses increased to $60.2 million, up from $23.8 million in the same period last year. General and administrative expenses also rose to $14.4 million, compared to $10.3 million in the same period in 2024. The company ended the quarter with a strong balance sheet, holding over $808 million in cash, providing the runway to support its ongoing and future clinical trials.

Investor Events

Viking Therapeutics management will participate in several upcoming investor events, including the BTIG Virtual Biotechnology Conference 2025, Cantor Global Healthcare Conference, Morgan Stanley 23rd Annual Global Healthcare Conference, Bernstein's 2nd Annual Healthcare Forum, and Stifel 2025 Virtual Cardiometabolic Forum.

Market Outlook

The average target price for Viking Therapeutics is $89.81, indicating a potential upside of 168.90% from the current price. The company's strong clinical pipeline and financial position suggest a promising outlook for investors.

References

[1] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/viking-therapeutics-reports-second-quarter-200500903.html