Viking Therapeutics Shares Soar 5.15% on $210M Surge to 444th in Trading Activity as Obesity Drug Sector Gains Momentum

Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) surged 5.15% on August 18, 2025, with a trading volume of $210 million, marking a 58.62% increase from the previous day and ranking 444th in market activity. The stock's performance was driven by developments in the obesity drug sector and analyst commentary.

Positive momentum emerged from Novo Nordisk’s recent FDA approval for Wegovy to treat noncirrhotic metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). This regulatory milestone reinforced investor confidence in the broader weight-loss drug category, indirectly benefiting Viking, which is advancing its oral candidate VK2735 through clinical trials. The potential for VK2735 to address multiple indications has positioned Viking as a key player in the competitive therapeutic landscape.

Analyst activity further supported the stock’s rise. Piper Sandler’s Biren Amin maintained an overweight rating and $71 price target for Viking, citing strong prospects for VK2735’s phase 3 trial results expected by year-end. Amin highlighted the drug’s potential to achieve $2.1 billion in sales if it secures market approval, underscoring the biotech’s long-term value proposition.

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