Viking Therapeutics Shares Surge 5.46% to $25.69 Despite 159th Trading Volume Rank Amid Clinical Hurdles for Weight-Loss Drug

Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) surged 5.46% to $25.69 on August 20, 2025, despite a 62.9% drop in trading volume to $0.61 billion, ranking it 159th in market activity. The stock’s rebound followed mixed clinical trial results for its weight-loss drug candidate VK2735, which saw a 28% dropout rate due to gastrointestinal adverse effects in a phase 2 trial. CEO Brian Lian highlighted potential mitigation strategies, including lower starting doses and slower escalation, to improve tolerability in future studies.

The phase 2 data, while showing weight loss efficacy, lagged behind Eli Lilly’s orforglipron trial in safety metrics, with a 20% discontinuation rate compared to Lilly’s 10.3% at the highest dose. Analysts noted the trial’s smaller scale (280 vs. 4,500 patients) and conflicting phase 1 safety results, suggesting room for improvement. The company’s oral formulation of VK2735, offering convenience over injectable alternatives, remains a key differentiator, though phase 3 trials are still in early stages.

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