Viking Therapeutics Surges 11.54% to 408th in Volume Amid Eli Lilly's Setback

On August 7, 2025, Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VKTX) surged 11.54% with a trading volume of $290 million, ranking 408th in market activity. The rally followed Eli Lilly’s underwhelming Phase 3 data for its obesity drug orforglipron, which delivered 12.4% average weight loss versus a 15% industry expectation. Analysts noted the result weakened Eli Lilly’s competitive edge in the GLP-1/GIP space, creating tailwinds for smaller players like Viking.

Viking’s dual GLP-1/GIP agonist VK2735 is positioned as a differentiated oral alternative, with Phase 1 data showing up to 8.3% sustained weight loss in non-diabetic patients. William Blair highlighted that Viking’s lower discontinuation rates in early trials contrast with orforglipron’s 10.3% attrition rate, suggesting better tolerability. H.C. Wainwright reiterated a “Buy” rating for Viking, emphasizing its potential to capture market share in a sector demanding safer, effective oral therapies.

BoFA defended Eli Lilly’s long-term obesity leadership but acknowledged short-term volatility could benefit rivals. Viking’s upcoming Phase 2 VENTURE-Oral data readout in late 2025 remains a key catalyst, with William Blair’s Andy Hsieh projecting results as early as August. The biotech’s stock has gained 38% over six months, driven by rising investor appetite for diversified metabolic disorder pipelines.

The strategy of buying the top 500 stocks by daily trading volume and holding for one day returned 166.71% from 2022 to the present, outperforming the benchmark by 137.53%. This highlights liquidity concentration as a key driver in volatile markets, where high-volume movers like Viking can amplify short-term gains amid sector rotation.