VKTX Stock Recent News

Viking Therapeutics (VKTX 2.85%), a biotech that has shot to prominence thanks to a weight-loss drug it is developing, was a winning stock this week. Over the course of the past five trading days, its price rose by almost 18%, according to data compiled by S&P Global Market Intelligence.

Positive jobs news and positive rumors out of China are lifting stock markets today, as the U.S. Labor Department reports adjusted nonfarm payrolls grew by 177,000 jobs in April, and CNBC reports that China may be "evaluating the possibility of starting trade negotiations" that could abbreviate a trade war with the U.S.

The pharmaceutical and biotechnology business tends to be about hitting home runs more than just getting on base. A highly successful drug, sometimes referred to as a blockbuster, can build up a small developer into a mainstream competitor.

Viking Therapeutics (VKTX 3.44%) was one of the hottest biotech stocks of 2024; its shares soared last year following excellent clinical progress. However, things have been very different in 2025, at least so far: Its stock is down by 35% year to date due to a combination of factors.

Big pharmaceutical companies as well as smaller biotechs have been hoping to score a win in one of today's highest-growth treatment areas: and that's weight loss. Analysts forecast a compound annual growth rate in the double digits from today over the next several years, with the market reaching $100 billion to $130 billion in the early 2030s.

Shares of Viking Therapeutics (VKTX 11.41%) jumped 12.5% through 11:40 a.m. ET on Tuesday on further support from Wall Street analysts.

Viking Therapeutics (VKTX 0.40%) stock inched 2.3% higher through 10:20 a.m. ET Monday, and for a most curious reason.

Viking Therapeutics Inc. NASDAQ: VKTX reported earnings after the market closed on Apr. 23. The stock is pushing higher as investors attempt to sort out a report that delivered no real news that investors hadn't heard.

Viking Therapeutics' VK2735, a GLP-1 candidate, has driven significant share price gains but faces stiff competition from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. Viking's Q1 earnings show no revenue, increased R&D spending, and a substantial cash reserve, positioning it well for future trials. VK2735's subcutaneous and oral formulations show promising weight loss results and safety, with Phase 3 and Phase 2 trials soon to be underway.

VKTX's first-quarter earnings miss estimates. The company remains on track to start the late-stage development of its obesity injection before June-end.