VKTX Stock Recent News

Viking's GLP-1 inhibitor candidate has shown promise for weight loss in clinical trials. But investors should keep in mind that the company has no approved products yet.

With innovation, millions of retiring baby boomers, demand for better care, patent cliffs, gene-editing, massive interest in weight-loss treatments, and an increase in mergers, biotech stocks to buy have a good deal of upside ahead. Look at weight loss stocks, like Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VKTX ), for example.

Viking Therapeutics' (VKTX) lead candidate for obesity, VK2735, is expected to have tremendous potential. However, existing competition from obesity drugs in the market remains a woe.

Viking has what could be a best-in-class asset for treating obesity. It also has some powerful competitors to face that have a strong lead.

Viking Therapeutics' subcutaneously administered version of VK2735 has generated competitive data in the phase 2 trial in obese patients. The oral formulation of VK2735 reported good tolerability that leaves room for exploration of higher doses. VK2735 makes Viking an attractive buyout candidate or big pharma partner.

Amgen, Viking Therapeutics, Altimmune, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim and Zealand Pharma are making encouraging progress on their own treatments.

According to Harvard University, about two-thirds of United States adults are “overweight or obese,” while 36% are obese. And the university predicts that, at the current rate, about 50% of Americans will be obese by 2030.

Viking Therapeutics has been one of the few standouts in healthcare this year. The company's experimental weight loss candidate has fueled a sharp uptick in its share price over the prior 13 months.

Viking Therapeutics is developing two highly promising medicines. If the company succeeds, its share price will skyrocket even more.

Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (VKTX) concluded the recent trading session at $63.42, signifying a -1.93% move from its prior day's close.