Viking Therapeutics Stock Surges on Promising Trial Results and Analyst Confidence

Shares of Viking Therapeutics experienced significant momentum this week, driven by compelling clinical data and substantially raised price targets from analysts. While the stock saw a slight pullback in German trading, closing down approximately 1.34% at €28.72, its primary NASDAQ listing rallied strongly, advancing about 6.4% to $33.92. The optimism stems from notable progress in the company's obesity treatment pipeline and highly bullish expectations from market researchers.

The sentiment among financial analysts is decidedly positive. The consensus rating currently stands at "Moderate Buy," accompanied by an average price target of $87.14. Based on the latest closing price, this implies a potential upside of roughly 155%.

Some firms are even more enthusiastic. H.C. Wainwright has reaffirmed a $102 price target. This outlook is partly based on a perceived reduction in development risk for the oral formulation of Viking's drug candidate, VK2735. Analysts also point to competitive validation from Eli Lilly's positive Phase 3 results for an oral therapy, which they interpret as supporting the mechanism of action that Viking is pursuing.

Clinical Advancements Take Center Stage

The core catalyst for this activity is the company's lead candidate, VK2735, for treating obesity. Recently published Phase 2 data in the journal Obesity demonstrated weight reduction of up to 14.7% after 13 weeks of treatment. This efficacy profile positions VK2735 as a potential competitor to leading GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist therapies.

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Furthermore, Viking announced on January 8th that patient enrollment for a Phase 1 maintenance study with VK2735 has been completed. The market views this steady clinical progress as an indication that the company is effectively executing its development timeline. Viking's market capitalization now sits around $3.85 billion, firmly establishing it as a serious contender in the obesity drug sector.

Key Data Points:
* Stock Performance: NASDAQ listing gained 6.40% to $33.92; German listing consolidated slightly at €28.72
* Trial Results: Phase 2 study of VK2735 showed up to 14.7% weight loss after 13 weeks
* Analyst Outlook: Average price target is $87.14, representing a potential 155% increase from current levels
* Upcoming Catalyst: Q4 2025 financial results are scheduled for release before the U.S. market opens on February 4, 2026

Commercial Preparations and Future Catalysts

Beyond the trial data, strategic corporate developments are also drawing attention. The appointment of Neil Aubuchon as Chief Commercial Officer on January 7th signals Viking's preparations to evolve from a pure research-and-development entity into a commercial-stage pharmaceutical organization.

The next scheduled market-moving event is already on the calendar. Viking Therapeutics will report its fourth-quarter 2025 financial results before U.S. trading begins on February 4, 2026. Investors will likely focus on the company's cash position and any updates regarding the initiation of a Phase 3 trial for VK2735. With a short interest of approximately 22.46% of its float, a positively received earnings report could trigger substantial stock volatility, including the potential for a short squeeze if the news is strongly favorable.