Viking Therapeutics, listed on the NASDAQ:VKTX, is a biotech company focused on developing innovative treatments for metabolic and endocrine disorders. The company is currently advancing its VK2735 program, a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist aimed at treating obesity and diabetes. This drug is being tested in both subcutaneous and oral forms, with the oral version generating significant interest due to its user-friendly attributes.
On March 12, 2026, Jefferies reiterated its “Buy” rating for VKTX, maintaining its previous grade. At the time, the stock was priced at $35.49, with the action associated with this rating being “hold.” This rating comes after a notable 16.5% rise in VKTX shares in February, as highlighted by S&P Global Market Intelligence. This increase followed the release of the company’s fourth-quarter earnings and a corporate update. The stock’s performance in February contributed to its recovery in 2026, leaving it down by only a low single-digit percentage for the year. For smaller biotech companies like Viking Therapeutics, stock movements are often driven by developments in their drug pipeline.
The VK2735 program, particularly its oral formulation, is a key focus for investors and analysts, despite previous market disappointment with top-line results. Viking Therapeutics is conducting two Phase 3 trials for the subcutaneous formulation of VK2735. A maintenance study planned for 2026 could provide insights into the tolerability of the oral formulation, ahead of the conclusion of the Phase 3 trial.
The current stock price of VKTX is $35.36, reflecting a decrease of approximately 1.13%, with a trading volume of around 1.50 million shares today. Over the past year, VKTX has reached a high of $43.15 and a low of $18.92, with a market capitalization of approximately $4.09 billion. The stock price has fluctuated between a low of $34.58 and a high of $36.21 during the trading day. Despite these fluctuations, the potential of VK2735 continues to be a focal point for the company’s future prospects.
