Is VKTX a good stock to buy? We came across a bullish thesis on Viking Therapeutics, Inc. on Charlie Evans’s Substack by Charlie Evans PhD. In this article, we will summarize the bulls’ thesis on VKTX. Viking Therapeutics, Inc.’s share was trading at $35.53 as of April 20th.
Photo from Iovance Biotherapeutics website
Viking Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the development of novel therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders. VKTX is positioning itself as a potentially compelling player in the obesity and type-2 diabetes treatment landscape, driven by its lead asset, VK2735, a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist.
Read More: 15 AI Stocks That Are Quietly Making Investors Rich
Read More: Undervalued AI Stock Poised For Massive Gains: 10000% Upside Potential
VK2735 has demonstrated strong efficacy in the Phase 2 VENTURE trials, with subcutaneous dosing delivering up to 14.7% mean weight loss over 13 weeks, outperforming first-generation GLP-1 therapies. While gastrointestinal side effects remain a challenge, a more gradual titration in Phase 3 is expected to improve tolerability.
The oral formulation of VK2735 also shows promise, with 12.2% weight loss at the 120 mg dose, though high discontinuation rates highlight the need for optimized dosing. Viking is addressing this through a fully enrolled Phase 1 maintenance study, which aims to sustain weight loss with lower or less frequent dosing, offering early insights into long-term adherence, tolerability, and efficacy that could meaningfully differentiate VK2735 from competitors.
The Phase 3 VANQUISH program is underway, with VANQUISH-1 fully enrolled and VANQUISH-2 nearing completion. Data from these studies, along with the maintenance trial, are expected in 2026–2027, potentially supporting both subcutaneous and oral filings by 2028/2029. Viking is also expanding its pipeline with a Dual Amylin and Calcitonin Receptor Agonist (DACRA), targeting patients unable to tolerate GLP-1s, with IND submission planned for Q1 2026.
The company’s commercial readiness is underscored by a seasoned leadership hire and a manufacturing agreement capable of supporting multibillion-dollar production. With $706 million in cash and a de-risked supply chain, Viking is well-capitalized to execute on upcoming milestones. Collectively, VK2735’s competitive efficacy, emerging maintenance strategy, oral formulation, and DACRA pipeline, combined with robust financial positioning, suggest VKTX could deliver significant upside for speculative investors seeking exposure to the evolving obesity and GLP-1 therapeutic market.
Previously, we covered a bullish thesis on Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (VKTX) by Kontra Investments in February 2025, which highlighted the company’s promising VK2735 GLP-1/GIP dual agonist, strong Phase 2 efficacy, and potential oral formulation advantage. VKTX’s stock price has appreciated by 25.45% since our coverage. Charlie Evans PhD shares a similar view but emphasizes Phase 3 VANQUISH, maintenance strategy, and DACRA pipeline expansion.
Viking Therapeutics, Inc. is not on our list of the 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 38 hedge fund portfolios held VKTX at the end of the fourth quarter which was 37 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the risk and potential of VKTX as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than VKTX and that has 10,000% upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
Disclosure: None.
