William Blair Reiterates “Buy” Rating on Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) Following New VK2735 Data

With significant upside potential and hedge fund interest, Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:VKTX) secured a spot on our list of the 15 stocks set to explode in 2026.

William Blair Reiterates “Buy” Rating on Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) Following New VK2735 Data

On November 6, 2025, Viking Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:VKTX) discussed new VK2735 data at ObesityWeek 2025, highlighting that results from its Phase 2 VENTURE trial showed 78% of treated patients with prediabetes achieved normal glycemic status after 13 weeks, compared to 29% in the placebo group. These results reflected the drug’s cardiometabolic benefits, strengthening confidence in its ongoing Phase 3 program.

Following the trials, William Blair’s Andy Hsieh reaffirmed his “Buy” rating on the company without assigning a price target. He cited the potential cardiometabolic benefits of VK2735 in the treatment of obesity. Moreover, he highlighted that the upcoming Phase III trial aims to reduce gastrointestinal side effects, thus improving tolerability, which could enhance the drug’s overall commercial profile.

Hsieh had also reiterated his “Buy” rating on Viking Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:VKTX) in his earlier note on October 30. The analyst’s bullish stance reflected the company’s strong footing in the fast-growing obesity drug market. He believes that Viking’s VK2735 program, with its oral and subcutaneous formulations, holds significant potential due to its efficacy.

Furthermore, he had highlighted the company’s expanding obesity pipeline, which boasts strategic optionality. This, he believes, could help attract interest from big pharmaceutical players amid heightened deal activity in the sector. Excluding any acquisition scenarios, Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:VKTX)’s outlook remains strong amid growing interest in the direct-to-consumer market.

Viking Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:VKTX) is focused on developing innovative therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders.

While we acknowledge the potential of VKTX to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than VKTX and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.

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