Company Performance - Viking Therapeutics, Inc. closed at $25.09, reflecting a -5.78% change from the previous day, which is less than the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.5% [1] - Over the past month, shares of Viking Therapeutics gained 0.04%, outperforming the Medical sector's loss of 0.7% but lagging behind the S&P 500's gain of 2.74% [1] Financial Expectations - Analysts expect Viking Therapeutics to report earnings of -$0.71 per share, indicating a year-over-year decline of 222.73% [2] - For the full year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates project earnings of -$2.48 per share and revenue of $0 million, reflecting changes of -145.54% and 0% respectively from the previous year [2] Analyst Estimates - Recent changes to analyst estimates for Viking Therapeutics should be noted, as positive revisions are interpreted as a good sign for business outlook [3] - The Zacks Rank system, which integrates estimate changes, currently ranks Viking Therapeutics at 4 (Sell), with the consensus EPS estimate moving 2.44% lower over the past month [5] Industry Context - Viking Therapeutics operates within the Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry, which has a Zacks Industry Rank of 88, placing it in the top 36% of over 250 industries [6] - The Zacks Industry Rank assesses the strength of industry groups, indicating that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1 [6]

Core Insights - Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) is making significant progress in obesity drug development with its investigational drug VK2735, a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist [1] - Pfizer's acquisition of Metsera for $4.9 billion intensifies competition in the obesity market, adding four new clinical-stage programs to Pfizer's pipeline [2] - The recent mixed results from VKTX's mid-stage study raise concerns about the safety and tolerability of VK2735, particularly regarding higher dropout rates [4] Company Developments - VKTX is advancing VK2735 in both oral and subcutaneous forms for obesity treatment, with a focus now shifting to the subcutaneous version following mixed trial results for the oral formulation [5][9] - The company aims to compete with established players like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, which dominate the obesity market with their injectable drugs [5] - Despite challenges, VKTX has achieved its primary and secondary endpoints in clinical studies, indicating potential for market share in the growing obesity sector [6] Industry Landscape - The obesity market in the U.S. is projected to reach $100 billion by 2030, with major players like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk already generating significant revenue from obesity drugs [7] - Amgen, AbbVie, and Merck are also entering the obesity space, with Amgen initiating phase III studies for its investigational drug MariTide [8][10] - The competitive landscape is becoming increasingly crowded, with multiple companies investing in next-generation obesity treatments [7][8] Financial Performance - VKTX shares have underperformed the industry year to date, trading at a premium with a price-to-book value ratio of 3.76 compared to the industry average of 3.22 [11][13] - Estimates for VKTX's loss per share for 2025 and 2026 have widened recently, indicating potential financial challenges ahead [14]

Investors once speculated that Pfizer might consider acquiring Viking.Weight loss drugs have represented an enormous growth area for biotech and pharma companies over the past couple of years. Pharma giants Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk dominate the market with their drugs and have brought in billions of dollars in revenue as demand skyrocketed. In fact, last year demand was so high -- surpassing supply at certain points -- that these drugs were on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's drug shortage list.Sin ...

PresentationCourtney BreenSanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC., Research Division Wonderful. Thank you, guys. It is wonderful to see you all here today. Thank you so much for taking the time. It is my privilege to have the Viking team here with me. I've got Gregory and Brian, CEO and CFO of the company. This is a particularly interesting and exciting time in the world of cardiometabolic obesity and kind of all the places that you guys play in. And so undoubtedly, there's lots of questions and lots of things tha ...

Viking Therapeutics FY Conference Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Viking Therapeutics (NasdaqCM: VKTX) - **Industry**: Biopharmaceuticals focusing on cardiometabolic diseases, particularly obesity and metabolic disorders [6][41] Key Points and Arguments Clinical Programs - Viking is developing novel therapeutics for metabolic and endocrine diseases, with a focus on obesity [6] - The lead program is **VK2735**, a dual agonist of GLP-1 and GIP receptors, currently in the **VANQUISH Phase III program** for obesity [7][41] - An oral formulation of VK2735 has completed a successful Phase II study, achieving primary and secondary endpoints [7][41] - An **amylin agonist** is planned to enter clinical trials by late 2025 or early 2026 [7][41] - Other compounds include **VK2809** for NASH and **VK0214** for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, which are available for licensing [8] Clinical Data Highlights - VK2735 has shown robust weight loss results, with up to **30% weight loss** observed in animal studies [10] - The oral formulation demonstrated an **8.2% reduction in body weight** after 28 days in Phase I trials, with a durable effect maintained at **8.3%** after 57 days [13][14][15] - The Phase II oral study showed a **12% weight loss** at the highest dose after 13 weeks, with a favorable tolerability profile [28] - The subcutaneous formulation achieved nearly **15% weight loss** after 13 weeks, with over **90% of adverse events** being mild to moderate [37] Future Plans - Viking plans to initiate a **subcutaneous to oral maintenance study** by late 2025 or early 2026 [29][43] - An end-of-Phase II meeting with the FDA is anticipated in Q4 2025 to discuss the path forward for the oral formulation [43][44] - The company aims to explore the combination of amylin with dual agonists to enhance weight loss efficacy [66] Market Position and Strategy - Viking operates with a lean structure, having over **$800 million** in cash to support ongoing trials [40][56] - The obesity market is evolving, with a significant shift towards direct-to-patient models, which Viking is well-positioned to leverage [56][70] - The company emphasizes the importance of efficacy and tolerability in its products to compete effectively in the market [64] Regulatory and Ethical Considerations - Current regulatory pathways require weight loss evidence for approval, with no specific path for maintenance therapies [46] - The company faces challenges in maintaining patient retention in placebo-controlled trials, which is critical for trial success [51][52] Additional Important Insights - The company has a strong focus on optimizing titration rates to minimize adverse events, particularly gastrointestinal issues [58][59] - Viking's strategy includes potential collaborations with larger companies for effective program development while maintaining the ability to operate independently [68] - The future vision includes having multiple products on the market and expanding internationally, utilizing a direct-to-patient model [70][71]

Group 1 - Viking Therapeutics is currently conducting phase 3 trials for its incretin VK2735, aimed at weight loss and diabetes treatment, indicating a potential wait for significant developments in the biotech sector [1] - The focus of trading activities is on events such as trial results and NDA/BLA approvals, which are critical for biotech stock movements [1] Group 2 - The article does not provide any specific financial data or performance metrics related to Viking Therapeutics or the broader biotech industry [2][3]

(Bloomberg) -- Pfizer Inc. will pay $4.9 billion for the obesity startup Metsera Inc. in a bid to catch up to rival drugmakers after failing to compete with its own weight-loss medications.The US drugmaker agreed to buy Metsera for $47.50 in cash per share, and further payments of up to $22.50 per share if three specific and regulatory milestones are met, it said Monday, with a total potential value of $7.3 billion. The deal represents a 43% premium to Metsera’s closing share price on Friday. Also Read | TC ...

Core Viewpoint - Viking Therapeutics' recent stock sell-off presents a significant buying opportunity for long-term investors, as the market reaction appears to be an overreaction to clinical trial data [1][2][12]. Company Overview - Viking Therapeutics experienced a dramatic stock decline of over 40% in a single day due to disappointing clinical trial results for its GLP-1 obesity pill, VK2735 [2][5]. - The discontinuation rate for VK2735 was reported at 28% over 13 weeks, raising concerns compared to Eli Lilly's oral treatment, which had a 24% discontinuation rate over a longer period [6][5]. Clinical Trial Insights - VK2735 demonstrated a weight loss of approximately 12% after three months, comparable to Eli Lilly's treatment, which achieved similar results over 72 weeks [5]. - Despite concerns about side effects, 98% of adverse events reported were classified as mild or moderate, indicating that the drug was "safe and well-tolerated" [7][11]. Future Potential - Viking Therapeutics is advancing an injectable version of VK2735, currently in phase 3 trials, which could lead to approval in the coming years [9]. - If VK2735 receives approval, it could significantly enhance Viking's market position and potentially attract acquisition interest [10]. Market Outlook - The stock could potentially double in value, reaching around $50 per share, if it recovers to its previous levels from December 2024 [10]. - The current stock price is considered low enough that the potential upside outweighs the associated risks, making it an attractive investment opportunity [11].

Group 1: Biotechnology Investment Overview - Investing in biotechnology stocks is complex due to the underlying science and high volatility, with double-digit price movements common [1] - Biotech stocks present a compelling risk-reward proposition for long-term investors willing to endure clinical trial phases [1] Group 2: Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) - Viking Therapeutics stock surged in 2024 due to the popularity of GLP-1 weight loss drugs but dropped over 40% in 2025, including a 20% decline after an August clinical trial update [3][4] - The clinical trial showed an average weight loss of 12.2% among patients, but concerns arose over a high dropout rate of 28% and the highest dosage results compared to competitors [4] - Analysts have set a consensus price target of $87.50 for VKTX, indicating a potential upside of 270% from current levels [4] Group 3: ImmunityBio (IBRX) - ImmunityBio stock increased by approximately 8.4% in 2025, primarily due to positive pilot study results for glioblastoma, where all five patients achieved 100% disease control [9][10] - ANKTIVA, the company's drug, received FDA approval for bladder cancer and is being tested for other cancers, HIV, and Long COVID, making it a promising immunotherapy candidate [10] - Analysts have a consensus price target of $10.75 for IBRX, suggesting a potential gain of over 280, but caution is advised as the stock is trading above its 200-day SMA with an RSI of 76 [11] Group 4: Maze Therapeutics (MAZE) - Maze Therapeutics stock has risen approximately 86% since its public trading began in February 2025, with analysts optimistic about further growth [14] - The company reported positive Phase 1 results for its lead candidate MZE782, which targets phenylketonuria (PKU) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), allowing progression to Phase 2 trials [15] - Analysts project a price target of $32.67 for MAZE, with the most bullish estimate at $50, indicating potential for significant growth [16]

Core Insights - Amgen and Viking Therapeutics are positioned in the obesity drug market, with Amgen focusing on its lead candidate MariTide and Viking on VK2735, both showing significant potential [1][2] Amgen Overview - Amgen has a diverse portfolio across oncology, cardiovascular disease, inflammation, bone health, and rare diseases, with key products driving sales [3] - The acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics in 2023 has expanded Amgen's rare disease offerings, adding drugs like Tepezza and Krystexxa [4] - MariTide, Amgen's key pipeline candidate, is in late-stage development, with two phase III studies initiated for obesity treatment [5] - MariTide is being tested for monthly dosing, showing up to 20% average weight loss over 52 weeks in non-diabetic patients, though results were at the lower end of expectations [6] - Amgen's pipeline includes other promising drugs for various conditions, indicating significant commercial potential [7] - The company has a strong biosimilars portfolio, with ongoing development of biosimilars for major oncology drugs [8] - Sales of some best-selling drugs are expected to decline due to patent erosion, impacting future revenue [9] Viking Therapeutics Overview - Viking Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotech with VK2735 showing potential for significant weight reduction in obesity treatment [10] - VK2735 demonstrated a 12.2% weight loss in a study, but faced high dropout rates of 28% due to adverse events [12][13] - The company plans to expand its obesity pipeline with a new drug application for a dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonist [14] - Viking is also exploring candidates for other conditions, but faces challenges due to lack of marketed products and competition from larger firms [15] Financial Estimates - Amgen's 2025 sales and EPS estimates indicate a year-over-year increase of 6.7% and 6.4%, respectively, with upward trends in EPS estimates [16] - Viking's projected loss per share for 2025 is expected to widen by nearly 146%, with loss estimates increasing over the past 60 days [17] Stock Performance and Valuation - Year-to-date, Amgen's shares have gained over 5%, while Viking's shares have decreased by 40% [19] - Amgen's shares trade at a price/book ratio of 19.86, significantly higher than Viking's 3.41, indicating a more expensive valuation [20] Investment Considerations - Amgen is viewed as a financially robust, dividend-paying stock with strong revenue and profit growth potential [24] - Viking faces challenges due to its lack of marketed drugs and reliance on pipeline success, making Amgen a safer investment choice despite its higher valuation [25] - Amgen holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), while Viking has a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), reinforcing Amgen's favorable investment position [26]