Viking Therapeutics Q1 Loss Wider Than Expected, Sales Nil, Stock Dips

Financial Performance - Viking Therapeutics reported a first-quarter 2025 loss of 41 cents per share, which is wider than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 34 cents, and a loss of 26 cents in the same quarter last year [1] - Research and development expenses increased by 72% year over year to $41.4 million, primarily due to higher manufacturing expenses for drug candidates and increased employee-related costs [1] - General and administrative expenses rose to$14.1 million, up 41% year over year, attributed to higher legal fees and employee-related expenses [2] - As of March 31, 2025, the company had cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaling $852 million, down from$903 million as of December 31, 2024 [4] Stock Performance - Shares of Viking Therapeutics declined by 2% in after-market trading, likely due to the wider-than-expected loss and increased operating expenses [2] - Year-to-date, the stock has decreased by 36%, compared to a 7% decline in the industry [2] Pipeline Developments - Viking Therapeutics is developing VK2735, a novel dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist, for obesity treatment, with both oral and subcutaneous versions in clinical studies [5] - The company completed enrollment in the phase II VENTURE-Oral Dosing study for VK2735, with data expected by the end of this year [6] - Viking is on track to initiate a late-stage study for VK2735 SC in the second quarter of 2025 and plans to file an IND application with the FDA for an amylin agonist program by the end of this year [7] Company Ranking - Viking Therapeutics currently holds a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) [8]