Viking Therapeutics obesity data ‘best-case scenario,’ says Truist

Truist analyst Joon Lee views the topline data from Viking Therapeutics’ (VKTX) Phase 2 VENTURE study evaluating once weekly subcutaneous VK2735 in weight loss as “very impressive” with placebo-adjusted weight loss of 13.1% in just 13 weeks of dosing. Furthermore, tolerability is inline with discontinuation from treatment comparable to the placebo group, the analyst tells investors in a research note. The firm sees the data as a “best-case scenario” and expects the shares to be very strong today in trading. Viking in premarket trading is up 101%, or $38.97, to $77.45. Shares of weight loss drug competitors Eli Lilly (LLY) and Novo Nordisk (NVO) are moving lower following the Viking data.