Viking Therapeutics Rises as Phase 3 Trials and Oral Formulation Progress Accelerate

Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:VKTX) is one of the 11 Best Short Squeeze Stocks to Buy Now.

The company plans to accelerate the oral formulation of VK2735 following Phase 2 results and has also initiated Phase 3 VANQUISH registration trials.

The clinical-stage biopharmaceutical firm, Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:VKTX), based in San Diego, develops novel therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders. The company’s pipeline includes GLP-1/GIP and thyroid hormone receptor beta agonists for obesity, NASH, fibrosis, and rare genetic conditions like X-ALD, with multiple programs advancing through Phase II/III trials.

On June 25, 2025, Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:VKTX)  announced the initiation of Phase 3 VANQUISH registration trials for its subcutaneous obesity therapy, VK2735. The Phase 2 VENTURE study has previously yielded positive top-line results. Following Phase 2, the Phase 3 program includes two studies: VANQUISH-1, targeting approximately 4,500 adults with obesity or who are overweight with at least one weight-related comorbidity, and VANQUISH-2, targeting approximately 1,100 adults with type 2 diabetes who are also obese or overweight. In both trials, the company will assess the efficiency and safety over 78 weeks.

Additionally, Viking also plans to accelerate the development of an oral formulation of VK2735, with results obtained from the previously initiated Phase 2. Oral VK2735 at a 40-mg dose resulted in a 3.3% reduction in mean body weight versus placebo, with an excellent safety profile, even at higher doses.

CNN noted a consensus Buy rating on the stock from 17 analysts. And with a 26.22% short float reflecting substantial short interest, Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:VKTX) is gaining investor interest.

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