Is Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) One of the Shorted Biotech Stocks to Invest in

Viking Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:VKTX) is one of the 10 most shorted biotech stocks to buy according to hedge funds.

On February 12, Michael Ulz from Morgan Stanley reduced his price target on Viking Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:VKTX) from $102 to $99. The analyst reaffirmed an Overweight rating on the stock, which still offers more than 200% upside potential despite the downward revision.

On February 12, Viking Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:VKTX) reported cash & equivalents and short-term investments of $706 million as of December 31, 2025, compared to $903 million at December 31, 2024. CEO Brian Lian described the year as exceptional, with considerable progress in the obesity pipeline.

Viking Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:VKTX) launched the Phase 3 VANQUISH program to evaluate the efficacy of subcutaneous VK2735, a GLP-1/GIP dual agonist, for the management of obesity. Enrolment in the VANQUISH-1 study was completed in the fourth quarter of the year. Enrolment in the VANQUISH-2 study is expected to be completed this quarter. Viking reported positive results from the Phase 2 VENTURE-Oral study of VK2735 in tablet form. The Phase 3 development will begin in the third quarter of 2026.

Viking Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:VKTX) specializes in therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders. As a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, they direct their research efforts towards small-molecule drugs to cure obesity, fatty liver, and diabetes.

While we acknowledge the potential of VKTX as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you’re looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

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