Viking Therapeutics posts bigger-than-expected Q3 loss as costs rise

Overview

• US biopharmaceutical developer's Q3 net loss and loss per share missed analyst expectations

• Increased R&D and administrative costs drove higher losses compared to prior year

• Company ended Q3 with $960 mln in cash after upsized public offerings

Outlook

• Viking expects completion of Phase 3 VANQUISH obesity trials in 2027

• Company anticipates results from VANQUISH extension studies in 2028

• Viking expects results from Part 2 of VK2735 maintenance dosing study in 2027

Result Drivers

• HIGHER R&D SPEND - Increased research and development expenses driven by clinical studies, manufacturing, compensation and consultants

• ADMIN COSTS - Higher administrative expenses from legal, patent services, consultants and compensation

• PIPELINE INVESTMENT - Company raised funds to support clinical pipeline and potential commercial launch

Company press release:

Key Details

Analyst Coverage

• The current average analyst rating on the shares is "buy" and the breakdown of recommendations is 19 "strong buy" or "buy", 2 "hold" and no "sell" or "strong sell"

• The average consensus recommendation for the biotechnology & medical research peer group is "buy"

• Wall Street's median 12-month price target for Viking Therapeutics, Inc. is $97.50, about 291.7% above its October 27 closing price of $24.89

Reuters Recommended Reads

• Oct 27 - Zura Bio Q3 net loss widens on higher R&D costs

• Oct 28 - Finland's Orion Q3 sales rise 28%; upgrades 2026 outlook

• Oct 28 - Biogen tops quarterly estimates on rare-disease drug strength

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(This story was created using Reuters automation and AI based on LSEG and company data. It was checked and edited by a Reuters journalist prior to publication.)