Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) could unlock substantial additional opportunities for VK2735 through less frequent injections, oral maintenance therapy, switching patients from other weight-loss drugs and combination treatments, Oppenheimer said.
Upcoming data in Q3 and 2027 could show whether VK2735 can support less frequent injectable dosing and oral dosing in a maintenance setting, the investment firm said in a Sunday note.
Oppenheimer said patients taking semaglutide or tirzepatide could potentially switch to VK2735 with limited side effects if physicians use appropriate starting doses and timing, adding that its maintenance approach could support long-term treatment through steadier drug exposure and improved tolerability.
Incorrect starting doses and poorly timed breaks between treatments remain the main risks when switching patients to VK2735, the note added.
Oppenheimer has an outperform rating and a $100 price target on Viking Therapeutics, adding that an oral combination of VK2735 and VK3019 could target weight loss through three complementary pathways in a single pill.
Shares of Viking Therapeutics were up 2.3% in Monday trading.
Price: $32.47, Change: $+0.73, Percent Change: +2.30%