Viking Therapeutics, Inc.

Сильный индекс, значительно вырос. Быки укрепили уверенность в своих позициях.

Strong index, significantly up. Bulls have strengthened their confidence in their positions.

Средний индекс, незначительно вырос. Рынок не поддерживает быков.

Medium index, slightly up. The market does not support the bulls.

Сильный индекс, значительно упал. Отток средств из лонгов на высоком уровне.

Strong index, significantly down. Outflow of funds from longs at a high level.

Key Points
Investing in stocks that are trading at low valuations can yield significant returns in the future.
The stocks on this list have all underperformed the market this year, but they could be overdue for significant rallies.
Chasing high-flying stocks can be exciting, but it can also be risky for investors who buy near or at the peak. The real big payoff for investors can come from buying up shares of struggling stocks that the market has become bearish on and that are trading at discounted valuations.
While not all stocks that are down will recover, three that I think are absurdly cheap and that I'd consider buying before the end of 2026 are Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ:VKTX), Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ), and Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL). Here's why these look like incredible deals right now.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
Image source: Getty Images.
Viking Therapeutics
Viking Therapeutics has been a volatile stock to own in recent years. It closed on Tuesday at less than $27, and it was less than a month ago that it hit highs of more than $40.
The healthcare company has loads of potential upside thanks to its promising GLP-1 drug, VK2735. It's been doing well in clinical trials, and the reason for the surge last month was due to encouraging results that showed it could not only help people lose between 16% to 19% while on the drug for 21 weeks, but it also helped them keep the majority of the weight off when switching to less frequent maintenance doses.
The company doesn't have an approved drug in its portfolio just yet, but with VK2735 doing well in late-stage trials, it may only be a matter of time before that changes, and when it does, the stock could soar in value.
Unfortunately, because Viking is burning through cash, it needs to raise capital to continue developing its drugs, so the risk of dilution is high. But I think better days are ahead for Viking, and a larger healthcare company seeking exposure to the lucrative GLP-1 market could also make a bid to acquire Viking in the future. With a market cap of just $3 billion, I could see the stock easily doubling in value.
Verizon Communications
Verizon is an excellent dividend stock to buy, and with it yielding 6.6%, it may even be too good to pass up at these levels. Its business is doing well, generating steady growth, and its payout ratio of around 70% also suggests the dividend is just fine.
What's been weighing on Verizon and other telecom stocks of late is the fear that Space Exploration Technologies Corp., also known as SpaceX, will disrupt the industry, as it recently announced it would acquire low-band spectrum from Grain Management, which could help Starlink grow its mobile business nationwide. It's a risk, but one that I believe is overblown right now.
Verizon's still an industry leader, and that's not likely to change anytime soon. Meanwhile, with the stock offering a high yield and it trading at just nine times its estimated future profits (based on analyst expectations), it's an incredibly appealing dividend stock to load up on right now.
Royal Caribbean Cruises
One stock that I regret not already pulling the trigger on is Royal Caribbean. The cruise ship operator's stock fell last month after it announced it would be acquiring a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for $3 billion. It briefly hit a new 52-week low of around $222 before recovering.
However, even at its current share price, it's a terrific deal for long-term investors. The investment in Sandals is a great example of how Royal Caribbean is expanding its business beyond just cruises. By diversifying and offering more experiences, the company is poised for much more long-term growth.
Its cruise business is already doing tremendously well, with its performance coming in better than expected in its most recent quarter. The company also recently raised its guidance, projecting 9% revenue growth for the full year and 14% growth in adjusted earnings.
At just 11 times its estimated future profits, the stock is an all-out bargain buy. For long-term investors, this can be a solid investment to buy and hold for years.
Should you buy stock in Viking Therapeutics right now?
Before you buy stock in Viking Therapeutics, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Viking Therapeutics wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $380,795!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,390,634!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 946% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 215% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
*Stock Advisor returns as of October 13, 2026.
David Jagielski, CPA has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Verizon Communications and Viking Therapeutics. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Founded in 1993 in Alexandria, VA., by brothers David and Tom Gardner, The Motley Fool is a multimedia financial-services company dedicated to building the world's greatest investment community. Reaching millions of people each month through its website, books, newspaper column, radio show, television appearances, and subscription newsletter services, The Motley Fool champions shareholder values and advocates tirelessly for the individual investor. The company's name was taken from Shakespeare, whose wise fools both instructed and amused, and could speak the truth to the king -- without getting their heads lopped off.

3 Absurdly Cheap Stocks to Buy Before the End of 2026

Key Points
Novo Nordisk could strengthen its obesity pipeline by buying out Kailera Therapeutics and Viking Therapeutics.
These two biotechs boast highly promising mid and late-stage programs.
Even without acquisitions, Novo could have a significantly improved approved portfolio within a few years.
Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO) has a problem. The company generates most of its revenue from its diabetes and obesity products, but stiff competition from Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) in these markets has significantly disrupted its business. To make matters worse, other drugmakers will launch brand-new products in this field over the next few years. Novo Nordisk could struggle even more in a more competitive environment.
To Novo Nordisk's credit, the company has a fairly attractive pipeline, but it could expand it through licensing deals or acquisitions. In fact, Novo recently acquired three obesity assets from Kallyope, a privately held biotech. Could the pharmaceutical giant acquire smaller companies to further beef up its pipeline? If Novo does decide to go that route, here are two companies that could be great targets: Kailera Therapeutics (NASDAQ: KLRA) and Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VKTX).
Missed AI’s "Act 1"? Act 2 Could Be 15x Bigger. Most investors think they missed the AI boat because they didn't buy Nvidia in 2005. But according to our analysts, we’re only at the end of "Act 1"—the R&D phase. "Act 2" is the global rollout. Continue »
1. Kailera Therapeutics
Kailera Therapeutics went public earlier this year in what, at the time, broke the record for the largest biotech IPO in history. It's not hard to understand why. Kailera has a pipeline of multiple weight-loss candidates that it licensed from a China-based company. Some of Kailera's attractive candidates include ribupatide, a medicine that mimics the actions of the GLP-1 and GIP hormones, which is being developed in subcutaneous and oral formulations. Ribupatide is being tested in obesity and diabetes. The subcutaneous version is undergoing a Phase 3 study in weight loss for which we should have data in 2028.
We have already seen results from some of ribupatide's studies, including those conducted in China. And so far, it looks promising. Kailera's pipeline also includes KAI-7535, an investigational oral weight-loss medicine undergoing a global Phase 2 obesity study. Then there is KAI-4729, a medicine that mimics the action of three gut hormones: GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon.
This approach could potentially produce substantial weight loss, as Eli Lilly has demonstrated with its own triple agonist, retatrutide, which has posted impressive Phase 3 results. Of course, Eli Lilly's success doesn't guarantee that KAI-4729 will follow in its footsteps, but Kailera has several highly promising pipeline candidates and could be a great acquisition target for any company looking to improve its position in this space. So, perhaps Novo might take a second look at Kailera.
2. Viking Therapeutics
Viking Therapeutics is proving to be a notable contender in the weight-loss market. The company's subcutaneous VK2735 posted excellent Phase 2 results and is now undergoing two Phase 3 clinical trials. Viking Therapeutics is also developing an oral formulation of this medicine and plans to begin late-stage studies soon. Further, earlier this year, Viking started Phase 1 studies for a newer weight loss drug called VK3019. This medicine mimics the actions of the hormones amylin and calcitonin.
In theory, Viking Therapeutics could combine VK2735 with VK3019 to target four hormone pathways, though we are a long way from that. Still, the possibility is enticing and one of the factors that makes Viking an attractive acquisition target. Here's another: The company recently posted excellent results in a maintenance study for subcutaneous VK2735.
After about five months of weekly doses of the medicine, during which patients lost between 16% and 19% of their weight, they switched to either monthly or every-other-week dosing, which helped keep significantly more weight off than those who took a placebo over 12 weeks. Viking's pipeline looks increasingly promising and could help Novo Nordisk strengthen its portfolio.
What does the future hold?
Of course, we can't be sure that Novo Nordisk will acquire either one of these companies. It might go for a different biotech company focused on weight-loss medicines, or it may even choose to diversify its lineup and pipeline -- something management has highlighted as a priority -- by acquiring a company with a completely different specialization.
Importantly, Novo's own weight loss and diabetes pipeline is strong. Phase 3 assets like zenagamtide look promising, and it boasts several other exciting candidates, including UBT251, a triple agonist.
Novo looks likely to remain a leader in this area even without an acquisition, and provided it can post excellent clinical trial results for leading candidates over the next couple of years, its shares could soar. The company also runs the risk of clinical setbacks, but given the depth of its pipeline and its financial flexibility, which enables it to pursue acquisitions or licensing deals, Novo's shares are attractive at current levels.
Should you buy stock in Novo Nordisk right now?
Before you buy stock in Novo Nordisk, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Novo Nordisk wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $379,123!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,396,103!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 933% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 212% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
*Stock Advisor returns as of September 30, 2026.
Prosper Junior Bakiny has positions in Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Viking Therapeutics. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. The Motley Fool recommends Viking Therapeutics. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Novo Is Open to Acquisitions. Here Are 2 Companies That Would Be Great Candidates to Buy

Key Points
Viking Therapeutics' leading candidate recently performed well in a maintenance clinical trial.
The medicine could eventually become a notable player in the weight-loss market.
Viking Therapeutics' prospects look promising, but there are significant risks to consider.
Investors looking to capitalize on the rapidly expanding weight loss drug market have increasingly more options. Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) and Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO) are still the leaders, but several other drugmakers are making significant clinical headway. One of them is Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VKTX), a clinical-stage biotech. Viking Therapeutics was having a fairly uneventful year until recently, when it posted highly encouraging results from a clinical trial, sending the stock soaring by more than 30% in one day. Let's look deeper into these results and determine what they could mean for Viking's prospects.
Missed AI’s "Act 1"? Act 2 Could Be 15x Bigger. Most investors think they missed the AI boat because they didn't buy Nvidia in 2005. But according to our analysts, we’re only at the end of "Act 1"—the R&D phase. "Act 2" is the global rollout. Continue »
Viking makes a case for maintenance dosing
Let's start with some background on how GLP-1-based weight loss medicines work. By mimicking naturally occurring hormones such as GLP-1, which promotes satiety, these medications help patients feel fuller for longer, leading them to eat less and aiding weight loss.
However, many people gain the weight back after stopping treatment, partly because of the return of food noise. Several companies are looking for ways to help people keep the weight off. Viking Therapeutics tested various doses of its leading anti-obesity candidate, VK2735, administered subcutaneously every other week or monthly (VK2735 also mimics the action of the GIP hormone).
The results were impressive. Patients lost an average of about 16% to 19% of their weight over 21 weeks, after which they switched to less frequent dosing. Those taking the medicine every other week maintained up to 97% of their weight loss three months after switching to this new dosing schedule, and patients taking it monthly maintained up to 90% of their weight loss. Those taking a placebo maintained only 61% of their weight loss over the same period. These results suggest that patients may not need to continue weekly injections to maintain most of their previously achieved weight loss.
They could, potentially, switch to a more convenient dosing schedule. There is also an important opportunity here for Viking Therapeutics to steal some of its competitors' patients. Suppose someone loses a significant amount of weight with Wegovy or Zepbound but is worried about gaining it back once they stop treatment. This person may be able to switch to Viking's VK2735 on an every-other-week or monthly regimen and receive 12 or 26 doses per year instead of 52 -- that's a huge difference.
The caveat here is that these results apply only to patients who initially lost weight on VK2735, so we can't extrapolate these results to patients who lost weight on Zepbound or Wegovy. Also, the study was fairly small, with only about 180 patients. That was enough to provide proof-of-concept evidence, but Viking Therapeutics will need similar successes in larger clinical trials.
There are more catalysts ahead
Viking Therapeutics plans to run a second part of this study, in which it will test oral maintenance dosing regimens using an oral formulation of VK2735. The company is also testing subcutaneous VK2735 in two Phase 3 studies, and it should start late-stage clinical trials for oral VK2735 by the end of the year. Viking Therapeutics' shares may have soared after its recent clinical win, but there is plenty more upside ahead, provided the company can deliver further successes in ongoing and upcoming studies.
The recent data once again highlighted just how promising VK2735 is. Even beyond the maintenance results, the first part yielded a robust mean weight loss of roughly 16% to 19% over 21 weeks (versus 0.1% for those taking a placebo). That said, there are potential risks to consider. One of them is share dilution. After Viking's shares soared following its clinical win, the company announced a capital raise that included issuing new shares. This move was hardly surprising. Clinical-stage biotech companies that generate no revenue and are consistently unprofitable have only so many options to raise funds.
But investors should keep that in mind: there could be more dilutive funding rounds in the future following clinical trial successes. Also, the weight-loss market will become increasingly competitive in the coming years. And finally, Viking has yet to post excellent results for its leading candidate in a Phase 3 clinical trial. And if data from its ongoing late-stage studies fall short of expectations, the stock will fall off a cliff and will have a lot of trouble recovering. The bottom line: Viking Therapeutics is a risky stock.
The company could deliver market-beating returns over the next five years if it establishes itself as a notable player in the anti-obesity space, but there is also a very real possibility that it will destroy shareholders' wealth over this period. Invest accordingly.
Should you buy stock in Viking Therapeutics right now?
Before you buy stock in Viking Therapeutics, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Viking Therapeutics wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $379,123!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,396,103!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 933% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 212% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
*Stock Advisor returns as of September 30, 2026.
Prosper Junior Bakiny has positions in Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Viking Therapeutics. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. The Motley Fool recommends Viking Therapeutics. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Viking Therapeutics Stock Soars 36% on Weight-Loss Drug Data. Why It's Not Too Late to Buy the Stock.

Key Points
Viking Therapeutics' recent clinical trial results for its leading weight loss candidate were excellent.
But Eli Lilly, the leader in this area, has a robust pipeline of its own and has little to fear from its smaller rival.
Viking Therapeutics and Eli Lilly offer two very different investment theses.
Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) is currently the leader in the weight loss market. However, the company's success is attracting increasingly more competition, and we should see several anti-obesity medicine launches over the next few years. Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VKTX) is one of those drugmakers that might eventually challenge Eli Lilly. And recently, the clinical-stage biotech released excellent data from a clinical trial, highlighting how promising some of its candidates are.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
Viking's significant clinical win
Viking Therapeutics ran a study that enrolled approximately 180 patients who took either various doses of its leading pipeline candidate, subcutaneous VK2735, or a placebo. They started with a weekly dosing schedule. And after 21 weeks, patients on VK2735 had lost between about 16% and 19% of their body weight. Those are already strong results, but there is more. After the 21-week induction phase, patients switched to several maintenance regimens, including taking VK2735 every other week or monthly for 12 weeks.
Patients on the every-other-week schedule maintained up to 97% of their weight loss, and those taking the medicine monthly maintained up to 90% -- those in the placebo group achieved a comparatively low 61% weight-loss maintenance.
These results support Viking Therapeutics' hopes to become a leader in the weight-loss market through VK2735, for which an oral formulation is also in clinical trials. And there could be an attractive commercial opportunity for the biotech. It may be able to attract some patients for maintenance dosing after they have lost weight on Eli Lilly's Zepbound. Despite this potential threat, the market isn't overly worried about Eli Lilly.
Why Eli Lilly's stock barely moved
There are at least three major reasons why Eli Lilly's shareholders shouldn't be too concerned about Viking's recent clinical win. First, the clinical-stage biotech ran this study with patients receiving subcutaneous VK2735 during the initial weight-loss stage of the trial, before switching to either every-other-week or monthly dosing of the same medicine. Would patients who initially lost weight on Zepbound achieve similar maintenance results? We don't know, and Viking's clinical trial doesn't tell us.
Second, Viking's study was closer to a proof-of-concept than a late-stage, pivotal clinical trial. Third, and perhaps most importantly, Eli Lilly has its own maintenance strategy. In a Phase 3 study, the pharmaceutical giant tested whether taking Foundayo -- its oral weight loss medicine -- would help patients who had lost weight on Zepbound or Wegovy keep the weight off. The results were pretty strong, with patients initially on Wegovy regaining only about 0.9 kg after 52 weeks of daily oral Foundayo (on average), and those initially on Zepbound regaining about 5 kg.
Also, in another maintenance study, Eli Lilly showed that people who switched to a lower dose of Zepbound after losing significant weight on higher doses were still able to keep most of the weight off. Eli Lilly has its own sophisticated, multi-pronged maintenance strategy, and, at any rate, Viking will still need to confirm its recent results in longer, larger clinical trials. That helps explain why Eli Lilly's stock barely moved on the news.
Which is the better buy?
Eli Lilly continues to post outstanding financial results thanks to its diabetes and weight loss medicines, and the company has a deep pipeline in these areas. Foundayo could earn a label expansion for type 2 diabetes, while the company's next-gen medicine, retatrutide, is looking highly promising as well after posting fantastic Phase 3 clinical trial results.
Further, Eli Lilly has significantly diversified its pipeline in recent years and should make meaningful clinical progress in other areas over the next few years. The stock looks attractive for all those reasons. But could the smaller Viking Therapeutics have even more upside potential? Viking's shares could skyrocket if its leading candidate can prove highly effective in ongoing Phase 3 clinical trials, while other pipeline products also make meaningful progress. That could lead the company to become a leader in the fast-growing weight-loss market.
However, Viking also carries significant risk, as major clinical setbacks could destroy the company's prospects. Risk-averse investors will definitely opt for the safer Eli Lilly, but Viking is worth consideration for aggressive investors comfortable with significant volatility.
Should you buy stock in Viking Therapeutics right now?
Before you buy stock in Viking Therapeutics, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Viking Therapeutics wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $373,352!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,406,241!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 933% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 212% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
Prosper Junior Bakiny has positions in Eli Lilly and Viking Therapeutics. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Eli Lilly. The Motley Fool recommends Viking Therapeutics. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Eli Lilly Stock Barely Moved Following Viking Therapeutics' Impressive Clinical Results. Here's Why.

Key Points
Viking Therapeutics is a healthcare company that has a promising GLP-1 drug in its portfolio.
Take-Two Interactive will release Grand Theft Auto VI this year, which is sure to boost sales significantly.
Five Below is a value retailer that's popular with kids, and that has been experiencing strong growth even amid challenging economic conditions.
Artificial intelligence (AI) stocks have generated massive returns for investors in recent years. But they've also become expensive along the way, and investing in them today may not be nearly as enticing as it was even a year or two ago, when their valuations were more modest.
There's risk with AI stocks, even top names such as Nvidia, because any hint of a slowdown in business could wreak havoc on their share prices.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
For investors who want some enticing growth stocks to buy that aren't dependent on AI, there are three solid options to consider: Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ:VKTX), Take-Two Interactive Software (NASDAQ:TTWO), and Five Below (NASDAQ:FIVE).
Image source: Getty Images.
Viking Therapeutics
Viking Therapeutics is a small but promising healthcare stock that has a lot of potential in GLP-1. Its shares rose recently on news that the company's GLP-1 drug, VK2735, helped patients lose weight and helped them keep nearly all the weight off when switching to maintenance dosing, with dosing every other week or on a monthly basis.
It increases the odds that VK2735 will obtain approval in the near future, which could send the stock skyrocketing. I also believe that Viking may be a possible acquisition target for a larger healthcare company. At roughly $4.1 billion in market cap, its valuation isn't terribly high, and it has a very promising asset in VK2735.
There's some risk here because Viking isn't generating revenue yet, but for investors willing to be patient and accept some uncertainty, Viking could be a top stock to own with significant upside in the long run.
Take-Two Interactive
This year is likely to be a big one for Take-Two Interactive, which is the company behind the popular Grand Theft Auto series. The newest game in the series, Grand Theft Auto VI, is scheduled to come out later this year. Sales are likely to be through the roof for the highly anticipated game.
There are also significant opportunities for the business to generate revenue from the game even after a customer purchases it, due to its strong focus on online gameplay. While Take-Two stock has struggled in the past 12 months, declining by more than 20%, strong sales numbers for its newest game could send the stock soaring in a hurry.
It's currently trading at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 28 (based on analyst expectations). But hype and strong sales numbers for Grand Theft Auto VI could lead to not only an upgrade in forecasts, but also the stock commanding a higher earnings multiple.
Five Below
Five Below is a value retailer that has done an excellent job of drawing kids into its stores with the latest trendy products. And with many of its products priced below $5, the stores can be more attractive options for families on a budget. That's evident given how well the business has been doing.
In its most recent quarter, which ended on Aug. 1, Five Below reported impressive revenue growth of 22.9%. Even its comparable growth rate, which is a measure of how well stores are doing compared to the same period a year ago, was solid at over 14%. Many retailers are content with single-digit comparable growth. Five Below has been performing incredibly well by comparison.
The stock has been rallying 44% over the past 12 months, but even with the sharp increase in value, it's trading at a reasonable forward P/E multiple of 22; it's not all that higher than the S&P 500 average of 20. Given the solid growth it has been generating, Five Below's valuation doesn't appear to be too high at all, as there can still be far more room for the stock to rise even higher in the months ahead.
Should you buy stock in Viking Therapeutics right now?
Before you buy stock in Viking Therapeutics, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Viking Therapeutics wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $373,352!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,406,241!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 933% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 212% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
*Stock Advisor returns as of September 29, 2026.
David Jagielski, CPA has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Nvidia and Take-Two Interactive Software. The Motley Fool recommends Five Below and Viking Therapeutics. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Founded in 1993 in Alexandria, VA., by brothers David and Tom Gardner, The Motley Fool is a multimedia financial-services company dedicated to building the world's greatest investment community. Reaching millions of people each month through its website, books, newspaper column, radio show, television appearances, and subscription newsletter services, The Motley Fool champions shareholder values and advocates tirelessly for the individual investor. The company's name was taken from Shakespeare, whose wise fools both instructed and amused, and could speak the truth to the king -- without getting their heads lopped off.

3 Non-AI Growth Stocks That Have Massive Upside

Key Points
Eli Lilly's high valuation could limit the stock's future returns.
Viking Therapeutics is a much smaller company, and it has a promising GLP-1 asset in VK2735.
Encouraging data around VK2735 recently gave the stock a big boost.
Investing in a top company can offer safety and stability, but oftentimes, the potential upside can also be limited. Take Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY) as a prime example. It's a leader in the GLP-1 space and a top healthcare company, with a market cap of more than $1 trillion. It's generated impressive returns totaling more than 400% in five years, but with a much higher valuation, it may not perform nearly as well over the next five years.
Targeting a smaller stock instead may be a more compelling option for investors. And one that could have plenty of upside is Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ:VKTX). It recently gave investors some terrific news related to its GLP-1 drug.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
Image source: Getty Images.
Viking's stock surged on exciting GLP-1 data
Last week, shares of Viking Therapeutics took off after the company reported that its GLP-1 drug, VK2735, performed well in a recent clinical trial. Patients who used the drug weekly achieved weight loss between 16% and 19%. And when they transitioned to using it for maintenance purposes were able to maintain 97% of their weight loss when using it every other week, and 90% when using it on a monthly basis.
While VK2735 hasn't obtained approval from regulators, it has been demonstrating high efficacy in trials. Even if it doesn't end up rivaling Eli Lilly's Zepbound, even generating $1 billion or more in revenue could be a game changer for this healthcare stock. Currently, Viking doesn't have an approved drug in its portfolio, and thus, it just burns through cash. Approval of VK2735 could, however, change that significantly.
Viking's stock is risky, but it also has tremendous upside
At around $4.4 billion in market cap, Viking is nowhere near the size of Eli Lilly. It's not as safe a stock to own, and while VK2735 has shown progress in trials, there's no guarantee it will obtain approval in the near future.
But for investors who are willing to take on risk and accept that uncertainty, I believe there could be considerable gains ahead. Healthcare companies are eager to get into the GLP-1 race, and Viking, which has a compelling asset in VK2735, could potentially become an attractive acquisition target for a larger healthcare company to pursue. Thus, the stock could surge in value if the drug obtains approval, or simply if another company ends up acquiring it, for the purpose of adding VK2735 to its portfolio.
In the past 12 months, Viking's stock has risen by more than 40%, but with a modest market cap, it may still have plenty of room to become much more valuable in the future.
Should you buy stock in Viking Therapeutics right now?
Before you buy stock in Viking Therapeutics, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Viking Therapeutics wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $383,680!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,382,954!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 937% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 214% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
*Stock Advisor returns as of September 28, 2026.
David Jagielski, CPA has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Eli Lilly. The Motley Fool recommends Viking Therapeutics. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
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Could This Mid-Cap GLP-1 Stock Be a Better Buy Than Eli Lilly?

Key Points
The drug candidate's subcutaneous results are strong, but oral formulation data is still pending.
The upcoming oral maintenance trial results are crucial to VKTX's dual-formulation strategy.
The recent maintenance trial results from Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VKTX) led to a surge in the share price. In its aftermath, management announced a $275 million common stock offering and $225 million in convertible senior notes to support the development of its drug pipeline. The trial results are exciting and further support management's VK2735 program, but investors should note that the trial did not include VK2735 in oral form, so there's still a question mark around it.
Viking Therapeutics maintenance trial results
VK2735 is a GLP-1 and GIP agonist in development to treat obesity and patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Following favorable Phase 2 data, it's already in Phase 3 trials in subcutaneous (injectable) form, and management expects to start Phase 3 trials for VK2735 in oral form this year.
Missed AI’s "Act 1"? Act 2 Could Be 15x Bigger. Most investors think they missed the AI boat because they didn't buy Nvidia in 2005. But according to our analysts, we’re only at the end of "Act 1"—the R&D phase. "Act 2" is the global rollout. Continue »
Viking's drug candidate has two key advantages that could enable it to build a profitable niche in the highly competitive weight-loss treatment market, currently dominated by Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. Specifically, the Phase 2 (subcutaneous) data suggest that VK2735 generates rapid weight loss compared with peers. In addition, VK2735 is being developed as a dual formulation, in which an initial rapid weight-loss dose in subcutaneous form can be followed by more convenient oral VK2735 dosing.
The market was excited by the recent maintenance trial results, which showed some very impressive weight loss results in the initial stage (patients on the initial weekly 21-week 17.5 mg dose had a 17.8% reduction in weight) and also in the maintenance phase (patients shifting to the biweekly 12-week 17 mg dose maintained 97% of the weight loss generated at the 21-week stage).
Those are impressive results. But here's the thing: These results pertain only to subcutaneous dosing, not to the oral formulation.
An oral maintenance study is coming
The oral VK2735 maintenance dose is arguably more important, as it differentiates the drug and would encourage patients to take VK2735 subcutaneously, knowing they could seamlessly switch to an oral formulation to maintain weight loss.
However, doubts were cast on the potential of the dual formulation strategy after the release of disappointing safety and tolerability data from the Phase 2 VK2735 oral trial (Venture-Oral) in August 2025. For example, in the Venture-Oral trial, 20% of treated patients withdrew due to an adverse event (primarily gastrointestinal).
That said, the Phase 2 trial was relatively short, at just 13 weeks, and may have involved an overly aggressive titration. Clearly, there's an opportunity to design the Phase 3 trial with the tolerability data from Phase 2 in mind. Indeed, CEO Brian Lian told investors at a Morgan Stanley conference (courtesy of S&P Global Market Intelligence) that they would come "down a little bit in dose in the Phase 3 study," and be "reducing the tablet size, reducing the tablet count and really kind of on the middle of that dose response curve from the Phase II, which had gone up to 120 mg."
In addition, Viking Therapeutics investors will get a read, although not a definitive one, on VK2735 oral in the second part of the maintenance trial, which management said will begin imminently. Lian said the oral doses in the maintenance study would be 17.5 mg, 27.5 mg, and 35 mg. Based on the Phase 2 weight-loss trial, these appear to be relatively low doses, which could improve tolerability as maintenance doses.
Where next for Viking Therapeutics?
The maintenance trial update is good news, and the capital raise was well-received. Still, investors need to be mindful that the oral data from the second part of the maintenance trial is also extremely important for the stock and its potential as a dual-formulation strategy.
Should you buy stock in Viking Therapeutics right now?
Before you buy stock in Viking Therapeutics, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Viking Therapeutics wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $383,680!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,382,954!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 937% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 214% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
*Stock Advisor returns as of September 27, 2026.
Lee Samaha has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. The Motley Fool recommends Viking Therapeutics. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) Delivers Great VK2735 Results: Here's a Word of Caution

Key Points
The company's key drug continues to demonstrate it can produce rapid weight loss in people with obesity.
The maintenance dosing data support its potential to generate sustained weight loss for patients.
Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VKTX) stock surged this week on results from a maintenance study of its key pipeline obesity treatment, VK2735. The top-line results led to a slew of Wall Street upgrades and helped support the case for VK2735 as a potential long-term obesity treatment, and the company promptly announced a $400 million capital raise, which it increased to $500 million the following day.
Three key numbers from the report
GLP-1 and GIP agonist, VK2735, has the potential to carve out a niche in the highly competitive weight-loss market by delivering rapid weight loss and serving as a maintenance therapy, either subcutaneously (injectable) or orally. This study focused solely on injectable doses: a weekly dose for 21 weeks, followed by weekly, biweekly, or monthly maintenance dosing.
Missed AI’s "Act 1"? Act 2 Could Be 15x Bigger. Most investors think they missed the AI boat because they didn't buy Nvidia in 2005. But according to our analysts, we’re only at the end of "Act 1"—the R&D phase. "Act 2" is the global rollout. Continue »
First, a 22% adjusted weight loss at week 33 in the cohort taking a weekly 17mg dose for 21 weeks, then a weekly 17.5 mg maintenance dose over 12 weeks, with "no plateau observed." This data compares favorably with the rapidity of weight loss achieved by rival drugs.
Second, the cohort taking the weekly 21-week dose of 17.5mg who switched to a biweekly 17.5mg maintenance dose over 12 weeks maintained 97% of the weight loss achieved at 21 weeks.
Third, the cohort taking the weekly 21-week dose of 17.5mg who switched to a monthly 17.5mg maintenance dose over 12 weeks maintained 90% of the weight loss achieved at 21 weeks.
The latter two results indicate potential for maintenance therapies to help patients sustain weight loss over time, and the first provides further evidence that VK2735 can deliver rapid weight loss.
Where next for Viking
It's exciting data, and investors will look forward to the second part of the study, in which an oral maintenance dose will be trialed. In addition, Viking already has VK2735 (subcutaneous) in a Phase 3 trial and expects to commence VK2735 (oral) in a Phase 3 trial by the end of this year.
Should you buy stock in Viking Therapeutics right now?
Before you buy stock in Viking Therapeutics, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Viking Therapeutics wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $383,680!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,382,954!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 937% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 214% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
*Stock Advisor returns as of September 27, 2026.
Lee Samaha has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Viking Therapeutics. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

3 Numbers From Viking Therapeutics' Weight-Loss Drug Trial That Have Wall Street Buzzing

(RTTNews) - Biotech and pharma companies delivered a busy slate of updates, spanning regulatory approvals, multibillion-dollar drug discovery partnerships and pivotal clinical-trial readouts across oncology, metabolic diseases, immunology and rare diseases.
Let us unpack the specifics.
Regulatory Approvals
Mesoblast Ltd. (MESO) received FDA approval for a new potency assay to monitor commercial batches of Ryoncil, its FDA-approved mesenchymal stromal cell therapy. The T-cell proliferation inhibition bioassay improves detection of potency changes and complements existing release tests under the product's biologics license.
MESO closed Thursday's trading at $15.48, up 1.24%
AbbVie (ABBV) received Health Canada approval for EPKINLY (epcoritamab) with lenalidomide and rituximab to treat relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma after at least one prior therapy. The decision was supported by Phase 3 EPCORE FL-1 data showing a 79% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death versus standard treatment alone.
ABBV closed Thursday's trading at $265.12, up 0.02%
Eli Lilly (LLY) secured FDA approval for Onswik, a once-weekly basal insulin for adults with type 2 diabetes. The approval was backed by QWINT Phase 3 studies involving more than 3,400 patients, where Onswik delivered A1C reductions comparable to daily insulin glargine and insulin degludec.
LLY closed Thursday's trading at $1,181.89, up 2.68%
GRAIL's (GRAL) Galleri multi-cancer early detection test received a favorable vote from the FDA advisory panel for screening adults aged 50 and older. The recommendation was supported by evidence from large studies, including PATHFINDER 2 and the NHS-Galleri trial, showing the test could detect four to seven times more cancers than standard screening alone while maintaining a low false-positive rate.
GRAL closed Thursday's trading at $125.21, up 15.38%
ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(ANIP) won FDA approval for Everolimus Tablets for Oral Suspension, the generic version of Afinitor Disperz, in 2mg, 3mg and 5mg strengths. The approval broadens the company's generics portfolio and adds a complex oral formulation used in multiple approved oncology and rare disease indications.
ANIP closed Thursday's trading at $74.04, down 0.52%
AstraZeneca Plc (AZN) received European Commission approval for Trixeo Aerosphere as a maintenance treatment for asthma in patients aged 12 years and older whose disease remains uncontrolled on ICS/LABA therapy. The approval was supported by Phase 3 KALOS and LOGOS data showing significant lung function improvements and reduced severe asthma exacerbations versus dual-combination treatments.
AZN closed Thursday's trading at $164.56, up 0.75%
TriSalus Life Sciences, Inc. (TLSI) received FDA 510(k) clearance for TriNav Advance, a device designed to enhance drug delivery during liver embolization procedures for tumors. The clearance broadens the company's PEDD portfolio, supporting more precise treatment delivery to targeted blood vessels while limiting off-target exposure.
TLSI closed Thursday's trading at $1.04, down 0.95%
AbbVie (ABBV) received European Commission approval for RINVOQ to treat active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children aged two years and older who have had an inadequate response to DMARDs (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs). The approval was supported by Phase 1 SELECT-YOUTH data, where 66.4% of patients achieved at least a 70% improvement in disease activity at Week 12.
ABBV closed Thursday's trading at $265.12, up 0.02%.
Roche (RHHBY) received European Commission approval for Susvimo (ranibizumab) to treat neovascular age-related macular degeneration also known as wet AMD. The approval was supported by Phase 3 Archway and Phase 2 Ladder studies, which showed vision outcomes comparable to monthly ranibizumab injections with as few as two treatments per year.
RHHBY closed Thursday's trading at $54.80, down 0.47%
Contivue with Susvimo is already approved for the treatment of nAMD in Switzerland and Thailand.
Merck (MRK) secured approval in Japan for KEYTRUDA QLEX (pembrolizumab and hyaluronidase alfa-pmph), a subcutaneous formulation of pembrolizumab across all 22 approved KEYTRUDA indications. The approval was supported by Phase 3 MK-3475A-D77 data showing comparable pharmacokinetic exposure and similar efficacy outcomes to intravenous KEYTRUDA in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
MRK closed Thursday's trading at $147.98, down 0.07%
Amneal Pharmaceuticals Inc. (AMRX) received FDA approval for lanreotide injection, a generic reference to SOMATULINE Depot, for acromegaly, gastro-enteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs), and carcinoid syndrome. The product also received Competitive Generic Therapy designation and targets a market with nearly $1 billion in annual U.S. sales.
AMRX closed Thursday's trading at $19.81, up 2.46%
Eli Lilly and Company (LLY) received FDA approval for Inluriyo (imlunestrant) plus Verzenio (abemaciclib) to treat ER-positive, HER2-negative, ESR1-mutated locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer, following endocrine therapy. The approval expands Inluriyo's use into combination therapy for patients whose disease has progressed after prior hormonal treatment. Inluriyo is also being evaluated in the Phase 3 EMBER-4 trial in early-stage breast cancer, with results from the 8,000-patient study expected in 2027.
LLY closed Thursday's trading at $1,181.89, up 2.68%
Abeona Therapeutics Inc. (ABEO) highlighted the FDA approval of FAYUVI (rebisufligene etisparvovec-hopf), the first approved therapy for Sanfilippo syndrome type A (MPS IIIA). The gene therapy, originally developed by Abeona and later licensed to Ultragenyx, delivers a functional SGSH gene to address the underlying cause of the rare neurodegenerative disorder.
ABEO closed Thursday's trading at $5.43, down 1.81%
Sandoz Group AG (SDZNY) received marketing authorisation in Canada for Sandoz Semaglutide, a generic version of Novo Nordisk's Ozempic, to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. The once-weekly GLP-1 therapy expands the company's diabetes portfolio and targets Canada's rapidly growing semaglutide market.
SDZNY closed Thursday's trading at $85.73, down 0.81%.
Deals
Atavistik Bio has entered into a strategic research collaboration with Roche Holding AG (RHHBY) to identify and develop novel small-molecule therapies for cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic (CVRM) diseases. Atavistik Bio will receive $70 million upfront and is eligible for up to $1.9 billion in milestone payments, plus tiered royalties on future product sales.
The partnership will combine Atavistik Bio's AMPS platform with Roche's drug-development expertise to identify novel binding sites and develop therapies for multiple cardiometabolic targets.
RHHBY closed Thursday's trade at $54.8, down 0.47%.
Kala Bio, Inc. (KALA) and Virotek Inc. signed a non-binding letter of intent (LOI) with a U.S. DNA testing platform to resell select Virotek genomic testing products. The companies expect to name the reselling parties in the coming weeks.
The LOI follows Kala's September 3 distribution deal with Virotek under which Kala will market and distribute Virotek's genetic testing program in the U.S., while Virotek handles laboratory operations, kit supply, specimen processing and clinical reporting. Kala facilitated the reseller introduction and would receive a profit share or commission if the deal closes, as Virotek handles most order fulfilment.
KALA closed Thursday's trade at $0.56, down 1.16%
InnoCare Pharma Ltd. (9969.HK) has entered into a strategic research collaboration and license agreement with Eli Lilly and Company (LLY) to develop new medicines, under which InnoCare will use its drug discovery platform to develop compounds against up to five targets addressing unmet medical needs.
Under the terms, InnoCare is eligible for up to $100 million in upfront and near-term payments, about $3.25 billion in development and commercial milestones, plus single-digit tiered royalties on annual net sales.
9969.HK closed Thursday's trade at HK$14.26, down 1.72%.
LLY closed Thursday's trade at $1181.89, up 2.68%.
Healthcare Triangle, Inc. (HCTI) announced it has signed a non-binding LOI to acquire certain assets of Roboticom, an Italy-based industrial robotic automation systems provider for precision surface treatment, in a deal valued at up to $30 million, payable in cash and equity over time.
The company said the acquisition could expand its platform into industrial automation and advanced manufacturing by combining its AI, cloud and data capabilities with Roboticom's robotics technology.
HCTI closed Thursday's trade at $0.72, down 19.90%.
Annovis Bio Inc. (ANVS) announced a partnership with Weave Bio to advance its lead candidate Butanetap toward a New Drug Application (NDA).
Under the collaboration, Annovis will use Weave Bio's artificial intelligence (AI) platform to draft, review, and manage the NDA documents as the company heads toward a 6-month top-line data readout from the pivotal Phase 3 Alzheimer's Disease trial that will form the basis of the submission.
ANVS closed Thursday's trade at $1.33, up 4.72%.
PTC Therapeutics, Inc. (PTCT) acquired ST-920, an investigational BLA-stage AAV gene therapy for Fabry disease, from Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc., in a deal announced in August 2026 that included $111 million upfront and up to $100 million in contingent milestone payments based on certain regulatory approvals for Sangamo Therapeutics.
Currently, PTC expects to complete a rolling BLA submission for ST-920 to the FDA for accelerated approval of ST-920 in the fourth quarter of 2026.
PTCT closed Thursday's trade at $62.28, down 0.10%.
AbbVie Inc. (ABBV) and Lambic Therapeutics, Inc., announced a multi-year collaboration to accelerate the discovery and development of small molecule therapies across immunology, neuroscience and oncology, leveraging Lambic's AI platform to support the identification of new drug candidates.
Lambic will receive an upfront payment and is eligible for milestone payments and tiered royalties, with financial terms undisclosed.
ABBV closed Thursday's trade at $265.12, down 0.02%.
Clinical Trials - Breakthroughs & Setbacks
IMUNON, Inc. (IMNN) reported an update from the Phase 2 OVATION 2 study of IMNN-001, an investigational IL-12 DNA immunotherapy in newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer, showing a 14.7-month median overall survival benefit versus standard-of-care chemotherapy alone.
The company noted that OVATION 2 was not powered for overall survival, making confirmation in the phase 3 study the next key step, along with enrollment and operational progress in the ongoing pivotal Phase 3 OVATION 3 trial.
IMNN closed Thursday's trade at $1.35, down 8.16%.
Merck (MRK) announced that its investigational remigromig met the primary endpoint in the pivotal Phase 2b/3 BRUNELLO study in adults with diabetic macular oedema (DME), demonstrating non-inferiority to ranibizumab in improving best-corrected visual acuity at week 52.
According to the company, in the 984-patient BRUNELLO trial, both 0.5 mg and 0.8 mg remigromig doses met non-inferiority to 0.5 mg ranibizumab for mean change from baseline in best-corrected visual acuity.
MRK closed Thursday's trade at $147.98, down 0.07%.
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) reported new model-based analyses from its Phase 3 MajesTEC-3 study suggesting that the combination of TECVAYLI (teclistamab-cqyv) plus DARZALEX FASPRO (daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj) may help improve long-term survival outcomes for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received one to three prior lines of therapy.
According to the company, modelling estimated about 87% of patients on TECVAYLI-DARZALEX FASPRO could achieve mortality risk comparable to the general population, with projected median overall survival nearly four times longer than standard care.
JNJ closed Thursday's trading at $270.68, up 0.56%.
Oruka Therapeutics, Inc. (ORKA) announced positive week 28 results from its ongoing phase 2a EVERLAST-A trial evaluating ORKA-001, a half-life extended IL-23p19 monoclonal antibody in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.
According to the company, the key findings included responses that continued to deepen through week 28 despite no additional dosing after week 4 and the percentage of patients achieving PASI 100, a measure of complete skin clearance, increased to 71.4% while PASI 90 response rates rose to 87.3%.
ORKA closed Thursday's trade at $85.49, down 4.93%.
Roivant (ROIV) said Immunovant, Inc. (IMVT), its majority-owned subsidiary, plans to discontinue development of IMVT-1402 for cutaneous lupus erythematosus after its proof-of-concept study did not achieve statistical significance on the primary endpoint of Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Disease Area and Severity Index Activity (CLASI-A) score at week 12.
Meanwhile, the company said it remains focused on advancing IMVT-1402 in other autoimmune diseases, including Graves' disease, difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis, myasthenia gravis, and more.
ROIV closed Thursday's trade at $36.13, down 1.87%. IMVT closed Thursday's trade at $34, down 1.56%.
Roche Holding AG (RHHBY) and partner Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (IONS) announced that the ongoing phase 3 IMAgINATION study evaluating investigational therapy sefaxersen in adults with primary IgA nephropathy met its primary endpoint, with sefaxersen demonstrating statistically significant and clinically meaningful reductions in proteinuria compared with placebo at 37 weeks, as measured by the 24-hour urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR).
Safety and tolerability findings were consistent with previously reported data, and Roche identified no new safety signals during the interim analysis.
RHHBY closed Thursday's trade at $54.80, down 0.47%.
Caliway Biopharmaceuticals (6919.TW) announced that its Phase 2 clinical trial, dubbed CBL-0202DD, evaluating CBL-514, the company's investigational candidate for Dercum's disease, a rare, chronic condition characterised by painful fatty lumps, met its primary efficacy endpoint.
According to the company, CBL-514 demonstrated clinically meaningful and statistically significant pain reduction in both the Full Analysis Set (FAS) and Per-Protocol (PP) populations with a generally well-tolerated safety profile. In addition, CBL-0202DD results have highlighted CBL-514's potential in other adipose tissue disorders, including lipedema.
6919.TW closed Thursday's trade at T$80.10, down 0.62%.
Celldex (CLDX) reported positive topline results from two Phase 3 studies of Barzolvolimab, with the treatment meeting the primary endpoints and all key secondary endpoints in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria, also known as chronic hives.
According to the company, Barzolvolimab demonstrated rapid and sustained efficacy, with treatment benefits maintained or further improved between weeks 12 and 24 and was well tolerated with a safety profile consistent with previous studies.
CLDX closed Thursday's trade up 1.16% at $ 31.48.
Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (VKTX) reported positive topline results from a maintenance study of its obesity drug candidate VK2735, a dual agonist of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors, showing that patients were able to maintain most of their weight loss even after switching from weekly treatment to less frequent dosing schedules.
According to the company, patients who received weekly injections of VK2735 at 17.5 mg achieved placebo-adjusted weight loss of 22% at Week 33, with no plateau in weight reduction observed during the study period.
Unlike currently approved treatments that often require weekly administration, VK2735's pharmacokinetic profile may support more flexible dosing schedules if further studies confirm these findings. If confirmed in further studies, VK2735's pharmacokinetic profile could support more flexible dosing than currently approved weekly treatments.
VKTX closed Thursday's trade at $36.75, down 11.76%.
Roche Holding AG (RHHBY) announced positive topline results from CT-388-104, a Phase II clinical trial evaluating enicepatide, an investigational, once-weekly dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, in adults living with type 2 diabetes and overweight or obesity.
According to the study, enicepatide met both primary endpoints, delivering dose-dependent and clinically meaningful reductions in blood glucose and body weight at 48 weeks. At the 24 mg dose, patients achieved a 2.65% HbA1c reduction, with 90% reaching =6.5% and 62% achieving normoglycemia (5.7%).
RHHBY closed Thursday's trade at $54.80, down 0.47%.
Novo Nordisk A/S (NVO), a pharmaceutical company, announced promising topline results from the Phase 3 REIMAGINE 5 and REDEFINE 9 trials of CagriSema, an investigational, fixed-dose combination of cagrilintide, a long-acting amylin receptor agonist, and semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, in weight management and type 2 diabetes.
According to the company, in the phase 3 REDEFINE 9 study, about 21% of patients administered CagriSema achieved the necessary body weight reduction, compared with only 2% in the placebo group.
Patients in the test group also exhibited improved systolic blood pressure, weight-to-height ratio, and fasting lipid profile.
NVO closed Thursday's trade at $54.80, down 0.47%.
For more biotechstock news visit rttnews.com.

Weekly Buzz: MESO, LLY, ANIP Win FDA Nod; KALA, HCTI Sign LOI; IMVT Halts Lupus Study

Key Points
Viking is testing weight loss drug candidates in late-stage trials.
The company recently showed that weight loss lasts after taking its drug candidate.
Today, a very valuable market -- one heading toward $100 billion by the end of the decade -- is dominated by two pharma giants, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. And this is the weight loss drug market. Lilly and Novo each sell GLP-1 drugs, products that have seen soaring demand and have delivered blockbuster revenue.
But a new potential player is waiting in the wings and has been taking important steps forward. Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ:VKTX) is testing its candidate, VK2735, in late-stage trials in injectable and oral formulations, and so far, data have been strong. Just this week, the company released an exciting update from a maintenance dosing study of its injectable formulation. That prompted the stock to soar 35% in one trading session.
Missed AI’s "Act 1"? Act 2 Could Be 15x Bigger. Most investors think they missed the AI boat because they didn't buy Nvidia in 2005. But according to our analysts, we’re only at the end of "Act 1"—the R&D phase. "Act 2" is the global rollout. Continue »
Now, the question is: Is it too late to buy this potential GLP-1 winner? Let's find out.
Image source: Getty Images.
GLP-1 drugs have taken the market by storm
So, first, let's talk about GLP-1 drugs and Viking's potential future position in this market. GLP-1 products have taken the weight loss market by storm as they have helped so many people -- from celebrities to the general public -- lose weight quickly and safely. You may recognize the names of some of these products, such as Lilly's Mounjaro and Zepbound, and Novo's Ozempic and Wegovy. They work by interacting with hormonal pathways involved in the digestion process, and as a result, help control appetite and blood sugar levels. Doctors prescribe these drugs for patients who have type 2 diabetes and/or obesity.
Though these pharma giants lead this market, there is room for new players, given the sustained high demand. Until Lilly and Novo ramped up their manufacturing a couple of years ago, their products were on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's shortage list.
Viking could carve out share in the market due to this need for more GLP-1 products and due to certain elements that make Viking stand out. Here's the first: Viking's VK2735, if successful, would be the first oral dual GLP-1/GIP agonist to reach commercialization. The "dual" nature means it acts on two hormonal pathways rather than just one. Current oral weight loss drugs, as GLP-1s, act on one pathway.
And the second big advantage is that VK2735 could become the only dual agonist to reach the market in oral and injectable formulations. This may prompt doctors and patients to more easily switch from one to the other, since the key ingredient is the same.
Trial volunteers on Viking's GLP-1 maintained their weight loss
This next advantage has to do with the latest trial data, released this week. And it concerns maintenance dosing. The idea is that after patients have lost a certain amount of weight, they may be able to reduce the frequency of dosing and maintain the weight loss. Viking's trial demonstrated fantastic results in this area.
Trial participants were given injections weekly for 21 weeks, then for the following 12 weeks, injections happened every other week or monthly. As much as 97% of weight loss was maintained for those who transitioned to every-other-week dosing, and up to 90% of weight loss was maintained for the monthly dosing group.
Viking stock soared in one trading session, as mentioned above, on this data, as the proven ability to maintain weight loss through less frequent dosing is a clear positive point for this potential drug.
Should you buy Viking stock?
Now, let's return to our question: Is it too late to buy Viking after its recent surge? Not necessarily. This stock is known to react to trial data — a strong phase 2 update a couple of years ago resulted in a 100% gain in one day. So, additional trial news is likely to be a catalyst for stock performance. Of course, this involves some risk because any disappointment could weigh heavily on the shares; it's important for investors to be comfortable with that idea before buying Viking or any other biotech stock.
But, for investors who don't mind this risk, Viking makes a fantastic buy today. The stock, at its current price, still has room to run, with trial updates, potential regulatory approval, and sales down the road as possible catalysts.
Should you buy stock in Viking Therapeutics right now?
Before you buy stock in Viking Therapeutics, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Viking Therapeutics wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $384,839!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,385,657!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 936% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 213% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
*Stock Advisor returns as of September 25, 2026.
Adria Cimino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. The Motley Fool recommends Viking Therapeutics. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Viking Therapeutics, Inc.

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