Founded in 2012, Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ:VKTX) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in San Diego, California. The company is focused on developing novel therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders, including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), hip fracture recovery, and type 2 diabetes. Viking's mission is to bring life-changing treatments to patients with unmet medical needs.
Viking's lead product candidate, VK2809, is a small molecule thyroid beta receptor agonist currently being evaluated in a Phase 2b clinical trial for treating NASH. The company's other product candidates include VK0214, a liver-directed thyroid receptor beta agonist for treating X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD), and VK0612, a novel PPAR-delta agonist for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Viking's management team is led by Chief Executive Officer Brian Lian, who joined the company in 2016. Lian has over 25 years of experience in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries, including senior leadership roles at InterMune, Abgenix, and Bristol-Myers Squibb.
Viking is working hard to grow its revenue. However, the company has yet to turn a profit, reporting a net loss of $68 million in 2022 which increased from 2021's reported $-55 million loss. Viking has also been actively raising capital, recently completing a public offering of common stock.
Viking's current market capitalization is around $1.9 billion, with a price-to-book ratio that aligns with industry peers. Still, some investors see the potential for significant upside if Viking's clinical trials are successful.
Viking's stock price has been volatile over the recent past. The stock has seen a slight uptick recently due to positive news about its drugs in clinical trials. The company's trading volume has been increasing steadily, indicating investor interest.
Viking operates in the highly competitive biotech industry, where companies must navigate complex regulatory environments and rapidly evolving technologies. The NASH market, in particular, is highly competitive, with several large pharmaceutical companies developing therapies for the disease. However, Viking's focus on novel mechanisms of action and expertise in metabolic and endocrine disorders give the company a competitive advantage. Additionally, Viking's partnerships with established biotech companies, such as Ligand Pharmaceuticals and Bayer, provide the company with valuable resources and expertise.
Viking has several potential growth opportunities in the pipeline, including the ongoing Phase 2b clinical trial of VK2809 for treating NASH. If the trial succeeds, Viking could partner with a larger pharmaceutical company to bring the therapy to market. The company's other product candidates, including VK0214 and VK0612, also have the potential to address significant unmet medical needs. Viking has also explored expansion opportunities into new therapeutic areas, such as oncology.
Viking Therapeutics faces a risk from the possibility of regulatory changes affecting the approval of its products. The pharmaceutical industry is heavily regulated, and any changes in regulations or policies could impact Viking's ability to bring its products to market or receive approval for clinical trials. In addition, the company's competitors may also receive approval for similar products, reducing the market share available to Viking.
Risk management is an integral part of any business strategy, and Viking Therapeutics is taking steps to mitigate the risks it faces. The company has a diverse pipeline of products, which helps reduce the impact of any one product failing. Viking is also conducting extensive clinical trials to ensure the safety and efficacy of its products, which could increase the likelihood of approval and reduce the risk of adverse events.
