VKTX Q3 Earnings Miss Estimates Amid Rising Clinical Expenses

Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) reported a Q3 2026 loss of $1.55 per share, exceeding analyst expectations, driven by an 85.4% surge in R&D expenses to $166.8 million. The company's lead obesity candidate VK2735 remains on track with phase III studies expected to conclude in 2027, with a potential launch approximately 2.5 years away. Viking initiated phase III trials for an oral formulation and expanded its pipeline with VK3019. The company maintains a strong cash position of $960 million, supporting continued development.