BTIG Upgrades Viking Therapeutics to Strong Buy

Analysts see promising future for biotech company's drug pipeline

Feb. 28, 2026 at 11:06am

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BTIG Research has upgraded Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ:VKTX) to a "strong-buy" rating, citing the company's promising drug pipeline and potential for future growth. Viking Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders.

Why it matters

The upgrade from BTIG Research is a positive sign for Viking Therapeutics, which has seen its stock price fluctuate over the past year. The company's lead drug candidates, VK2809 for NASH and dyslipidemia and VK5211 for muscle wasting, have shown promising results in clinical trials, and the strong-buy rating suggests analysts see significant upside potential for the stock.

The details

In its research note, BTIG cited Viking Therapeutics' progress with its drug pipeline as the primary reason for the upgrade. The company's lead candidate, VK2809, is currently in Phase 2 trials for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and dyslipidemia. VK5211, a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM), is being developed for the treatment of muscle wasting conditions.

  • BTIG Research issued the upgrade on Thursday, February 28, 2026.

The players

Viking Therapeutics

A clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders, headquartered in San Diego, California.

BTIG Research

An investment research and trading firm that provides institutional clients with equity research, sales, and trading services.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

The upgrade from BTIG Research is a positive sign for Viking Therapeutics, as it suggests the company's drug pipeline has significant potential for future growth and success. Investors will be closely watching the progress of VK2809 and VK5211 in clinical trials, as these drug candidates could be key drivers of the company's future performance.