Viking therapeutics director Rouan buys $29,942 in stock

SAN DIEGO—Sarah Kathryn Rouan, a director at Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:VKTX), recently acquired 1,240 shares of the company’s common stock. The purchase, made on March 31, 2025, was valued at approximately $29,942, with each share priced at $24.1474. The acquisition comes as the stock trades near its 52-week low of $23.27, having declined over 60% in the past six months.

This acquisition marks Rouan’s direct ownership of 1,240 shares in the pharmaceutical company, which is headquartered in San Diego. Viking Therapeutics, with a market capitalization of $2.68 billion, is known for its focus on developing therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders. According to InvestingPro data, the company maintains a strong financial position with more cash than debt and a current ratio of 33.09, while analysts have set price targets ranging from $38 to $164.

The transaction was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on April 2, 2025, underscoring the ongoing investment activities by company insiders. Discover more comprehensive insights and 13 additional exclusive ProTips for Viking Therapeutics with InvestingPro, including detailed analysis of the company’s financial health and growth prospects.

In other recent news, Viking Therapeutics has completed enrollment for its Phase 2 VENTURE-Oral trial of VK2735, aimed at treating obesity and related conditions. The trial involves 280 adults and focuses on assessing the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of the drug over 13 weeks. Viking Therapeutics has also secured a strategic manufacturing agreement with CordenPharma to ensure a steady supply of VK2735, covering both the active pharmaceutical ingredient and final product forms. This agreement includes dedicated production capabilities for various formulations, preparing Viking for potential market demand.

H.C. Wainwright has reaffirmed its Buy rating on Viking Therapeutics with a $102 price target, citing confidence in VK2735’s potential following positive data from competitor trials. The firm anticipates that VK2735 will strengthen its market position as it progresses to Phase 3 trials in 2025. On the other hand, Citi initiated coverage with a Neutral rating and a $38 price target, reflecting caution regarding the competitive landscape and the need for more comprehensive safety data. The analysts at Citi also highlighted the challenges posed by the capital-intensive nature of the obesity treatment market.

These developments come amid a broader interest in obesity treatments, with firms like Truist Securities noting significant market growth potential. Viking’s ongoing clinical trials aim to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of VK2735, both in oral and subcutaneous forms, as the company prepares for a potential market launch.

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