Viking Therapeutics Inc. (VKTX) is positioned for a potential stock upgrade ahead of its upcoming Phase 2 VENTURE-Oral clinical trial data for its oral VK2735 drug candidate, expected in the third quarter of 2025. Piper Sandler has assigned an overweight rating to VKTX, highlighting the strong possibility of a re-rating based on the differentiated dual GLP-1/GIP mechanism of VK2735 and promising early Phase 1 results. Analysts have modeled three scenarios for the trial outcomes, projecting a potential stock increase of 238% in a bullish case, 77% in a base case, and a decline of 28% in a bearish case. The bullish scenario anticipates weight loss results exceeding 6% for low doses and 8% for high doses, with an improved safety profile, while the base case expects weight loss in line with 5-6% for low doses and 6.5-8% for high doses, maintaining safety standards. Market observers note that while there is downside risk, the upside potential is substantial if the data meets or exceeds expectations.