VKTX

A month has gone by since the last earnings report for Keros Therapeutics, Inc. (KROS). Shares have added about 8% in that time frame, outperforming the S&P 500. But investors have to be wondering, will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Keros Therapeutics due for a pullback? Well, first let's take a quick look at the latest earnings report in order to get a better handle on the recent catalysts for Keros Therapeutics, Inc. before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late. Keros reported a second-quarter 2026 loss of $1.45 per share, wider than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $1.25. The reported loss widened 91% from 76 cents per share reported in the year-ago quarter. Keros recorded no revenues, down 100% from $18.2 million a year earlier. Keros does not have a marketed product and therefore lacks a regular source of revenues. The company periodically records service and other revenues as well as license revenues, making quarterly comparisons dependent on the timing of collaboration-related revenue recognition. Service and other revenues were nil in the reported quarter compared with $18.2 million in the prior-year period. License revenues were also nil in both periods. Research and development expenses declined 48.7% year over year to $22.3 million. The decrease primarily reflected the transfer of elritercept-related development costs to Takeda and the corporate restructuring completed in 2025. General and administrative expenses fell 40.6% year over year to $8.6 million. The decrease was due to lower professional fees and reduced compensation costs tied to the 2025 restructuring. Cash and cash equivalents totaled $257.6 million as of June 30, 2026, down from $281.5 million as of March 31, 2026. Based on current operating assumptions, Keros expects its cash resources to fund operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into the first half of 2028. The runway supports the ongoing development of rinvatercept as the company advances its clinical programs, with no recurring product revenues. In the past month, investors have witnessed a flat trend in fresh estimates. The consensus estimate has shifted 22.12% due to these changes. At this time, Keros Therapeutics has a average Growth Score of C, though it is lagging a lot on the Momentum Score front with an F. Following the exact same course, the stock has a score of F on the value side, putting it in the fifth quintile for value investors. Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of F. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in. Keros Therapeutics has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months. Keros Therapeutics is part of the Zacks Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry. Over the past month, Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (VKTX), a stock from the same industry, has gained 2.2%. The company reported its results for the quarter ended June 2026 more than a month ago. Viking Therapeutics reported revenues of $0 million in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of 0%. EPS of -$1.10 for the same period compares with -$0.58 a year ago. For the current quarter, Viking Therapeutics is expected to post a loss of $1.00 per share, indicating a change of -23.5% from the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed +1.9% over the last 30 days. Viking Therapeutics has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) based on the overall direction and magnitude of estimate revisions. Additionally, the stock has a VGM Score of F. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Keros Therapeutics, Inc. (KROS) : Free Stock Analysis Report Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (VKTX) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research

It has been about a month since the last earnings report for Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (VKTX). Shares have added about 2.3% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500. Will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Viking Therapeutics due for a pullback? Well, first let's take a quick look at the latest earnings report in order to get a better handle on the recent catalysts for Viking Therapeutics, Inc. before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late. Viking reported a second-quarter 2026 loss of $1.10 per share, narrower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $1.21. The reported loss, however, widened from a loss of 58 cents per share in the year-ago quarter due to higher operating expenses. Currently, Viking does not have any approved products in its portfolio. It has yet to generate revenues. Research and development expenses surged 92.4% year over year to $115.8 million. The rise primarily reflected higher spending on clinical studies, salaries and benefits, stock-based compensation and third-party consultants. General and administrative expenses climbed 16.8% to $16.8 million. Higher consultant, legal and patent-service costs, salaries and benefits were partly offset by lower stock-based compensation. Viking ended the June quarter with $502 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments compared with $603 million at the end of first-quarter 2026. Management described the current period as the heaviest phase of cash usage for the VANQUISH studies. It expects spending to taper and reiterated that existing resources should fund operations into 2028. Since the earnings release, investors have witnessed a upward trend in estimates revision. The consensus estimate has shifted 8.26% due to these changes. At this time, Viking Therapeutics has a poor Growth Score of F, however its Momentum Score is doing a lot better with an A. However, the stock was allocated a score of D on the value side, putting it in the bottom 40% for value investors. Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of D. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in. Estimates have been broadly trending upward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions looks promising. Interestingly, Viking Therapeutics has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months. Viking Therapeutics belongs to the Zacks Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry. Another stock from the same industry, Repligen (RGEN), has gained 26.8% over the past month. More than a month has passed since the company reported results for the quarter ended June 2026. Repligen reported revenues of $204.13 million in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +11.9%. EPS of $0.54 for the same period compares with $0.37 a year ago. For the current quarter, Repligen is expected to post earnings of $0.46 per share, indicating no change from the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed +1.2% over the last 30 days. The overall direction and magnitude of estimate revisions translate into a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) for Repligen. Also, the stock has a VGM Score of F. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (VKTX) : Free Stock Analysis Report Repligen Corporation (RGEN) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research

This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Net Loss (Q2 2026): $128.1 million, or $1.10 per share, compared to a net loss of $65.6 million, or $0.58 per share, in Q2 2025. Net Loss (Six Months Ended June 30, 2026): $286.5 million, or $2.47 per share, compared to a net loss of $111.2 million, or $0.99 per share, in the same period of 2025. Research and Development (R&D) Expenses (Q2 2026): $115.8 million, compared to $60.2 million in Q2 2025. R&D Expenses (Six Months Ended June 30, 2026): $266 million, compared to $101.5 million in the same period of 2025. General and Administrative (G&A) Expenses (Q2 2026): $16.9 million, compared to $14.4 million in Q2 2025. G&A Expenses (Six Months Ended June 30, 2026): $30.9 million, compared to $28.5 million in the same period of 2025. Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-Term Investments: $502 million as of June 30, 2026, compared to $706 million as of December 31, 2025. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 2 Warning Signs with VKTX. Is VKTX fairly valued? Test your thesis with our free DCF calculator. Release Date: July 29, 2026 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. VK2735 Phase III VANQUISH program is fully enrolled and advancing on track, with both obesity and obesity/type 2 diabetes trials progressing. Oral VK2735 Phase III trials expected to initiate in Q4 2026, positioning it as a potential first-to-market oral dual GLP-1/GIP agonist. Novel maintenance dosing study for VK2735 is nearing completion, with results expected later this quarter, exploring less frequent dosing regimens. New dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonist, VK3019, entered Phase I clinical development, expanding the obesity pipeline. Strong balance sheet with over $500 million in cash, expected to fund key milestones including completion of Phase III trials. Key executive hires, including a Chief Commercial Officer and Chief Medical Officer, strengthen commercial and clinical leadership. Net loss increased significantly to $128.1 million in Q2 2026 from $65.6 million in Q2 2025, driven by higher R&D expenses. Cash and short-term investments decreased to $502 million from $706 million at year-end 2025, reflecting high cash burn. Phase III oral VK2735 trial design details remain undisclosed, creating uncertainty about dosing and enrollment targets. Maintenance study results may be difficult to compare with competitor trials due to different study designs and shorter duration. Early-stage VK3019 program faces uncertainty, with no clear go/no-go decision criteria until Phase I MAD data in 2027. Here are the key highlights from Viking Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:VKTX)'s Q2 2026 earnings call, focusing on the most significant Q&A exchanges. Q: Regarding the maintenance study, will you be able to break out safety data between the initial titration phase and the maintenance period? A: (Brian Lian, President and CEO) Yes, we hope to break out that initial period versus the maintenance period. It's an important question to understand how reducing dose frequency at higher levels feeds into the tolerability profile during the maintenance period. Q: For the Phase III oral trial expected to initiate in Q4, what are some of the trial design elements you are still working through? A: (Brian Lian, President and CEO) We are pretty set on the designs. It will be two studies, smaller and shorter in duration than the VANQUISH studies, with lower expense. The titration windows will likely stick with the common 4-week cadence. The main work is getting the manufacturing of the tablets ready. Q: For the DACRA program (VK3019), is there a clear threshold for a go/no-go decision, for example, if it doesn't show much differentiation over VK2735? A: (Brian Lian, President and CEO) It's hard to make decisions based on a single ascending dose (SAD) study unless there are obvious safety concerns. We will need to get through the multiple ascending dose (MAD) portion, which will follow the SAD, to know the answer, likely in the 2027 timeframe. Q: How are you thinking about the DACRA program (VK3019) long term, as a monotherapy versus a combination partner with VK2735? A: (Brian Lian, President and CEO) The mechanism has a role as both a stand-alone and in combination. As a stand-alone, it could be for patients needing 8-10% weight loss or those intolerant to GLP-1s. In combination, adding an amylin onto a GLP-1 typically shows a 40-50% improvement in efficacy, which could be industry-leading. The combination will likely follow the single-agent development. Q: In the VANQUISH studies, are you implementing any measures to ensure patients report off-trial usage of incretins to avoid a surprising placebo effect? A: (Brian Lian, President and CEO) GLP-1 use is an exclusion criteria and is not allowed in the study. We have not heard from our sites or investigators that this is an issue, and we were a bit surprised by reports of compounded use in other trials. Q: For the maintenance study, should we expect comparable weight loss at week 21 to the 13.1% placebo-adjusted weight loss seen in the Phase II trial? A: (Brian Lian, President and CEO) It's hard to do cross-trial comparisons due to different titration rates. I would expect it to be in the range of the 13-week study. More important than the number is the trajectorywhether it is plateauing or continuing, as that is a key observation. Q: For the oral Phase III trial, should we think of the design as similar to the oral sema OASIS-1 obesity study? A: (Brian Lian, President and CEO) Broadly speaking, yes, in that neighborhood. We've said it will be about 75% smaller than the VANQUISH study, so that's not a bad guess. Q: Regarding the transition from a vial and syringe to an auto-injector in the VANQUISH studies, have you received any early feedback? A: (Brian Lian, President and CEO) The transition has been pretty smooth. In VANQUISH-1, everyone is now on an auto-injector, and almost everyone in VANQUISH-2 is as well. It has helped reduce the trial burden, as visits dropped from four per month to one per month. Q: How does your amylin program (VK3019) differ from others in development, and how quickly can you move to combo dosing with VK2735? A: (Brian Lian, President and CEO) It's a novel compound that appeared very potent in animal studies, more potent than the most advanced amylin agonist today. In obese primates, it seemed more potent than VK2735. As for the combination, entering the clinic with any sort of combo product wouldn't be until next year at the earliest. Q: For the oral portion of the maintenance study, do you expect a similar number of cohorts as in the injectable portion? A: (Brian Lian, President and CEO) Yes, we will look at multiple doses. The number of arms will be very similar to the VANQUISH study. We will provide all details when we initiate the study in the fourth quarter. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Interested in Viking Therapeutics, Inc.? Here are five stocks we like better. Viking’s losses widened as it increased investment in its obesity pipeline: Q2 net loss reached $128.1 million, while cash, equivalents and short-term investments fell to $502 million; management expects funding to support operations into 2028. The Phase III VANQUISH trials for injectable VK2735 are fully enrolled, with results evaluating weight loss and other outcomes across obesity and obesity-with-diabetes populations. Viking plans to start Phase III trials of oral VK2735 in the fourth quarter and expects maintenance-dosing data for the injectable formulation later this quarter, while advancing earlier-stage candidate VK3019. Viking Therapeutics Faces Timeline Risk—But Upside Could Be Huge Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ:VKTX) reported a wider second-quarter loss as the company increased spending to advance its obesity pipeline, including its lead dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, VK2735, through Phase III development in injectable and planned oral formulations. The company reported a net loss of $128.1 million, or $1.10 per share, for the three months ended June 30, compared with a net loss of $65.6 million, or $0.58 per share, a year earlier. Research and development expense rose to $115.8 million from $60.2 million, driven primarily by clinical-study costs, employee compensation, stock-based compensation and third-party consultants. General and administrative expense increased to $16.9 million from $14.4 million. → This Tiny AI Supplier Could Be More Important Than the Chipmakers 3 Companies at the Forefront of the GLP-1 Pill Wars For the first six months of 2026, Viking reported a net loss of $286.5 million, or $2.47 per share, versus a loss of $111.2 million, or $0.99 per share, in the prior-year period. The company ended the quarter with $502 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, down from $706 million at Dec. 31, 2025. President and Chief Executive Officer Brian Lian said Viking’s Phase III VANQUISH program for subcutaneous VK2735 continued to progress as planned during the quarter. Both trials are fully enrolled. → Refiner Stocks Are Near Record Highs—Can Iran-Driven Margins Keep Them There? Viking Therapeutics: The High-Stakes Weight Loss Contender VANQUISH 1 is studying VK2735 in adults with obesity and enrolled about 4,500 participants by November 2025. VANQUISH 2, which is studying adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes, enrolled about 1,000 participants and completed enrollment in the first quarter of 2026. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies are evaluating once-weekly subcutaneous doses of 7.5 milligrams, 12.5 milligrams and 17.5 milligrams over 78 weeks. The primary endpoint is the percentage change in body weight from baseline compared with placebo. Secondary and exploratory measures include the proportions of patients achieving at least 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% weight loss. → Innovative ETF Strategies That Are Paying Off This Summer Each VANQUISH study also includes an extension period in which participants may continue treatment, including participants initially assigned to placebo. Lian cited prior Phase II results from the VENTURE study, where weekly VK2735 produced mean body-weight reductions of up to 14.7% after 13 weekly doses, with no signs of a plateau, according to the company. Viking said the treatment was generally well tolerated in that study, with most treatment-emergent adverse events described as mild or moderate. Viking continues preparations to begin a Phase III program for its oral tablet formulation of VK2735 in the fourth quarter. Lian said the oral program will include two trials that generally mirror the injectable VANQUISH program, though the studies are expected to be smaller and shorter in duration. In Phase II testing of oral VK2735, participants receiving once-daily tablets achieved mean body-weight reductions of up to 12.2% after 13 weeks, Viking said. The company reported that all doses above 15 milligrams showed statistically significant differences versus both baseline and placebo beginning at week one. Up to 80% of subjects in treatment groups achieved at least 10% weight loss, compared with 5% of placebo-treated subjects. Lian said the company expects to disclose full details of the Phase III oral program, including dose selection, when the trials are initiated. He said Viking believes the program could position VK2735 as the first oral dual GLP-1/GIP agonist to reach the market, if successful. Viking also expects to report results later this quarter from a maintenance-dosing study of injectable VK2735. The study is evaluating weekly, every-other-week and monthly regimens following an initial weekly treatment period. The study is designed to assess safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics, while exploratory endpoints include changes in body weight from baseline and during the maintenance period. Lian said the trial is nearing completion and could help guide dose selection for VANQUISH extension studies expected to start in late 2026 or early 2027. During the question-and-answer session, Lian said Viking would aim to provide separate tolerability data for the initial induction period and the maintenance period, though granular weekly data may not be available with the initial topline release. The company uses a compressed titration schedule in the maintenance study to reach the maintenance phase sooner than it would with less-frequent dosing from the outset. After the injectable maintenance cohorts are completed, Viking plans to continue the study with oral maintenance regimens. That portion is expected to conclude in the first half of 2027. During the quarter, Viking began a Phase I single-ascending-dose trial of VK3019, an investigational dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonist for obesity. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study is enrolling healthy adults with a body mass index of at least 27 and is evaluating the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of single subcutaneous doses. Lian said Viking views VK3019 as having potential both as a standalone treatment and, potentially, in combination with VK2735. However, he said decisions about advancing the program will require data from a multiple-ascending-dose Phase I study, which the company expects to have in the 2027 timeframe. A combination product would not enter clinical testing before next year at the earliest, he said. The company also expanded its leadership and commercial infrastructure. Viking appointed Neil Aubuchon as chief commercial officer in the first quarter, named Hubert Chen, M.D., chief medical officer during the second quarter, and subsequently appointed Dorothy Gemmell to its board of directors. Management said it expects cash use to taper from the current period as the company moves beyond the heaviest spending phase of its subcutaneous Phase III trials. Viking reiterated that it expects its cash position to fund operations into 2028. Viking Therapeutics, Inc is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders. Headquartered in San Diego, California, the company's pipeline leverages small-molecule approaches to target hormone signaling pathways implicated in conditions such as non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes and muscle wasting disorders. The company's lead programs include VK2809, a thyroid hormone receptor‐beta agonist designed to reduce liver fat and improve lipid profiles in patients with NASH and dyslipidemia, and VK5211, a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) aimed at enhancing muscle mass and function in individuals with muscle wasting conditions. This instant news alert was generated by narrative science technology and financial data from MarketBeat in order to provide readers with the fastest reporting and unbiased coverage. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected]. The article "Viking Therapeutics Q2 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat. View MarketBeat's top stocks for July 2026.

Viking Therapeutics VKTX reported a second-quarter 2026 loss of $1.10 per share, narrower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $1.21. The reported loss, however, widened from a loss of 58 cents per share in the year-ago quarter due to higher operating expenses. Viking does not have any approved product in its portfolio and is yet to generate revenues. The company continued investing in VK2735, its lead obesity candidate being developed in injectable and oral formulations. Research and development expenses surged 92.4% year over year to $115.8 million. The rise primarily reflected higher spending on clinical studies, salaries and benefits, stock-based compensation and third-party consultants. General and administrative expenses climbed 16.8% to $16.9 million. Higher consultant, legal and patent-service costs, salaries and benefits were partly offset by lower stock-based compensation. Total operating expenses increased to $132.6 million from $74.6 million a year ago. Year to date, shares of the company have lost 5% against the industry’s nearly 4% growth. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research VK2735 is a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist being developed for obesity in injectable and oral formulations. Viking believes offering both forms could provide patients with greater flexibility across weight-loss treatment and long-term maintenance. The subcutaneous (SC) formulation is being evaluated in the phase III VANQUISH program. VANQUISH-1 is studying adults with obesity, while VANQUISH-2 is evaluating adults with obesity and type II diabetes (T2D). Both studies are fully enrolled and continued to advance according to plan during the quarter. Participants in each study have been randomized to weekly doses of 7.5 mg, 12.5 mg or 17.5 mg of VK2735, or placebo. The studies are evaluating treatment over 78 weeks. The primary endpoint measures the percentage change in body weight from baseline compared with placebo. Secondary and exploratory measures include the proportion of patients achieving weight reductions of at least 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%. Each study also includes an extension period. This will allow participants to continue treatment after completing the primary dosing phase, including those initially assigned to placebo. Viking remains on track to initiate two phase III studies on oral VK2735 in the fourth quarter of 2026. Management said the studies will broadly follow the VANQUISH framework but will be smaller in scale and shorter in duration than the VANQUISH studies. The company’s prior phase II study showed statistically significant mean body-weight reductions of up to 12.2% after 13 weeks of once-daily oral treatment. Significant differences from baseline and placebo were observed across all doses above 15 mg. Up to 80% of participants in the VK2735 treatment groups achieved at least 10% weight loss compared with 5% of placebo-treated participants. Viking also reported an encouraging safety and tolerability profile through the 13-week treatment period. Viking is evaluating VK2735 in a separate maintenance study designed to test whether less-frequent dosing can sustain weight loss after an initial period of weekly treatment. The study includes weekly, every-other-week and monthly SC maintenance regimens, along with placebo. Viking expects to report results later in the third quarter of 2026. Management said the findings could help identify two to four regimens for additional evaluation in the VANQUISH extension studies, which are expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027. Viking also plans to assess oral maintenance regimens, with that portion of the study expected to be completed in the first half of 2027. During the quarter, Viking initiated a phase I single-ascending-dose study on VK3019. The investigational candidate is a dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonist being developed for obesity. The early-stage study is evaluating healthy adults with a body mass index of at least 27. Its primary objectives are to assess safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics following single SC doses. Exploratory assessments will examine changes in body weight after one dose. Management sees potential for VK3019 as a stand-alone therapy and, over time, as a combination candidate with VK2735. Viking ended June with $502 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments compared with $603 million at the end of first-quarter 2026. Management described the current period as the heaviest phase of cash usage for the VANQUISH studies. It expects spending to taper and reiterated that existing resources should fund operations into 2028. Viking currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Viking Therapeutics, Inc. price | Viking Therapeutics, Inc. Quote Some better-ranked stocks from the sector are Liquidia Corporation LQDA and Harmony Biosciences HRMY, sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) each at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Over the past 60 days, estimates for Liquidia’s 2026 earnings per share (EPS) have increased from $2.97 to $3.02. Over the same period, EPS estimates for 2027 have risen from $4.81 to $5.31. LQDA shares have skyrocketed more than 150% year to date. Liquidia’s earnings beat estimates in three of the trailing four quarters and missed once, with the average surprise being 54.40%. Over the past 60 days, estimates for Harmony Biosciences’ 2026 EPS have increased from $3.20 to $3.30. Over the same period, EPS estimates for 2027 have risen from $3.64 to $3.87. HRMY’s shares have lost 4% year to date. Harmony Biosciences’ earnings missed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average negative surprise being 25.16%. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (VKTX) : Free Stock Analysis Report Liquidia Corporation (LQDA) : Free Stock Analysis Report Harmony Biosciences Holdings, Inc. (HRMY) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research

Conference call scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET today -- Phase 3 VANQUISH 1 & 2 Trials for Subcutaneous VK2735 in Obesity Fully Enrolled and Advancing -- -- Oral Phase 3 VK2735 Trial Initiation Expected 4Q26 -- -- VK2735 Maintenance Dosing Data Expected 3Q26 -- -- Phase 1 Study of Amylin Agonist VK3019 Underway -- -- Strong Quarter-End Cash Position of $502 Million -- SAN DIEGO, July 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (Viking) (Nasdaq: VKTX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders, today announced its financial results for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2026, and provided an update on its clinical pipeline and other corporate developments. Highlights from the Second Quarter Ended June 30, 2026, and Other Recent Events: "During the second quarter, we continued to advance each program in our expanding obesity franchise," stated Brian Lian, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Viking. "With respect to our lead compound, VK2735, Viking's Phase 3 VANQUISH-1 and -2 trials are fully enrolled and proceeding according to plan. During the period, the company continued to prepare for initiation of Phase 3 trials with the oral formulation of VK2735, expected to begin in the fourth quarter of this year. Oral VK2735 is positioned to potentially become the first orally available dual GLP-1/GIP agonist to reach the market, potentially offering a competitive advantage compared to GLP-1 mono-agonist oral products currently available. Viking's novel maintenance dosing study also continued to progress. This study is designed to explore the effects of various maintenance regimens, including monthly and every other week dosing, to help us identify and optimize the individualized and long-term care often required to achieve and sustain a healthy weight. We expect to report the results of this study later this quarter. Also during the second quarter, Viking expanded its obesity portfolio with the initiation of a Phase 1 clinical trial of VK3019, an investigational amylin receptor agonist. We are excited to advance this new program into clinical development, which we believe may offer another important potential treatment option to patients living with obesity and overweight. Along with our novel pipeline, we are also carefully expanding our internal infrastructure adding capabilities to maximize the opportunities ahead. To this end, during the quarter, Viking appointed Hubert Chen, M.D., as chief medical officer. Hubert brings more than two decades of leadership experience in senior executive roles spanning drug discovery, clinical development, regulatory strategy, and product approvals across multiple therapeutic areas, including an extensive knowledge of obesity, metabolic disorders, and endocrinology. We are thrilled to have Hubert join the team and we look forward to his many valuable contributions." Pipeline and Recent Corporate Highlights Phase 3 VANQUISH 1 & 2 Trials for Subcutaneous VK2735 in Obesity Fully Enrolled and Advancing. VK2735 is a wholly owned long-acting dual agonist of the glucagon like peptide-1, or GLP-1 receptor, and the glucose dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, or GIP receptor, in development for the potential treatment of obesity and other metabolic disorders. Top-line data from the company's prior Phase 2 VENTURE study of VK2735 in adults with obesity demonstrated statistically significant reductions in mean body weight from baseline, ranging up to 14.7% after 13 weekly doses, with no signs of plateau. Importantly, the VENTURE study also showed VK2735 to be safe and well tolerated through 13 weeks of dosing, with the majority of treatment emergent adverse events characterized as mild or moderate and resolving quickly. These results were highlighted in a presentation at the 2025 ObesityWeek conference last November. The final results were also published in January 2026 in Obesity, the peer-reviewed journal of The Obesity Society. Following these positive findings, and the receipt of feedback from Viking's Type C and end-of-Phase-2 meetings with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the company advanced subcutaneous VK2735 into Phase 3 development, initiating the VANQUISH Phase 3 registration program in June of last year. The VANQUISH program consists of two clinical trials: one in adults with obesity and one in adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Each study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial designed to assess the efficacy and safety of VK2735 administered by subcutaneous injection once weekly for 78 weeks. Enrollment in each of these trials was rapid, with the VANQUISH-1 study enrolling approximately 4,500 patients by November 2025, approximately five months after trial initiation. Enrollment in the VANQUISH-2 study was completed in the first quarter, enrolling approximately 1,000 patients. Participants in each trial have been randomized to weekly doses of 7.5 mg, 12.5 mg, 17.5 mg, or placebo. The primary endpoint of the VANQUISH trials is the percent change in body weight from baseline for participants receiving VK2735 as compared to placebo after 78 weeks of treatment. Secondary and exploratory endpoints will evaluate a range of additional safety and efficacy measures, including the percentage of patients who achieve at least 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% weight loss. Each study will include an extension portion allowing participants the opportunity to continue receiving treatment following completion of the primary dosing period, including patients who were randomized to placebo for the initial 78-week treatment period. During the second quarter, both VANQUISH studies continued to proceed according to plan. Oral Phase 3 VK2735 Trial Initiation Expected 4Q26. In addition to the development of a subcutaneous formulation, Viking is also advancing an oral tablet formulation of VK2735 which, if successful, is positioned to become the first oral dual GLP-1/GIP agonist to reach the market. The company believes the availability of both oral and injectable formulations is a key differentiating feature of VK2735, as no other dual or triple agonist is currently available in both formulations. The availability of both a tablet and a subcutaneous formulation may represent an attractive option for those who prefer to initiate treatment with an oral therapy, or for those seeking to maintain the weight loss they have already achieved with an injectable therapy. Using the same active ingredient across formulations may also reduce the risk of unexpected side effects compared with switching between therapies that do not share the same active agent. Consistent with Viking's subcutaneous results, the company's prior Phase 1 and Phase 2 studies evaluating oral VK2735 successfully achieved their objectives. In addition to encouraging safety and tolerability, the company's Phase 1 study demonstrated dose-dependent reductions in mean body weight from baseline, ranging up to 8.2% after 28 daily doses. The Phase 2 VENTURE-oral dosing study of VK2735 also produced positive results. Participants receiving once daily doses of the tablet formulation demonstrated statistically significant reductions in mean body weight after 13 weeks, ranging up to 12.2% from baseline. Statistically significant differences compared to both baseline and placebo were observed for all doses above 15 mg starting at Week 1 and continuing throughout the 13-week treatment period. Up to 80% of subjects in VK2735 treatment groups achieved at least 10% weight loss after 13 weeks, compared with only 5% of placebo treated subjects. The tablet formulation of VK2735 also demonstrated encouraging safety and tolerability through 13 weeks of once-daily dosing. The vast majority of drug-related treatment-emergent adverse events were characterized as mild or moderate in severity. Importantly, in the dose range that Viking plans to explore in future studies, the company believes the results showed no meaningful difference in gastrointestinal (GI)-related adverse events between subjects treated with VK2735 and placebo. The tolerability data from the VENTURE oral dosing study also suggest that future titration regimens starting at lower doses and utilizing longer titration intervals are likely to further improve oral VK2735's tolerability profile. In addition to these top line results, further data from the Phase 2 trial were presented in May of this year at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO) held in Istanbul, Türkiye. The full dataset presented at ECO provided a detailed picture of VK2735's response over time, affirming compelling efficacy, a clear dose-response, and an encouraging tolerability profile through the 13-week treatment period. Based on these positive results, as well as feedback from Viking's end of Phase 2 meeting with the FDA, the company plans to advance oral VK2735 into Phase 3 development for the treatment of obesity. During the second quarter, the company continued to prepare for initiation of these studies, which are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of this year. VK2735 Maintenance Dosing Study Data Expected 3Q26.  Based on VK2735's promising efficacy and differentiated pharmacokinetic (PK) profile, the company is evaluating a range of novel dosing regimens for both the induction and the long-term maintenance of weight loss. Providing flexible dosing options for long-term therapy may improve treatment persistence following achievement of individual weight loss goals. In addition, affording patients the option to remain on the same therapeutic compound, in either a tablet or an injectable form, throughout their treatment journey may reduce the potential for undesired side effects compared with options that involve switching between different therapeutic agents. The company believes this may lead to improved adherence to therapy and increase the probability of realizing the long-term benefits of weight loss such as reduced cardiovascular risks, improved physical function and enhanced quality of life. In October 2025, Viking initiated a Phase 1 dose-ranging study designed to explore the feasibility of various VK2735 maintenance dosing regimens. This trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in approximately 180 adults with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2). All participants will receive initial weekly subcutaneous doses of VK2735 or placebo for an induction period, after which participants are transitioned to a range of VK2735 maintenance regimens including weekly, every other week, and monthly dosing, or placebo. The objectives of the study are to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and PK profile of VK2735 across regimens. Exploratory endpoints will assess change in body weight from baseline, as well as change in body weight before and after transitioning to maintenance dosing. The company expects to report the results of the study in 3Q26. Phase 1 Study of Amylin Agonist VK3019 Underway. VK3019 is an investigational dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonist (DACRA) in development for the potential treatment of obesity. Preclinical data for this program showed impressive effects on body weight, food intake, and metabolism in healthy rats and diet-induced obese (DIO) mice compared to control-treated animals. Results showed Viking's DACRAs reduced food intake in lean rats within 0 to 72 hours after a single dose. At 72 hours, these compounds reduced body weight by up to 8% compared to controls. In the first quarter of 2026, the company filed an investigational new drug (IND) application with the FDA for this program. Following clearance of the IND, in the second quarter the company initiated a Phase 1 single ascending dose (SAD) clinical trial evaluating VK3019. The Phase 1 trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled SAD study in healthy adults with BMI ≥27. The primary objectives of the study include an evaluation of the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of VK3019 following administration of single subcutaneous doses. Exploratory pharmacodynamic assessments include evaluations of changes in body weight after a single-dose administration. The addition of VK3019 to Viking's clinical pipeline represents an important expansion of the company's obesity franchise and further illustrates Viking's commitment to treating obesity first with the goal of helping patients achieve and maintain a weight that will allow them to improve their overall health and quality of life. Addition of Key Senior Staff and Board Expertise. As Viking continues to grow its pipeline programs and advance toward commercialization, it has also expanded its senior leadership team and added important expertise at the board level. To this end, the company in the second quarter announced the appointment of Hubert Chen, M.D., as chief medical officer. Dr. Chen brings more than two decades of leadership experience in senior executive roles spanning drug discovery, clinical development, regulatory strategy, and product approvals across multiple therapeutic areas. Prior to joining Viking, Dr. Chen served as chief research and development officer at Loyal Animal Health, where he led the first-ever FDA-negotiated effectiveness and safety requirements for longevity therapeutics. Previously, he was president and chief scientific officer at Forte Biosciences, chief medical officer at Metacrine, and chief scientific and medical officer at Pfenex. Dr. Chen is reporting to Brian Lian, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer, and oversees clinical development as well as medical and regulatory affairs. In addition, following the end of the second quarter, the company appointed Dorothy Gemmell to its board of directors. Ms. Gemmell is a highly experienced executive and board advisor with over 25 years of leadership experience across healthcare, digital health, and commercialization. She has served as president or chief commercial officer at numerous companies, including GoodRx, Capsule, and Havas Life, leading growth initiatives, scaling organizations, and developing revenue models across payer, provider, employer, and pharmaceutical markets. Upcoming Investor EventsViking management will participate in the following upcoming investor events: 2026 Cantor Global Healthcare ConferenceNew York, NYSeptember 9 - 11, 2026 Morgan Stanley 24th Annual Global Healthcare ConferenceNew York, NYSeptember 14 – 16, 2026 Bernstein's 3rd Annual Healthcare ForumNew York, NYSeptember 23 - 24, 2026 William Blair Biotech ConferenceChicago, ILSeptember 29 – 30, 2026 Second Quarter and Six Months 2026 Financial Highlights Second Quarter ended June 30, 2026 and 2025 Research and development expenses were $115.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2026, compared to $60.2 million for the same period in 2025. The increase was primarily due to increased expenses related to clinical studies, salaries and benefits, stock-based compensation and third-party consultants, partially offset by decreased expenses related to manufacturing for our drug candidates and preclinical studies. General and administrative expenses were $16.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2026, compared to $14.4 million for the same period in 2025. The increase was primarily due to increased expenses related to third-party consultants, legal and patent services and salaries and benefits, partially offset decreased expenses related to stock-based compensation. For the three months ended June 30, 2026, Viking reported a net loss of $128.0 million, or $1.10 per share, compared to a net loss of $65.6 million, or $0.58 per share, in the corresponding period in 2025. The increase in net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2026, was primarily due to increased research and development expenses and general and administrative expenses, noted previously, compared to the same period in 2025. Six Months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025 Research and development expenses were $265.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026, compared to $101.5 million for the same period in 2025. The increase was primarily due to increased expenses related to clinical studies, salaries and benefits, third-party consultants and stock-based compensation, partially offset by decreased expenses related to manufacturing for our drug candidates and preclinical studies. General and administrative expenses were $30.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026, compared to $28.5 million for the same period in 2025. The increase was primarily due to increased expenses related to third-party consultants and salaries and benefits, partially offset by decreased expenses related to stock-based compensation and legal and patent services. For the six months ended June 30, 2026, Viking reported a net loss of $286.3 million, or $2.47 per share, compared to a net loss of $111.2 million, or $0.99 per share, in the corresponding period in 2025. The increase in net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2026, was primarily due to increased research and development expenses and general and administrative expenses, noted previously, compared to the same period in 2025. Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2026 At June 30, 2026, Viking held cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $502 million, compared to $706 million as of December 31, 2025. Conference Call Management will host a conference call to discuss Viking's second quarter 2026 financial results today at 4:30 pm Eastern. To participate in the conference call, please dial (844) 850-0543 from the U.S. or (412) 317-5199 from outside the U.S. In addition, following the completion of the call, a telephone replay will be accessible until August 5, 2026, by dialing (855) 669-9658 from the U.S. and Canada, or (412) 317-0088 and entering conference ID # 7609005. Those interested in listening to the conference call live via the internet may do so by visiting the Webcasts page of Viking's website at http://ir.vikingtherapeutics.com/webcasts. An archive of the webcast will also be available on the Webcasts page of Viking's website for 30 days. About Viking Therapeutics, Inc. Viking Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing a next-generation portfolio of therapies for obesity and metabolic disease. Guided by deep expertise in metabolic biology and rigorous science, Viking is developing innovative treatments to help people achieve meaningful, lasting health improvements by treating obesity first. The company's lead program, VK2735, is a dual glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist in development in both subcutaneous and oral formulations for obesity. VK2735 is currently being evaluated in Phase 3 clinical studies for obesity, along with maintenance dosing strategies designed to support long-term weight management. Viking is also advancing additional obesity programs, including VK3019, an amylin receptor agonist, VK2809, an orally available thyroid hormone receptor beta agonist for metabolic and liver disease, and VK0214 for the rare genetic disorder X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD). For more information about Viking Therapeutics, please visit www.vikingtherapeutics.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding Viking Therapeutics, Inc., under the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements about Viking's expectations regarding its clinical and preclinical development programs, anticipated timing for reporting clinical data and cash resources.  Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely and reported results should not be considered as an indication of future performance.  These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: risks associated with the success, cost and timing of Viking's product candidate development activities and clinical trials, including those for VK2735, VK3019, VK0214, VK2809, and the company's other incretin and other receptor agonists; risks that prior clinical and preclinical results may not be replicated; risks regarding regulatory requirements; and other risks that are described in Viking's most recent periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission including Viking's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, including the risk factors set forth in those filings.  These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof.  Viking disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements except as required by law. 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Conference Call Scheduled for Wednesday, July 29, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time SAN DIEGO, July 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Viking Therapeutics, Inc. ("Viking") (NASDAQ: VKTX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders, today announced that the company will release financial results for the second quarter of 2026 after the market close on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. The company will host a conference call to discuss financial results and general corporate updates beginning at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. To participate in the conference call, please dial (844) 850-0543 from the U.S. or (412) 317-5199 from outside the U.S. In addition, following the completion of the call, a telephone replay will be accessible until August 5, 2026, by dialing (855) 669-9658 from the U.S. and Canada, or (412) 317-0088 and entering conference ID # 7609005. Those interested in listening to the conference call live via the internet may do so by visiting the Webcasts page of Viking's website at http://ir.vikingtherapeutics.com/webcasts. An archive of the webcast will also be available on the Webcasts page of the company's website for 30 days. About Viking Therapeutics, Inc. Viking Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing a next-generation portfolio of therapies for obesity and metabolic disease. Guided by deep expertise in metabolic biology and rigorous science, Viking is developing innovative treatments to help people achieve meaningful, lasting health improvements by treating obesity first. The company's lead program, VK2735, is a dual glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist in development in both subcutaneous and oral formulations for obesity. VK2735 is currently being evaluated in Phase 3 clinical studies for obesity, and a Phase 1 study designed to evaluate maintenance dosing strategies to support long-term weight management. Viking's pipeline also includes additional obesity programs, including VK3019, an amylin receptor agonist, VK2809, an orally available thyroid hormone receptor beta agonist for metabolic and liver disease, and VK0214 for the rare genetic disorder X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD). For more information about Viking Therapeutics, please visit www.vikingtherapeutics.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/viking-therapeutics-to-report-financial-results-for-second-quarter-2026-on-july-29-2026-302831513.html

We expect investors to focus on updates related to Viking Therapeutics’ VKTX pipeline when it reports second-quarter 2026 earnings. In the last reported quarter, the company’s earnings missed expectations by more than 44%. Since the company lacks a marketed drug in its portfolio, no revenues are expected to have been recorded. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is pegged at a loss of $1.21 per share. Investor focus will likely be on pipeline updates. Viking Therapeutics’ lead candidate is VK2735, which is being developed to treat obesity. The company is conducting two late-stage studies (VANQUISH-1 and VANQUISH-2) on the subcutaneous (SC) formulation of VK2735. While VANQUISH-1 is evaluating the drug in obese adults with at least one weight-related co-morbid condition and without type II diabetes (T2D), VANQUISH-2 is assessing its efficacy in obese or overweight adults with T2D. Data from these studies is not expected before next year. Investors will likely be seeking updates on the ongoing maintenance dosing study on VK2735, which was initiated last year. This study is evaluating multiple regimens — monthly SC, weekly oral and daily oral dosing — to determine whether the initial weight loss achieved with weekly SC dosing can be sustained. The company had previously announced that it would report SC maintenance results in the third quarter of 2026, followed by oral maintenance results in the first half of 2027. Investors will also likely be interested in seeking updates from VKTX on the study design for the late-stage program on the oral version of VK2735. Viking Therapeutics had previously announced plans to start the program in the fourth quarter of 2026. The biotech firm’s performance has been dismal over the past four quarters. Its earnings missed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, delivering a negative average surprise of 36.70%. Viking Therapeutics, Inc. price-eps-surprise | Viking Therapeutics, Inc. Quote Year to date, shares of the company have gained more than 3% compared withthe industry’s nearly 2% growth. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Per our proven model, companies with the combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), #2 (Buy) or#3 (Hold) have a good chance of delivering an earnings beat. This is not the case here. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they're reported with our Earnings ESP Filter. Viking has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% and a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Here are some drug/biotech stocks that have the right combination of elements to beat on earnings this time around: Absci Corporation ABSI has an Earnings ESP of +15.22% and a Zacks Rank #2 at present. Shares of ABSI have skyrocketed about 136% year to date. The company’s earnings beat estimates in one of the trailing four quarters, while missing the mark on the other three occasions. Agenus delivered an average negative surprise of 17.58%. Absci will report second-quarter 2026 earnings on Aug. 11, after market close. Edgewise Therapeutics EWTX has an Earnings ESP of +13.28% and a Zacks Rank #2 at present. Shares of EWTX have surged 54% year to date. The company’s earnings beat estimates in three of the trailing four quarters while missing out on one occasion, delivering an average surprise of 5.06%. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (VKTX) : Free Stock Analysis Report Edgewise Therapeutics, Inc. (EWTX) : Free Stock Analysis Report Absci Corporation (ABSI) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research

Issued on behalf of MindWalk Holdings Corp. MindWalk Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ: HYFT) heads into its fourth-quarter and full-year results with fresh index inclusion, an expanded patent estate, and AI-designed programs aimed at two of medicine's biggest frontiers: GLP-1 metabolic health and infectious disease. AUSTIN, Texas, July 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Equity Insider News Commentary - Artificial intelligence has moved from the edges of drug discovery to its center. The biggest pharmaceutical companies in the world are now racing to design molecules with machine learning rather than trial and error, and the market has begun to reward the names building the infrastructure underneath that shift. MindWalk Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ: HYFT), a self-described Bio-Native AI company based in Austin, is one of the smaller players staking out a differentiated position, and it is heading into a catalyst-rich stretch. The company will report fourth-quarter and full fiscal year 2026 results on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, with a conference call scheduled for 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Key Takeaways A dated catalyst ahead. MindWalk will report Q4 and full fiscal year 2026 results on July 22, 2026, giving investors a near-term look at the company's revenue trajectory and program progress. Fresh institutional visibility. MindWalk was added to the Russell 3000E Index effective after the U.S. market close on June 26, 2026, broadening its eligibility for index-tracking funds. A widening IP moat. The company filed a European patent application covering the high-dimensional data architecture behind its proprietary HYFT® Technology and ReefIQ™ biological context layer. Riding the GLP-1 wave. MindWalk is applying its LensAI™ platform and HYFT patterns to a GLP-1 program aimed at sustaining high-quality signaling alongside complementary healthy-aging pathways. Momentum in the peer group. AI-driven drug discovery names have been among the market's stronger performers this year, a backdrop that puts fresh eyes on the smaller companies pursuing the same thesis. A Different Way to Represent Biology Most AI-drug-discovery companies start with a model and feed it data. MindWalk's pitch is that the representation of biology itself is the hard part, and the place to build a durable advantage. At the core of its approach is HYFT Technology, described by the company as a proprietary, function-aware representation of biology built on roughly 660 million biological patterns, universal fingerprints that encode conserved relationships between sequence, structure, and function. That representation underpins two platforms the company markets to partners: ReefIQ, a biological context layer, and LensAI, which integrates sequence models, structural predictions, and reasoning over its biological representation. The company reinforced that foundation in mid-2026 by filing a European patent application directed to high-dimensional data structures for biological subsequences and property inference, intended to protect the enriched biological representation architecture behind HYFT and ReefIQ. For a company whose entire value proposition rests on a differentiated data layer, protecting that layer across jurisdictions is central to the investment case. MindWalk was formerly known as ImmunoPrecise Antibodies before rebranding to MindWalk Holdings Corp. in September 2025, a change that reflects how two decades of wet-lab antibody science became the foundation for its AI: the curated biology from that lab work is what the HYFT representation is built on, and the wet lab and the platform now feed each other. It reported second-quarter fiscal 2026 revenue of approximately US$3.0 million (about CA$4.1 million as reported), up 54% year over year, with gross profit up 94%, and it divested non-core wet-lab operations in the Netherlands for approximately US$11.7 million in net proceeds to sharpen the focus on its AI platform. All figures are as reported by the company; MindWalk reports in Canadian dollars despite its Nasdaq listing. The Company It Keeps: An AI-Discovery Cohort on the Move MindWalk is a small, early-stage name, and the following companies are much larger and are referenced here only as market and thematic context, not as peers, competitors, or financial comparables to HYFT. What they share is a single thesis that has drawn fresh capital in 2026: that artificial intelligence is becoming the engine of biological discovery. Each has been an outperformer this year, which is part of why the smaller companies pursuing the same idea are getting a second look. All performance figures below are as of mid-July 2026 and will change. Absci (Nasdaq: ABSI) is the closest thematic analog to MindWalk, and the connection is direct: MindWalk CEO Dr. Jennifer Bath appeared alongside Absci on an industry panel about partnering to power the new era of drug discovery. Absci uses generative AI to design protein therapeutics, and its stock has been one of the year's standout movers, rising sharply after it reported positive interim Phase 1 data in June 2026 for ABS-201, an antibody its platform designed. Absci demonstrates the market's appetite for the exact category MindWalk operates in: AI that designs biology rather than just analyzing it. AbCellera Biologics (Nasdaq: ABCL) shows how an AI-powered discovery platform can turn into clinical momentum. The Vancouver-based company hit a 52-week high in late June 2026 and has been one of the sector's strongest performers year to date, up roughly 76%, after a first-quarter revenue beat and positive interim Phase 1 data for its lead program. AbCellera's arc, from an antibody-discovery engine into a company advancing its own pipeline, is a useful reference for how the market rewards a platform that begins converting computational capability into clinical assets, the same transition MindWalk is positioning its HYFT platform to make. Viking Therapeutics (Nasdaq: VKTX) is not an AI company, but it sits squarely on the demand wave MindWalk is aiming at. Viking is one of the most closely watched names in GLP-1 and metabolic disease, and its shares have climbed year to date as its obesity pipeline has advanced. The relevance to MindWalk is thematic: MindWalk's LensAI platform has been applied to a GLP-1 program designed to sustain high-quality GLP-1 signaling while engaging complementary resilience pathways implicated in healthy aging. Viking illustrates the scale of investor interest in the metabolic-health frontier that MindWalk's AI work is oriented toward. NVIDIA (Nasdaq: NVDA) is the layer beneath all of it. Every Bio-Native AI ambition ultimately runs on compute, and NVIDIA has extended its reach directly into the field: in June 2026 it announced its BioNeMo Agent Toolkit, tools for AI agents to accelerate scientific discovery. NVIDIA is up year to date and remains the central beneficiary of the AI-infrastructure buildout. Its move into agentic tools for biology underscores that the discovery workflows MindWalk is building, agentic AI operating on a function-aware representation of biology, sit right in the path of where the largest technology company in the space is investing. What July 22 Could Show The upcoming report gives investors a concrete checkpoint. The questions that matter are whether the platform revenue that grew 54% year over year in the second quarter has continued to build, how the balance sheet looks after the Netherlands divestiture, and what management signals about partner engagement and the GLP-1 and infectious-disease programs. MindWalk has also structured its AI-generated assets into a Cayman Islands-based segregated portfolio designed to finance each program individually without diluting parent-company equity, an unusual structure the company argues protects the intellectual property behind each asset while preserving flexibility to fund or spin out programs over time. None of this removes the risk inherent in a small-cap, development-stage AI company whose value rests on early platform traction and its ability to keep funding the work. But the combination of a dated near-term catalyst, fresh index inclusion, an expanding patent estate, and exposure to two of the most heavily funded themes in the market, AI-driven discovery and GLP-1 metabolic health, is the kind of setup that tends to draw attention. The July 22 results will offer the next real data point. CONTINUED… Stay ahead of the next MindWalk Holdings update and follow the story into the July 22 earnings report. About MindWalk Holdings Corp. MindWalk Holdings Corp. (Nasdaq: HYFT) is a Bio-Native AI company building the BioIntelligence infrastructure that life sciences and agentic AI require, integrating AI, data, and advanced wet-lab capabilities into one connected discovery ecosystem. At its core is HYFT Technology, a proprietary, function-aware representation of biology that underpins its ReefIQ and LensAI platforms. The company was formerly known as ImmunoPrecise Antibodies Ltd. and changed its name to MindWalk Holdings Corp. in September 2025. It is headquartered in Austin, Texas. Dr. Jennifer Bath serves as President and Chief Executive Officer. Article SourceEquity [email protected] DISCLAIMER / DISCLOSURE Nothing in this publication should be considered as personalized financial advice. We are not licensed under securities laws to address your particular financial situation. No communication by our employees to you should be deemed as personalized financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decision. This is a paid advertisement and is neither an offer nor recommendation to buy or sell any security. We hold no investment licenses and are thus neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice. The content in this report or email is not provided to any individual with a view toward their individual circumstances. This article is being distributed for Market Equities Limited, ("MEL"), which wholly owns and operates Equity Insider. MEL has been paid a fee for MindWalk Holdings ("HYFT") advertising and digital media from Creative Direct Marketing Group ("CDMG"). There may be 3rd parties who may have shares of HYFT, and may liquidate their shares which could have a negative effect on the price of the stock. This compensation constitutes a conflict of interest as to our ability to remain objective in our communication regarding the profiled company. Because of this conflict, individuals are strongly encouraged to not use this publication as the basis for any investment decision. MEL and its owner/operators do not own any shares of HYFT, but reserve the right to buy and sell shares of HYFT at any time without any further notice commencing immediately and ongoing. We also expect further compensation as an ongoing digital media effort to increase visibility for the company, no further notice will be given, but let this disclaimer serve as notice that all material, including this article, which is disseminated by MEL has been reviewed and approved on behalf of HYFT by CDMG. While all information is believed to be reliable, it is not guaranteed by us to be accurate. Individuals should assume that all information contained in our newsletter is not trustworthy unless verified by their own independent research. Always consult a licensed investment professional before making any investment decision. Be extremely careful, investing in securities carries a high degree of risk; you may likely lose some or all of the investment. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable U.S. and Canadian securities laws, including statements regarding MindWalk Holdings Corp.'s anticipated financial results and earnings call timing, platform development, partner engagement, patent protection, index inclusion, and its GLP-1, infectious-disease, and other AI-generated programs. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve substantial risks and uncertainties, including technology performance, market acceptance, partnerships, competition, regulatory outcomes, and capital markets conditions. Company-reported figures are stated in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted and are subject to the company's own reporting. Actual results may differ materially. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by law. HYFT®, HYFT Technology, ReefIQ™, and LensAI™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of MindWalk Holdings Corp. The comparable companies referenced (ABSI, ABCL, VKTX, NVDA) are provided solely as market and thematic context and are not peers, competitors, or comparables of MindWalk Holdings Corp. All third-party stock performance figures are as of mid-July 2026 and are subject to change. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/as-ai-rewrites-drug-discovery-this-bio-native-ai-company-just-joined-the-russell-3000e-and-reports-earnings-july-22-302826193.html View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/July2026/15/c4955.html

A month has gone by since the last earnings report for Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (VKTX). Shares have added about 3.2% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500. Will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Viking Therapeutics due for a pullback? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at its latest earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important catalysts. Viking posted a first-quarter 2026 loss of $1.37 per share, wider than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 95 cents. The company had incurred a loss of 41 cents in the year-ago quarter. Currently, Viking Therapeutics does not have any approved products in its portfolio. It has yet to generate revenues. Research and development (R&D) expenses surged to $150.2 million in the first quarter of 2026 from $41.4 million a year ago. Management attributed the increase primarily to higher spending tied to clinical studies, manufacturing for drug candidates, consultants, salaries and benefits, and preclinical work. The stepped-up R&D cadence aligns with the company’s effort to run multiple large studies in parallel, including its ongoing phase III program for VK2735 SC. Viking Therapeutics is planning to move the oral version of the drug into late-stage development later in 2026. General and administrative (G&A) expenses were $14.0 million compared with $14.1 million in the year-ago quarter. Management cited lower costs related to legal and patent services and stock-based compensation, partially offset by higher spending on consulting, salaries and benefits, and scientific and disease education. Even with G&A largely stable, Viking continues to build operational capability around its obesity opportunity. During the quarter, the company announced the appointment of Neil Aubuchon as its first chief commercial officer, adding commercial leadership as VK2735 advances toward potential registration milestones. Viking ended the quarter with $603.0 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, down from $706 million at the end of 2025. The decline reflects the elevated cost of sustaining late-stage studies and supporting broader development activity across the pipeline. Management addressed the cadence of spending and cash usage. On the earnings call, the company indicated that next quarter’s expense and cash usage could be around the first-quarter level, potentially modestly lower. Spending is expectedto taper somewhat in the second half of the year as the company continues to manage its balance sheet alongside clinical and operational expansion. It turns out, estimates review have trended downward during the past month. The consensus estimate has shifted -29.59% due to these changes. At this time, Viking Therapeutics has a poor Growth Score of F, a grade with the same score on the momentum front. Charting a somewhat similar path, the stock has a grade of D on the value side, putting it in the bottom 40% for this investment strategy. Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of F. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in. Estimates have been broadly trending downward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions indicates a downward shift. Notably, Viking Therapeutics has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (VKTX) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research

By John Vandermosten, CFA NASDAQ: LGND READ THE FULL LGND RESEARCH REPORT Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: LGND) reported first quarter 2026 results with revenues of $51.7 million and adjusted core earnings per share (EPS) of $1.63. Revenue growth of 14% generated a 23% EPS increase. By line item, royalties rose 56% while Captisol and Contract revenue fell. The big news since the prior financial update was the XOMA Royalty transaction, which adds over 100 new assets to the portfolio, including seven key royalty-generating assets. Other activity since the start of the year includes the approval of Filspari for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and advancement of Palvella’s QTORIN rapamycin on several fronts, including an upcoming regulatory submission and start of two clinical trials. Additionally, Ligand gave notice to Viking Therapeutics regarding the TR-Beta program and remitted an additional $15 million to Orchestra Biomed, along with expanded clinical work in other portfolio assets. Along with the XOMA announcement on April 27th, Ligand raised its revenue and earnings guidance for 2026 and earnings guidance for 2027. 2026 revenue guidance was increased by $25 million to a range of $270 million to $310 million, and earnings per share were increased by $0.50 to a range of $8.50 to $9.50. For 2027, Ligand anticipates that XOMA revenues will add $1.50 to EPS. 1Q:26 Financial and Operational Results Ligand reported first quarter financial and operational results disclosed in a press release and Form 10-Q filing with the SEC on May 7th and 8th, respectively. A conference call was held with an accompanying presentation to discuss results with investors following the release. For the quarter ending March 31st, 2026, Ligand recognized revenues of $51.7 million. GAAP loss per share for 1Q:26 totaled $0.67, and adjusted core EPS was $1.63, with the primary difference related to a change in fair value of the Pelthos holdings. For 1Q:26 versus the same prior year period: Revenues of $51.7 million rose 14% from $45.3 million, driven by strong growth in royalties. Intangible royalties grew 53% to $32.9 million, and financial royalties grew 70% to $10.0 million. Captisol revenues were $8.7 million, falling 36%. Despite the decline, management has visibility into sales over the next year and maintains its 2026 guidance of $35 to $40 million. Contract revenue and other income fell 97% to $110,000 as a regulatory milestone from Xi’an Xintong recognized in the prior year was not repeated; Cost of revenue, which is related to Captisol cost of goods sold, totaled $3.3 million, falling 33% over prior year levels. The decrease is due to lower Captisol sales. Captisol gross margin fell to 62.2% from 64.0%; Amortization of intangibles was $8.1 million vs. $8.3 million, with the change due to deconsolidation of LNHC, the holding vehicle for the spin-out of Pelthos, on July 1st, 2025; Research and development expense fell 96% to $2.1 million versus $50.1 million. The decline was due to the absence of a funding payment for D-Fi royalty rights and expenses related to Pelthos; General & Administrative expenses were $20.8 million, up 11% from $18.8 million, with the increase primarily due to increases in headcount, higher employee-related costs, and share-based compensation; There were no fair value adjustments to partner program derivatives compared to a $443,000 expense; Total non-operating expense was $41.6 million vs. $14.0 million. Material items include a $49.2 million loss related to Pelthos holdings, a $3.9 million gain from short-term investments related to increases in Palvella stock, partially offset by declines in Viking stock, and $1.5 million in gains from other equity securities and financial instruments. This line item also includes net interest income, which totaled $4.9 million; Income tax benefit of $10.9 million represents a tax rate of 45.0%; Net loss was $13.3 million ($0.67 per share) versus a net loss of $42.5 million ($2.21 per share). Adjustments to 2025 GAAP earnings added $2.30 per share to generate core earnings of $1.63 per share.[1] Material adjustments include $2.32 for Pelthos offset by ($0.77) for income tax effect, among other items. As of March 31st, 2026, cash, equivalents, and short-term investments totaled $779 million. This amount compares to the $734 million balance held at the end of 2025. Free cash flow for the quarter totaled $48.5 million, while cash used in financing was $14.1 million, entirely related to taxes paid for equity awards. The company maintains access to a revolving line of credit and an at-the-market (ATM) facility with Stifel, Nicolaus, that can expand its access to capital as needed. Following the end of the quarter, Ligand announced that it intends to acquire XOMA for $739 million to be funded with cash on the balance sheet and accessing an existing revolving credit facility.[2] Access to the two sources of capital, along with future anticipated cash flows, is expected to continue to allow Ligand to deploy from $150 to $250 million on new royalty assets. Viking Therapeutics Program Termination Viking Therapeutics’ (NASDAQ: VKTX) TR-Beta program is a licensed thyroid hormone receptor beta agonist platform. It is developing VK2809 for MASH and VK0214 for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. The core license behind the TR-Beta program was part of a Master License Agreement signed on May 21st, 2014, with Ligand’s subsidiary Metabasis Therapeutics. On April 24th, 2026, Ligand delivered written notice to Viking, notifying them of termination of the TR-Beta Program. Details of the notification were included in a Form 8-K filed on April 30th. The termination was based on Ligand’s assertion that Viking materially breached its obligation to develop and commercialize the TR-Beta program. Upon successful termination, Viking must grant Ligand a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-bearing sublicense under any patent rights controlled by Viking. Viking disputes Ligand’s right to terminate the program, and we anticipate that the parties are reviewing the matter. Ligand’s goal is to get the programs based on TR-Beta developed due to the substantial unmet need, particularly for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH) and replicate the success of other commercially available therapies. SUBSCRIBE TO ZACKS SMALL CAP RESEARCH to receive our articles and reports emailed directly to you each morning. Please visit our website for additional information on Zacks SCR. DISCLOSURE: Zacks SCR has received compensation from the issuer directly, from an investment manager, or from an investor relations consulting firm, engaged by the issuer, for providing research coverage for a period of no less than one year. Research articles, as seen here, are part of the service Zacks SCR provides and Zacks SCR receives payments totaling a maximum fee of up to $50,000 annually for these services provided to or regarding the issuer. Full Disclaimer HERE. ________________________ [1] Details of the GAAP to core earnings reconciliation are in Ligand’s earnings press release. Material adjustments include Share-based compensation expense, Amortization, change in fair value for Pelthos securities and gain on sale of Pelthos. [2] Ligand has access to a $125 million credit facility with Citibank, of which $124.4 million is available as of March 31st, 2026.