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Prediction: This Stock Could Double Over the Next 5 Years

2026-10-02 10:15 •Lee Samaha •The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective •Equities•Earnings•Healthcare •VKTX•LLY

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Viking Therapeutics: A High-Risk Bet with Big Potential

Viking’s new obesity drug could reshape its growth story if clinical trials hold up.

Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) just raised $500 million to push its weight loss drug VK2735 through trials. The obesity treatment market is booming, forecasted to reach $77 billion by 2030, and even a small slice could double Viking’s current $4 billion value. That said, this isn’t a steady blue-chip; clinical trial setbacks can wipe out gains fast. The technology is promising—an injectable treatment followed by oral maintenance could disrupt how obesity drugs are sold. But biotech is binary: either the drug passes rigorous approval hurdles or it stumbles badly. In South Africa, we don’t have a direct equivalent listed on the JSE, so if you want exposure, watching USD/ZAR makes sense since global biotech risk sentiment often boosts or weakens the rand. Remember, patient capital is essential here because volatility will be high. this is just our opinion and not financial advice

How I would invest

Wait and watch VKTX results before committing—only consider a small, speculative position if you understand the clinical risks. For local context, keep an eye on USD/ZAR as a proxy for global biotech risk appetite.

What I would watch
  • VKTX
  • USD/ZAR
What could go wrong
  • Clinical trial failure
  • Volatile biotech market sentiment
How strongly I feel

5/10

Viking Therapeutics' weight loss drug VK2735 shows strong clinical promise with potential for dual-formulation therapy (injectable followed by oral maintenance). The company raised $500 million to fund pipeline development. With the obesity drug market projected to reach $77 billion by 2030, even a small 1.4% market share could generate $1.2 billion in revenue for Viking's $4 billion market cap, suggesting significant upside potential, though clinical trial risks remain.

Our take is based on reporting first published by The Motley Fool.

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