Viking Therapeutics price target raised to $80 from $35 at Stifel

Stifel raised the firm’s price target on Viking Therapeutics to $80 from $35 and keeps a Buy rating on the shares. Viking released the Phase 2 VENTURE data for injectable-VK2735 ahead of schedule, again demonstrating a highly competitive profile relative to available acute otitis media treatments, the analyst tells investors in a research note. The best-in-class profile of VK2735 is standing firm, with upcoming oral data only expected to enhance the franchise, the firm adds.