Viking Therapeutics’ promising weight-loss drug data makes the company a takeover target

Viking Therapeutics Inc.’s stock rose another 8% Wednesday to extend its week-to-date gains to 145%, as analysts weighed in on its positive weight-loss drug news with some bullish commentary and said the company has become an attractive takeover target.

The news from Tuesday that a Phase 2 trial called Venture had produced positive data for its VK2735 weight-loss drug sent the stock VKTX up 121% to a record level and record one-day gain. The stock is viewed as a cheaper entry for investors who want to play the mania around…