Últimas noticias sobre Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ:VKTX) Bolsa

Viking Therapeutics

Viking Therapeutics Inc is a healthcare service provider. The company specializes in the area of biopharmaceutical development focused on metabolic and endocrine disorders. The company's clinical program pipeline consists of VK2809, VK5211, VK0214 products. VK2809 and VK0214 are orally available, tissue and receptor-subtype selective agonists of the thyroid hormone receptor beta. VK5211 is an orally available, non-steroidal selective androgen receptor modulator.

BLDR

SERV

VKTX

VRTX

Jim Cramer analiza VRTX, SERV, BLDR y VKTX en &#39;Mad Money&#39;. Descubre por qué algunas acciones suben mientras otras caen.

Jim Cramer analiza las mejores oportunidades de inversión en &#39;Mad Money&#39;

Viking Therapeutics Inc

HC Wainwright &amp; Co. analyst Joseph Pantginis reiterates Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>) with a Buy and maintains $102 price target.

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Price Target

Reiteration

Analyst Ratings

HC Wainwright & Co. Reiterates Buy on Viking Therapeutics, Maintains $102 Price Target

HC Wainwright &amp; Co. analyst Joseph Pantginis maintains Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>) with a Buy and maintains $102 price target.

HC Wainwright & Co. Maintains Buy on Viking Therapeutics, Maintains $102 Price Target

VK2375 is being developed in both oral and subcutaneous formulations for the potential treatment of various metabolic disorders such as obesity.

Viking Therapeutics Initiates Phase 2 Clinical Trial Of The Oral Tablet Formulation Of VK2735

JPMorgan has reset the valuation for Viking Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>) and Structure Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GPCR#NASDAQ">GPCR</a>).
Analyst Hardik Parikh cites several reasons for recovery, including pathways for strategic partnership with pharma, some clinical trial data points and additional clarity on the incoming administration&#8217;s policies on GLP-1 access.
The analyst writes that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/VKTX" rel="noreferrer noopener">Viking Therapeutics</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/GPCR" rel="noreferrer noopener">Structure Therapeutics</a> are attractive pure-play options for investing in the T2D/obesity market opportunity overall.
The note continues, saying that Viking Therapeutics and Structure Therapeutics remain attractive partners for pharmaceutical companies looking to enter the T2D/obesity market relatively quickly.
It expects a reasonable case to make that many pharmaceutical companies, in addition to Merck &amp; Co. Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>), could be active in the space. Hence, Viking Therapeutics and Structure Therapeutics still have abundant pathways <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/12/42560386/whats-going-on-with-viking-therapeutics-stock-on-wednesday" rel="noreferrer noopener">to strategic partnerships</a>.
Viking Therapeutics and Structure Therapeutics can help address growth gaps for pharma over time, analyst Parikh says, and sees an apparent disconnect on valuation abates over time.
The analyst sees the competitive bar for VK2735 primarily unchanged, at least in the near term, after Novo Nordisk A/S&#8217; (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>) phase 3 Redefine-1 data showed weight loss from cagriSema that is on par with Eli Lilly And Co.&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>) Zepbound.
The Street broadly expected the Redefine-1 trial of CagriSema to show ~25% weight loss, raising the benchmark <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42613036/novo-nordisks-hybrid-weight-loss-drug-falls-short-on-expectations-stock-plunges" rel="noreferrer noopener">injectables in development</a>.
Viking Therapeutics highlighted new clinical data from its VK2735 obesity program in two poster presentations&nbsp;at ObesityWeek&nbsp;2024.
Cohorts receiving VK2735 demonstrated dose-dependent reductions in mean body weight from baseline, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/11/41712739/viking-therapeutics-reveals-early-stage-from-experimental-oral-obesity-drug-showing-weight-loss-a" rel="noreferrer noopener">ranging up to 8.2%</a>.
JPMorgan suggests that VK2735&#8217;s weight-loss effectiveness in its upcoming Phase 3 trial (starting in early 2025) could slightly surpass Zepbound&#8217;s ~22% reduction at 72 weeks and remain competitive with CagriSema.
However, the firm believes Eli Lilly&#8217;s retatrutide may set the highest standard for efficacy, potentially achieving weight loss in the high 20% range, based on Phase 3 data expected in 2026. While this creates a challenging benchmark for VK2735, its tolerability could offer an edge over retatrutide, which is expected to have slightly more side effects than Zepbound.
Last month, Structure Therapeutics selected ACCG-2671 as its lead oral small molecule amylin receptor agonist for obesity and related diseases. The compound is expected to be in Phase 1 clinical development by the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/12/g42539839/structure-therapeutics-announces-selection-of-lead-oral-small-molecule-amylin-receptor-agonist-acc" rel="noreferrer noopener">end of 2025</a>.
In November, Structure Therapeutics dosed the first patient in Phase 2b ACCESS trial of GSBR-1290 obese or overweight patients with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/11/g41953633/structure-therapeutics-announces-first-patients-dosed-in-phase-2b-access-clinical-study-evaluating" rel="noreferrer noopener">weight-related comorbidity</a>.
VKTX, GCPR Price Actions: Viking Therapeutics stock is down 0.56% at $42.65, and Structure Therapeutics stock is down 0.25% at $27.51 at publication Monday.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/01/42819611/cvs-health-aetna-files-lawsuit-against-drugmakers-for-alleged-inflated-generic-drug-prices" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CVS Health&#8217;s Aetna Files Lawsuit Against Drugmakers For Alleged Inflated Generic Drug Prices</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock.com

Analyst Color

Biotech

Health Care

Trading Ideas

General

GPCR

Viking Therapeutics, Structure Therapeutics Positioned As Key Pharma Partners For Weight Loss Products: Analyst

Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 5 years by 26.16% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 38.91%. Currently, Viking Therapeutics has a market capitalization of $4.45 billion. 
Buying $1000 In VKTX: If an investor had bought $1000 of VKTX stock 5 years ago, it would be worth $5,055.35 today based on a price of $39.95 for VKTX at the time of writing.
<h3>Viking Therapeutics's Performance Over Last 5 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735569910_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Here's How Much You Would Have Made Owning Viking Therapeutics Stock In The Last 5 Years

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bullish approach towards Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in VKTX usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 10 extraordinary options activities for Viking Therapeutics. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 60% leaning bullish and 40% bearish. Among these notable options, 4 are puts, totaling $243,720, and 6 are calls, amounting to $226,072.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $30.0 to $50.0 for Viking Therapeutics over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Assessing the volume and open interest is a strategic step in options trading. These metrics shed light on the liquidity and investor interest in Viking Therapeutics's options at specified strike prices. The forthcoming data visualizes the fluctuation in volume and open interest for both calls and puts, linked to Viking Therapeutics's substantial trades, within a strike price spectrum from $30.0 to $50.0 over the preceding 30 days.
<h3>Viking Therapeutics Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735231532_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$10.5</td>
<td>$10.3</td>
<td>$10.4</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$126.8K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td align="right">184</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$7.7</td>
<td>$7.3</td>
<td>$7.37</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$65.8K</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
<td align="right">97</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$4.2</td>
<td>$4.1</td>
<td>$4.1</td>
<td>$44.50</td>
<td>$46.7K</td>
<td>3</td>
<td align="right">117</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$10.6</td>
<td>$10.4</td>
<td>$10.4</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$41.6K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td align="right">62</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$3.8</td>
<td>$3.6</td>
<td>$3.76</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$37.6K</td>
<td>3.8K</td>
<td align="right">402</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Viking Therapeutics</h3>
Viking Therapeutics Inc is a healthcare service provider. The company specializes in the area of biopharmaceutical development focused on metabolic and endocrine disorders. The company's clinical program pipeline consists of VK2809, VK5211, VK0214 products. VK2809 and VK0214 are orally available, tissue and receptor-subtype selective agonists of the thyroid hormone receptor beta. VK5211 is an orally available, non-steroidal selective androgen receptor modulator.
Having examined the options trading patterns of Viking Therapeutics, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance
<h3>Present Market Standing of Viking Therapeutics</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 694,938, the price of VKTX is down by -0.83%, reaching $42.0.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is may be approaching oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 41 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About Viking Therapeutics</h3>
In the last month, 4 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $95.0.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; In a cautious move, an analyst from HC Wainwright &amp; Co. downgraded its rating to Buy, setting a price target of $102. 
&#x2A; In a cautious move, an analyst from Piper Sandler downgraded its rating to Overweight, setting a price target of $74. 
&#x2A; In a cautious move, an analyst from HC Wainwright &amp; Co. downgraded its rating to Buy, setting a price target of $102. 
&#x2A; In a cautious move, an analyst from HC Wainwright &amp; Co. downgraded its rating to Buy, setting a price target of $102. 
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for Viking Therapeutics with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Options

Markets

Unpacking the Latest Options Trading Trends in Viking Therapeutics

Viking Therapeutics's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NYSE">VKTX</a>) short percent of float has risen 6.35% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 18.07 million shares sold short, which is 21.78% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 5.08 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Viking Therapeutics Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1734711319_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Viking Therapeutics has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Viking Therapeutics's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Viking Therapeutics's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 13.65%, which means the company has more short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Short Sellers

Short Ideas

Looking Into Viking Therapeutics's Recent Short Interest

On Wednesday, Merck&nbsp;&amp; Co Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>) and Hansoh Pharma, a Chinese biopharmaceutical company, entered into an exclusive global license agreement for HS-10535, an investigational preclinical oral small <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/12/b42549621/merck-enters-into-exclusive-global-license-agreement-with-hansoh-pharma-for-investigational-oral-g" rel="noreferrer noopener">molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist</a>.
Under the agreement, Hansoh Pharma has granted Merck an exclusive global license to develop, manufacture, and commercialize HS-10535. Hansoh Pharma will receive an upfront payment of $112 million and is eligible to receive up to $1.9 billion in milestone payments associated with the candidate&#8217;s development, regulatory approval, and commercialization, as well as royalties on sales.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/11/42096338/viking-therapeutics-garners-analyst-support-for-nash-and-metabolic-programs" rel="noreferrer noopener">Viking Therapeutics Garners Analyst Support For NASH And Metabolic Programs</a>
Hansoh Pharma may co-promote or solely commercialize HS-10535 in China. Merck will record a pre-tax charge of $112 million, or $0.04 per share, to be included in GAAP and non-GAAP results in the fourth quarter of 2024.
William Blair writes that Merck is seen as a strong candidate to acquire Viking Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>), leading to an expected sell-off in Viking shares. However, the analyst notes that the licensing agreement with Hansoh will not hinder Merck from pursuing additional external business development opportunities in the obesity space.
The licensing deal highlights Merck&#8217;s commitment to obesity, potentially driving further growth through additional partnerships. While the focus on Viking increases investment volatility, data from competitors or new licensing deals could significantly affect its stock.
William Blair remains confident that Viking offers a valuable asset with VK2735, a GLP-1/GIP dual agonist that could become a major player in obesity treatment due to its potential for monthly maintenance <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/11/41712739/viking-therapeutics-reveals-early-stage-from-experimental-oral-obesity-drug-showing-weight-loss-a" rel="noreferrer noopener">dosing and oral formulation options</a>.
This asset could strengthen an acquiring company&#8217;s obesity portfolio, with additional potential from Viking&#8217;s amylin program.
Overall, the analyst is optimistic about Viking&#8217;s prospects, maintaining the stock as a top pick for 2025 and an Outperform <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/VKTX/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">rating on its shares</a>.
Price Action: VKTX stock is down 11.4% at $41.37 at last check Wednesday.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42559199/renewable-energy-company-orsted-sells-50-stake-in-us-solar-and-battery-projects-for-572m" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Renewable Energy Company Ørsted Sells 50% Stake In US Solar And Battery Projects For $572 Million: Details</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock.

Equities

Large Cap

Contracts

Movers

What's Going On With Viking Therapeutics Stock On Wednesday?

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders will search for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges heavily from its normal worth. High amounts of trading activity could push option prices to exaggerated or underestimated levels. 
Below are some instances of options activity happening in the Health Care sector: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>CRDF</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$5.00</td>
<td>$56.3K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UNH</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$500.00</td>
<td>$51.9K</td>
<td>2.4K</td>
<td>687</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>HIMS</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$32.00</td>
<td>$34.4K</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
<td>648</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$37.00</td>
<td>$47.5K</td>
<td>1.8K</td>
<td>321</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PEN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$280.00</td>
<td>$52.2K</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>223</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NMRA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$15.00</td>
<td>$36.0K</td>
<td>13.7K</td>
<td>104</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MRK</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$90.00</td>
<td>$25.0K</td>
<td>3.6K</td>
<td>50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NVO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$97.00</td>
<td>$25.8K</td>
<td>28</td>
<td>46</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CI</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$290.00</td>
<td>$29.8K</td>
<td>26</td>
<td>42</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LLY</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$780.00</td>
<td>$127.8K</td>
<td>238</td>
<td>27</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These itemized elaborations have been created using the accompanying table. 
• Regarding CRDF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRDF#NASDAQ">CRDF</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 30 day(s) on January 17, 2025. Parties traded 663 contract(s) at a $5.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 6 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $56.3K, with a price of $88.0 per contract. There were 1040 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1104 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For UNH (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be neutral, expiring in 30 day(s) on January 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 21 contract(s) at a $500.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 5 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $51.9K, with a price of $2480.0 per contract. There were 2415 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 687 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For HIMS (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HIMS#NYSE">HIMS</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 2 day(s) on December 20, 2024. This event was a transfer of 128 contract(s) at a $32.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 9 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $34.4K, with a price of $279.0 per contract. There were 2000 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 648 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding VKTX (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 30 day(s) on January 17, 2025. Parties traded 250 contract(s) at a $37.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 41 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $47.5K, with a price of $190.0 per contract. There were 1897 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 321 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For PEN (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEN#NYSE">PEN</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 212 day(s) on July 18, 2025. This event was a transfer of 25 contract(s) at a $280.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $52.2K, with a price of $2090.0 per contract. There were 0 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 223 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding NMRA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NMRA#NASDAQ">NMRA</a>), we observe a call option trade with neutral sentiment. It expires in 30 day(s) on January 17, 2025. Parties traded 100 contract(s) at a $15.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $36.0K, with a price of $360.0 per contract. There were 13769 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 104 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding MRK (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>), we observe a put option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 394 day(s) on January 16, 2026. Parties traded 50 contract(s) at a $90.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $25.0K, with a price of $500.0 per contract. There were 3611 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 50 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding NVO (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>), we observe a call option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 2 day(s) on December 20, 2024. Parties traded 22 contract(s) at a $97.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $25.8K, with a price of $1175.0 per contract. There were 28 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 46 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For CI (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be neutral, expiring in 120 day(s) on April 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 15 contract(s) at a $290.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $29.8K, with a price of $1990.0 per contract. There were 26 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 42 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For LLY (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be neutral, expiring in 184 day(s) on June 20, 2025. This event was a transfer of 18 contract(s) at a $780.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 4 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $127.8K, with a price of $7105.0 per contract. There were 238 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 27 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more about unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

CRDF

Hims & Hers Health, Inc. Class A Common Stock

HIMS

NMRA

10 Health Care Stocks With Whale Alerts In Today's Session

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bearish approach towards Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in VKTX usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 9 extraordinary options activities for Viking Therapeutics. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 22% leaning bullish and 77% bearish. Among these notable options, 2 are puts, totaling $53,630, and 7 are calls, amounting to $255,390.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $45.0 and $65.0 for Viking Therapeutics, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</h3>
In today's trading context, the average open interest for options of Viking Therapeutics stands at 1159.25, with a total volume reaching 3,361.00. The accompanying chart delineates the progression of both call and put option volume and open interest for high-value trades in Viking Therapeutics, situated within the strike price corridor from $45.0 to $65.0, throughout the last 30 days.
<h3>Viking Therapeutics 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1734536723_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th align="right">Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$5.4</td>
<td>$5.1</td>
<td>$5.2</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$52.0K</td>
<td align="right">829</td>
<td align="right">273</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$5.3</td>
<td>$5.2</td>
<td>$5.2</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$52.0K</td>
<td align="right">829</td>
<td align="right">173</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$3.6</td>
<td>$3.2</td>
<td>$3.3</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$35.6K</td>
<td align="right">271</td>
<td align="right">280</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$3.3</td>
<td>$3.0</td>
<td>$3.0</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$33.6K</td>
<td align="right">271</td>
<td align="right">822</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$3.5</td>
<td>$3.1</td>
<td>$3.1</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$31.0K</td>
<td align="right">271</td>
<td align="right">578</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Viking Therapeutics</h3>
Viking Therapeutics Inc is a healthcare service provider. The company specializes in the area of biopharmaceutical development focused on metabolic and endocrine disorders. The company's clinical program pipeline consists of VK2809, VK5211, VK0214 products. VK2809 and VK0214 are orally available, tissue and receptor-subtype selective agonists of the thyroid hormone receptor beta. VK5211 is an orally available, non-steroidal selective androgen receptor modulator.
After a thorough review of the options trading surrounding Viking Therapeutics, we move to examine the company in more detail. This includes an assessment of its current market status and performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of Viking Therapeutics</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 3,362,736, the price of VKTX is down by -9.27%, reaching $42.37.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is may be oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 49 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on Viking Therapeutics</h3>
In the last month, 5 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $97.8.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Piper Sandler has revised its rating downward to Overweight, adjusting the price target to $74. 
&#x2A; In a cautious move, an analyst from HC Wainwright &amp; Co. downgraded its rating to Buy, setting a price target of $102. 
&#x2A; An analyst from HC Wainwright &amp; Co. downgraded its action to Buy with a price target of $102. 
&#x2A; Reflecting concerns, an analyst from B. Riley Securities lowers its rating to Buy with a new price target of $109. 
&#x2A; An analyst from HC Wainwright &amp; Co. downgraded its action to Buy with a price target of $102. 
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest Viking Therapeutics options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Smart Money Is Betting Big In VKTX Options

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders will search for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges heavily from its normal worth. High amounts of trading activity could push option prices to exaggerated or underestimated levels. 
Below are some instances of options activity happening in the Health Care sector: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>TEVA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$17.00</td>
<td>$167.5K</td>
<td>17.1K</td>
<td>2.9K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UNH</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$500.00</td>
<td>$29.9K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
<td>2.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CVS</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$54.7K</td>
<td>6.6K</td>
<td>1.8K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CI</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
<td>$292.5K</td>
<td>6.2K</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VRDN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$22.50</td>
<td>$27.0K</td>
<td>458</td>
<td>599</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MCK</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$580.00</td>
<td>$57.1K</td>
<td>475</td>
<td>250</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PRAX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$80.00</td>
<td>$45.0K</td>
<td>14</td>
<td>99</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BMY</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$40.00</td>
<td>$32.6K</td>
<td>615</td>
<td>25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
<td>$25.1K</td>
<td>42</td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• Regarding TEVA (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TEVA#NYSE">TEVA</a>), we observe a call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 4 day(s) on December 20, 2024. Parties traded 2500 contract(s) at a $17.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $167.5K, with a price of $67.0 per contract. There were 17104 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2970 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For UNH (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be neutral, expiring in 4 day(s) on December 20, 2024. This event was a transfer of 38 contract(s) at a $500.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $29.9K, with a price of $788.0 per contract. There were 1381 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2262 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For CVS (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 4 day(s) on December 20, 2024. This event was a transfer of 205 contract(s) at a $50.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 25 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $54.7K, with a price of $267.0 per contract. There were 6605 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1828 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For CI (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 760 day(s) on January 15, 2027. This event was a transfer of 25 contract(s) at a $180.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $292.5K, with a price of $11700.0 per contract. There were 6297 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1688 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For VRDN (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRDN#NASDAQ">VRDN</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 4 day(s) on December 20, 2024. This event was a transfer of 200 contract(s) at a $22.50 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $27.0K, with a price of $135.0 per contract. There were 458 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 599 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding MCK (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MCK#NYSE">MCK</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 4 day(s) on December 20, 2024. Parties traded 56 contract(s) at a $580.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 5 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $57.1K, with a price of $1020.0 per contract. There were 475 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 250 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding PRAX (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PRAX#NASDAQ">PRAX</a>), we observe a call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 32 day(s) on January 17, 2025. Parties traded 98 contract(s) at a $80.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $45.0K, with a price of $460.0 per contract. There were 14 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 99 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding BMY (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMY#NYSE">BMY</a>), we observe a call option trade with neutral sentiment. It expires in 95 day(s) on March 21, 2025. Parties traded 20 contract(s) at a $40.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $32.6K, with a price of $1630.0 per contract. There were 615 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 25 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For VKTX (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be neutral, expiring in 151 day(s) on May 16, 2025. This event was a transfer of 10 contract(s) at a $25.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $25.1K, with a price of $2517.0 per contract. There were 42 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 12 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more about unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

PRAX

TEVA

VRDN

9 Health Care Stocks With Whale Alerts In Today's Session

Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 5 years by 30.12% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 43.71%. Currently, Viking Therapeutics has a market capitalization of $5.24 billion. 
Buying $100 In VKTX: If an investor had bought $100 of VKTX stock 5 years ago, it would be worth $596.07 today based on a price of $47.00 for VKTX at the time of writing.
<h3>Viking Therapeutics's Performance Over Last 5 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1734363908_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

$100 Invested In This Stock 5 Years Ago Would Be Worth This Much Today

<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-13/ozempic-craze-appears-to-be-curbing-us-obesity-epidemic" title="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-13/ozempic-craze-appears-to-be-curbing-us-obesity-epidemic">https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-13/ozempic-craze-appears-to-be-curbing-us-obesity-epidemic</a>

AMGN

DRIO

LFVN

TERN

VANI

"Weight-Loss Drug Craze Appears To Be Curbing U.S. Obesity Epidemic; Obesity Is Down In The U.S. For The First Time In A Decade. A New Study Suggests Weight-Loss Drugs May Explain Why" - Bloomberg News

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders often look for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges away from its normal worth. Abnormal amounts of trading activity could push option prices to hyperbolic or underperforming levels. 
Below are some instances of options activity happening in the Health Care sector: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>XRAY</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
<td>$40.5K</td>
<td>3.2K</td>
<td>2.1K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RXRX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$9.00</td>
<td>$30.0K</td>
<td>8.4K</td>
<td>1.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CVS</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$86.8K</td>
<td>9.6K</td>
<td>1.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LFST</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$7.00</td>
<td>$35.0K</td>
<td>1.8K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>HIMS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$42.00</td>
<td>$33.0K</td>
<td>536</td>
<td>281</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MRK</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$95.00</td>
<td>$44.7K</td>
<td>439</td>
<td>161</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>JNJ</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$145.00</td>
<td>$26.1K</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
<td>95</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ELV</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$470.00</td>
<td>$33.2K</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$65.00</td>
<td>$29.1K</td>
<td>278</td>
<td>11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VRTX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/24/25</td>
<td>$470.00</td>
<td>$29.0K</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These itemized elaborations have been created using the accompanying table. 
• For XRAY (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XRAY#NASDAQ">XRAY</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be neutral, expiring in 128 day(s) on April 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 225 contract(s) at a $20.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $40.5K, with a price of $180.0 per contract. There were 3202 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2122 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding RXRX (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RXRX#NASDAQ">RXRX</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 38 day(s) on January 17, 2025. Parties traded 400 contract(s) at a $9.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 17 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $30.0K, with a price of $75.0 per contract. There were 8401 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1738 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding CVS (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 101 day(s) on March 21, 2025. Parties traded 482 contract(s) at a $50.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 14 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $86.8K, with a price of $180.0 per contract. There were 9650 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1214 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding LFST (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LFST#NASDAQ">LFST</a>), we observe a call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 38 day(s) on January 17, 2025. Parties traded 500 contract(s) at a $7.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $35.0K, with a price of $70.0 per contract. There were 1847 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1000 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For HIMS (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HIMS#NYSE">HIMS</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 38 day(s) on January 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 314 contract(s) at a $42.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 16 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $33.0K, with a price of $105.0 per contract. There were 536 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 281 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For MRK (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 101 day(s) on March 21, 2025. This event was a transfer of 50 contract(s) at a $95.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $44.7K, with a price of $895.0 per contract. There were 439 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 161 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding JNJ (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 101 day(s) on March 21, 2025. Parties traded 67 contract(s) at a $145.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $26.1K, with a price of $390.0 per contract. There were 2061 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 95 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For ELV (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ELV#NYSE">ELV</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be neutral, expiring in 283 day(s) on September 19, 2025. This event was a transfer of 20 contract(s) at a $470.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $33.2K, with a price of $1660.0 per contract. There were 22 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 20 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For VKTX (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be neutral, expiring in 402 day(s) on January 16, 2026. This event was a transfer of 11 contract(s) at a $65.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $29.1K, with a price of $2654.0 per contract. There were 278 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 11 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For VRTX (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRTX#NASDAQ">VRTX</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 45 day(s) on January 24, 2025. This event was a transfer of 10 contract(s) at a $470.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $29.0K, with a price of $2900.0 per contract. There were 1 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 10 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more news on unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

streetTRACKS Dow Jones U.S. Large Cap Value Index Fund

LFST

RXRX

XRAY

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bullish move on Viking Therapeutics. Our analysis of options history for Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>) revealed 9 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 66% of traders were bullish, while 22% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 5 were puts, with a value of $176,679, and 4 were calls, valued at $135,200.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $45.0 to $70.0 for Viking Therapeutics during the past quarter. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
In terms of liquidity and interest, the mean open interest for Viking Therapeutics options trades today is 844.0 with a total volume of 917.00.
In the following chart, we are able to follow the development of volume and open interest of call and put options for Viking Therapeutics's big money trades within a strike price range of $45.0 to $70.0 over the last 30 days.
<h3>Viking Therapeutics Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1733417246_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$7.5</td>
<td>$7.4</td>
<td>$7.4</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$49.5K</td>
<td>371</td>
<td align="right">121</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$17.3</td>
<td>$16.8</td>
<td>$17.13</td>
<td>$65.00</td>
<td>$41.4K</td>
<td>331</td>
<td align="right">30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$13.2</td>
<td>$13.2</td>
<td>$13.2</td>
<td>$67.50</td>
<td>$39.6K</td>
<td>91</td>
<td align="right">30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$3.3</td>
<td>$3.1</td>
<td>$3.2</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$32.0K</td>
<td>3.0K</td>
<td align="right">151</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$3.2</td>
<td>$3.1</td>
<td>$3.19</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$31.9K</td>
<td>3.0K</td>
<td align="right">251</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Viking Therapeutics</h3>
Viking Therapeutics Inc is a healthcare service provider. The company specializes in the area of biopharmaceutical development focused on metabolic and endocrine disorders. The company's clinical program pipeline consists of VK2809, VK5211, VK0214 products. VK2809 and VK0214 are orally available, tissue and receptor-subtype selective agonists of the thyroid hormone receptor beta. VK5211 is an orally available, non-steroidal selective androgen receptor modulator.
In light of the recent options history for Viking Therapeutics, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance.
<h3>Where Is Viking Therapeutics Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 623,928, the VKTX's price is up by 1.21%, now at $51.86. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be oversold.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 62 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About Viking Therapeutics</h3>
In the last month, 4 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $96.75.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; In a cautious move, an analyst from HC Wainwright &amp; Co. downgraded its rating to Buy, setting a price target of $102. 
&#x2A; In a cautious move, an analyst from HC Wainwright &amp; Co. downgraded its rating to Buy, setting a price target of $102. 
&#x2A; An analyst from B. Riley Securities downgraded its action to Buy with a price target of $109. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Piper Sandler downgraded its action to Overweight with a price target of $74. 
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Viking Therapeutics, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

<a href="https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/ada-advises-against-using-compounded-glp-1-ra-medications-2024a1000m0u?form=fpf" title="https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/ada-advises-against-using-compounded-glp-1-ra-medications-2024a1000m0u?form=fpf">https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/ada-advises-against-using-compounded-glp-1-ra-medications-2024a1000m0u?form=fpf</a>

'ADA Advises Against Using Compounded GLP-1 RA Medications' - Medscape

Top Wall Street analysts changed their outlook on these top names. For a complete view of all analyst rating changes, including upgrades and downgrades, please see our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">analyst ratings page</a>.
<ul>
<li>D. Boral Capital analyst Jason Kolbert initiated coverage on MediciNova, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MNOV#NASDAQ">MNOV</a>) with a Buy rating and announced a price target of $9. MediciNova shares closed at $2.07 on Friday. See how other analysts view this stock.</li>
<li>Morgan Stanley analyst Patrick Wood initiated coverage on PROCEPT BioRobotics Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PRCT#NASDAQ">PRCT</a>) with an Overweight rating and announced a price target of $105. PROCEPT BioRobotics shares closed at $95.59 on Friday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/PRCT/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li>Piper Sandler analyst Biren Amin initiated coverage on Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>) with an Overweight rating and announced a price target of $74. Viking Therapeutics shares closed at $52.94 on Friday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/VKTX/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li>UBS analyst Taylor McGinnis initiated coverage on Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ADSK#NASDAQ">ADSK</a>) with a Buy rating and announced a price target of $350. Autodesk shares closed at $291.90 on Friday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ADSK/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Leerink Partners analyst Daniel Clark initiated coverage on Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZTS#NYSE">ZTS</a>) with an Outperform rating and announced a price target of $215. Zoetis shares closed at $175.25 on Tuesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ZTS/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
</ul>
Considering buying ADSK stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think: 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="544" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/02085443/image-1-3-1024x544.png" alt="" class="wp-image-672368" style="width:572px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/02085443/image-1-3-1024x544.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/02085443/image-1-3-300x159.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/02085443/image-1-3-768x408.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/02085443/image-1-3.png 1187w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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Initiation

Pre-Market Outlook

ADSK

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PRCT

This Autodesk Analyst Begins Coverage On A Bullish Note; Here Are Top 5 Initiations For Monday

Piper Sandler analyst Biren Amin initiates coverage on Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>) with a Overweight rating and announces Price Target of $74.

Piper Sandler Initiates Coverage On Viking Therapeutics with Overweight Rating, Announces Price Target of $74

2024 Performance Review And Future Strategy

Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) announced the initiation of a Phase 2 clinical trial of the oral tablet formulation of VK2735, the company's dual agonis...

Viking Therapeutics initiates Phase 2 VENTURE-oral dosing trial of VK2735

Viking Therapeutics initiates mid-stage trial for its obesity treatment in oral form

H.C. Wainwright analyst Joseph Pantginis reiterated a Buy rating on Viking Therapeutics (VKTX – Research Report) today and set a price target of $1...

Viking Therapeutics' Promising Phase 2 Trial and Competitive Edge Justify Buy Rating

Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) has received a new Buy rating, initiated by Stifel Nicolaus analyst, Annabel Samimy. Annabel Samimy's rating is based on...

Positive Buy Rating on Viking Therapeutics Driven by Promising VK2735 Program Advances

J.P. Morgan analyst Hardik Parikh has maintained their bullish stance on VKTX stock, giving a Buy rating today. Hardik Parikh has given his Buy rat...

Viking Therapeutics: Strategic Positioning and Promising Development of Oral 2735 Drive Buy Rating

In a report released today, Michael Ulz from Morgan Stanley maintained a Buy rating on Viking Therapeutics (VKTX – Research Report), with a price t...

Positive Outlook for Viking Therapeutics Amid Promising Trial Developments

JPMorgan keeps an Overweight rating and $80 price target on Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) after the company announced that it has initiated the ph2a t...

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