Is Viking Therapeutics' Stock a Buy?

Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VKTX) seeks to develop new treatments for metabolic and endocrine diseases. Lead drug candidate VK-2809 recently entered a phase 2b clinical trial at the end of last year as a treatment for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Viking expects to start human testing of its next drug this year for a rare neurodegenerative disease called X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. With a market cap hovering just below $500 million, this drug developer's stock should soar on positive clinical trial results in NASH.

For those unfamiliar with the disease, NASH affects millions of people. Some reports suggest that between 3% to 12% of the U.S. population has it, many of whom are unaware. Caused by an accumulation of fat in the liver, it can lead to fibrosis (scarring) and, in some cases, cirrhosis. It often accompanies diabetes and increases the likelihood for cardiovascular disease.

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Source Fool.com