Viking Therapeutics experienced a substantial uptick in its stock value, witnessing over a 20% increase following the announcement of promising outcomes from the early-stage trial of its obesity treatment, VK2735. The excitement in the investor community is palpable, given the drug demonstrated both safety and effectiveness, with users reporting up to 3.3% placebo-adjusted mean weight loss over a 28-day period. Impressively, more than half of the participants (57%) achieved a weight loss of 5% or more, marking a significant milestone for the drug currently undergoing clinical evaluation.

The potential of VK2735 extends beyond the phase 1 trial. While the oral formulation showcased a 3.3% weight loss over 28 days, it's important to note the injectable version of the same drug resulted in a 13.1% average weight loss after 13 weeks in a phase 2 study. Viking Therapeutics' CEO, Brian Lian, expressed optimism that higher doses over extended periods could amplify these results, a prospect that has undoubtedly resonated with investors and catapulted stock prices.

Beyond obesity treatment, Viking Therapeutics is also delving into treatments for metabolic diseases, with a strong emphasis on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) - a condition expected to cultivate a market worth more than $24 billion by 2028. The ongoing phase 2b clinical trial for another of its candidates, VK2809, for treating NASH is anticipated to yield results by mid-2024. This reflects Viking's robust pipeline and its potential to address significant unmet medical needs.

Investors and analysts are now faced with the dilemma of determining Viking's stock strategy. The company's focus on the highly lucrative weight loss and metabolic disease treatments markets makes it an appealing prospect, especially in light of the obesity epidemic in the United States, where approximately 42% of adults are considered clinically obese. Viking's promising VK2735 drug, which has shown remarkable results in early trials, could revolutionize the approach to weight loss, making the company's stock an attractive buy for aggressive investors.

However, caution is advised amidst the surge in Viking's stock price. Some might argue that the anticipation of further successful trial outcomes has been overly priced into the stock, suggesting the potential for a significant sell-off if future results falter. Others advise holding onto the stock, anticipating that further positive trial results could bolster Viking's market position against competitors, potentially making current investments even more lucrative.

In conclusion, Viking Therapeutics appears to be on the cusp of breakthroughs in treating obesity and NASH, with VK2735 leading its charge towards commercialization. The enthusiastic response from the market to its initial trial outcomes underscores the high expectations investors have for this biotech firm. As Viking advances its candidate drugs through further clinical trials, the biotech sector, particularly those interested in Viking Therapeutics, will be watching closely. The decision to buy, sell, or hold Viking Therapeutics stock hinges on one's investment strategy and appetite for risk, but the company's pipeline and the unmet needs in the markets it targets suggest a promising outlook for those who choose to invest.