H.C. Wainwright analyst Joseph Pantginis raised his price target for Ligand Pharmaceuticals (LGND) to $280 after Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) and investigators presented updated VK5211 data in an oral plenary presentation at the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research meeting. VK5211 produces significant muscle growth in hip fracture patients and treated patients experienced overall weight gain, with loss of body fat, Pantginis tells investors in a research note. The analyst believes the chances for an outright acquisition of Viking has increased with VK2809 and VK5211 having the potential to address very large markets. He keeps a Buy rating on Ligand.