SVB Leerink analyst Pasha Sarraf initiated Viking Therapeutics with a Market Perform rating and $10 price target, telling investors in a research note that Viking is positioning VK2809, a hepatic prodrug, thyroid receptor beta-selective agonist for NASH, as it pursues an IND with the GI division, to start Phase 2b trials this year. Sarraf says he is positive on the immunology sector with its diverse indications, continuous innovation, and deep expertise, and is looking long for opportunities in challenging immuno-metabolism and metabolism sectors, in areas like NASH, obesity and diabetes.