As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 14, 2017July 28, 2021

Registration No. 333-

F23.

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DCD.C. 20549

__________________________

FORM S-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

__________________________

VIKING THERAPEUTICS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

12340 El Camino Real, Suite 250

San Diego, CA 92130

(858) 704-4660

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number,

including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

__________________________

Brian Lian, Ph.D.

President and Chief Executive Officer

Viking Therapeutics, Inc.

12340 El Camino Real, Suite 250

San Diego, CA 92130

(858) 704-4660

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,

including area code, of agent for service)

__________________________

CopiesWith copies to:

Jeffrey T. Hartlin, Esq.
Samantha H. Eldredge, Esq.

Paul Hastings LLP

1117 S. California Avenue

Palo Alto, CA 94304

(650) 320-1804320-1800

__________________________

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:

From time to time after this registration statement becomes effectiveeffective.

If the only securities being registered on this formForm are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box.     ☐

If any of the securities being registered on this formForm are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check

LEGAL_US_W # 88141414.9

the following box.     ☒

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the

same offering.     ☐

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.     ☐

If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box.     ☐

If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box.     ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “smaller reporting“emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of Securities Act. ☐

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment whichthat specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until thethis Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This registration statement contains two prospectuses:

The base prospectus immediately follows this explanatory note. The specific terms of any securities to be offered pursuant to the base prospectus will be specified in a prospectus supplement to the base prospectus. The sales agreement prospectus immediately follows the base prospectus. The $125,000,000 of common stock that may be offered, issued and sold under the sales agreement prospectus is included in the $600,000,000 of securities that may be offered, issued and sold by us under the base prospectus. Upon termination of the sales agreement with Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, Truist Securities, Inc. and H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC, any portion of the $125,000,000 included in the sales agreement prospectus that is not sold pursuant to the sales agreement will be available for sale in other offerings pursuant to the base prospectus and a corresponding prospectus supplement, and if no shares are sold under the sales agreement, the full $125,000,000 of securities may be sold in other offerings pursuant to the base prospectus and a corresponding prospectus supplement.

The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. These securitiesWe may not be soldsell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

Subject to Completion, dated February 14, 2017July 28, 2021

Viking Therapeutics, Inc.

9,965,956 Shares of Common Stock

$600,000,000

This prospectus relatesCommon Stock

Preferred Stock

Debt Securities

Warrants

Units

We may offer and sell, from time to the resale by the investors listed time in one or more offerings, up to $600,000,000 in the sectionaggregate of this prospectus entitled “Selling Stockholders” (the “Selling Stockholders”),any combination of upthe securities identified above from time to 9,965,956 shares of ourtime in one or more offerings, either individually or in combination with other securities. We may also offer common stock par value $0.00001 per share (the “Common Stock”). The 9,965,956 shares of Common Stock consist of: (i) 5,902,137 shares of Common Stock (the “Shares”), (ii) up to 960,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of an outstanding warrant to purchase shares of Common Stock (the “Ligand Warrant”), (iii) up to 82,500 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of an outstanding warrant to purchase shares of Common Stock issued to Laidlaw (as defined below), the sole book-running manager of our initial public offering (the “Laidlaw Warrant” and, together with the Ligand Warrant, the “Warrants”), and (iv) up to 3,021,319 shares of Common Stock issuableor preferred stock upon conversion of an outstanding Secured Convertible Promissory Note issued by us to Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (“Ligand”) on May 21, 2014 (the “Note”), based on the $1,955,139 in principal amountdebt securities, common stock upon conversion of the Note currently outstanding, accrued but unpaid interest through May 21, 2017 (the maturity date of the Note) and $1.33, the volume weighted-average closing price of our Common Stock for the 30 days prior to January 31, 2017. The Ligand Warrant is subject to a blocker provision (the “Warrant Blocker”), which restrictspreferred stock, or common stock, preferred stock or debt securities upon the exercise of warrants.

Each time we offer and sell securities, we will provide a supplement to this prospectus that contains specific information about the Warrant if, as a result of such exercise, Ligand, together with its affiliatesoffering and any other person whose beneficial ownership of Common Stock would be aggregated with Ligand’s for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, would beneficially own in excess of 49.99% of our then issuedamounts, prices and outstanding shares of Common Stock (including the shares of Common Stock issuable upon such exercise), as such percentage ownership is determined in accordance with the terms of the Ligand Warrant.securities. We may also authorize one or more free writing prospectuses to be provided to you in connection with these offerings. The Laidlaw Warrant became exercisable on the one year anniversary of the date of issuance, has a term of five years from the date of issuanceprospectus supplement and has an exercise price of $10.00 per share of Common Stock.

We issued: (i) 4,615,964 of the Shares pursuant to the Master License Agreement we entered into with Ligand and Metabasis Therapeutics, Inc. (“Metabasis”) on May 21, 2014, as amended (the “Master License Agreement”), (ii) 1,286,173 of the Shares pursuant to that certain Stock Purchase Agreement we entered into with PoC Capital, LLC (“PoC Capital”) on February 8, 2017 (the “Stock Purchase Agreement”), (iii) the Note and the Ligand Warrant pursuant to the Loan and Security Agreement we entered into with Ligand on May 21, 2014, and (iv) the Laidlaw Warrant pursuant to that certain Underwriting Agreement we entered into with Laidlaw & Company (UK) Ltd. (“Laidlaw”) as representative of the several underwriters named in Schedule I thereto on April 28, 2015 (the “Underwriting Agreement”).  We are registering the resale of the Shares, the shares of Common Stock underlying the Warrants (the “Warrant Shares”) and the shares of Common Stock into which the Note is convertible (the “Note Shares”) as required by the Registration Rights Agreement we entered into with Ligand and Metabasis on May 21, 2014, as amended (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), the Stock Purchase Agreement and the terms of the Laidlaw Warrant. The Shares, the Note Shares and the Warrant Shares are sometimes referred toany related free writing prospectuses may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus together, as the “Securities”.

Our registration of the Securities covered by this prospectus does not meanwith respect to that the Selling Stockholders will offer or sell any of the Securities.  The Selling Stockholders may sell the Securities covered by this prospectus in a number of different ways and at varying prices. For additional information on the possible methods of sale that may be used by the Selling Stockholders, youoffering. You should refer to the section of this prospectus entitled “Plan of Distribution” beginning on page 9 of this prospectus.  We will not receive any of the proceeds from the Securities sold by the Selling Stockholders, other than any proceeds from any cash exercise of Warrants.

No underwriter or other person has been engaged to facilitate the sale of the Securities in this offering.  The Selling Stockholders may, individually but not severally, be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), of the Securities that they are offering pursuant to this prospectus.  We will bear all costs, expenses and fees in connection with the registration of the Securities.  The Selling Stockholders will bear all commissions and discounts, if any, attributable to their respective sales of the Securities.

You shouldcarefully read this prospectus anyand the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus, carefullyas well as any documents incorporated by reference, before you invest.invest in any of our securities.

We may offer and sell the securities described in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement to or through one or more underwriters, dealers and agents, or directly to purchasers, or through a combination of these methods. If any underwriters, dealers or agents are involved in the sale of any of the securities, their names and any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangement between or among them will be set forth, or will be calculable from the information set forth, in the applicable prospectus supplement. See the sections of this prospectus entitled “About this Prospectus” and “Plan of Distribution” for more information. No securities may be sold without delivery of this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement describing the method and terms of the offering of such securities.

Investing in our Common Stocksecurities involves a high degree of risk. You should review carefully the risks and uncertainties described under the heading “Risk Factors” contained on page 34 of this prospectus, anythe applicable prospectus supplement and in any applicable free writing prospectuses, and under similar headings in the documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

Our Common Stockcommon stock is currently listed on the NASDAQNasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “VKTX”.  On FebruaryJuly 8, 201726, 2021, the last reported sales price for our Common Stockcommon stock was $1.5852 5.63per share. Our stock price is subject to fluctuation. There has been no change recently in our financial condition or results of operations that is consistent with a recent change in our stock price. The applicable prospectus supplement will contain information, where applicable, as to any other listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market or any securities market or other exchange of the securities, if any, covered by the applicable prospectus supplement.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus is                     , 2017.2021.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

You should rely only on the information we have provided or incorporated by reference into this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that contained in this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus. No dealer, salesperson or other person is authorized to give any information or to represent anything not contained in this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus. You must not rely on any unauthorized information or representation. This prospectus is an offer to sell only the Securities offered hereby, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. You should assume that the information in this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus is accurate only as of the date on the front of the document and that any information we have incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the date of the document incorporated by reference, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or any sale of a security.

The Selling Stockholders are offering the Securities only in jurisdictions where such issuances are permitted. The distribution of this prospectus and the issuance of the Securities in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons outside the United States who come into possession of this prospectus must inform themselves about, and observe any restrictions relating to, the issuance of the Securities and the distribution of this prospectus outside the United States. This prospectus does not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, the Securities offered by this prospectus by any person in any jurisdiction in which it is unlawful for such person to make such an offer or solicitation.

This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, (the “SEC”), under whichor the Selling StockholdersSEC, utilizing a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may offer from time to time up to an aggregate of 9,965,956and sell shares of our Common Stockcommon stock and preferred stock, various series of debt securities, warrants to purchase any of such securities and/or units consisting of any combination of such securities, either individually or in combination with other securities, in one or more offerings.  If required, eachofferings, up to a total dollar amount of $600,000,000. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer.

Each time a Selling Stockholder offers Common Stock, in addition towe offer securities under this prospectus, we will provide you with a prospectus supplement that will contain more specific information about the terms of that offering. We may also authorize one or more free writing prospectuses to be provided to you that may contain material information relating to that offering. We may also use athese offerings. The prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus towe have authorized for use in connection with a specific offering may also add, update or change any of the information contained in this prospectus or in the documents that we have incorporated by reference. Thisreference into this prospectus. We urge you to read carefully this prospectus, together with anythe applicable prospectus supplements,supplement and any related free writing prospectuses andwe have authorized for use in connection with a specific offering, together with the documentsinformation incorporated herein by reference as described under the section entitled “Important Information Incorporated by Reference”, before buying any of the securities being offered.

This prospectus may not be used to consummate a sale of securities unless it is accompanied by a prospectus supplement.

You should rely only on the information contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this prospectus, includes all material information relating to this offering. To the extent that any statement that we make in aapplicable prospectus supplement and any free writing prospectuses, along with the information contained in any free writing prospectuses we have authorized for use in connection with a specific offering. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different or additional information. This prospectus is inconsistent with statements madean offer to sell only the securities offered hereby, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so.

The information appearing in this prospectus, the statements made inapplicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus is accurate only as of the date on the front of the document and any information we have incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the date of the document incorporated by reference, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus, or any sale of a security. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

 This prospectus contains summaries of certain provisions contained in some of the documents described herein, but reference is made to the actual documents for complete information. All of the summaries are qualified in their entirety by the actual documents. Copies of some of the documents referred to herein have been filed, will be deemed modifiedfiled or supersededwill be incorporated by those made in a prospectus supplement.  Please carefully read bothreference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and any prospectus supplement together with the additional informationyou may obtain copies of those documents as described below under “Important Information Incorporated by Reference”the heading “Where You Can Find More Information”.

SUMMARYSUMMARY

This summary highlights selected information containedthat is presented in greater detail elsewhere in this prospectus or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, andprospectus. Because it is only a summary, it does not contain all of the information that you needshould consider before investing in our common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants or units, and it is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read in conjunction with, the more detailed information included elsewhere in this prospectus. Before you decide whether to consider in making your investment decision. Youpurchase shares of our common stock or preferred stock, or our debt securities, warrants or units, you should carefully read thethis entire prospectus, anythe applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writingfree-writing prospectus carefully, including the risks of investing in our Common Stocksecurities discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” contained in this prospectus, anythe applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus, and under similar headings in the other documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus.prospectus. You should also carefully read the information incorporated by reference into this prospectus, including our financial statements, and the exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus formsis a part. Unless otherwise mentioned or unless the context otherwise requires, otherwise, all referencesthe terms “Viking,” “the Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” in this prospectus refer to “Viking”, “the Company”, “we”, “us”, “our” or similar references mean Viking Therapeutics, Inc.

Viking Therapeutics, Inc.The Company

We are a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel, first-in-class or best-in-class therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders. We have exclusive worldwide rights to a portfolio of five drug candidates in clinical trials or preclinical studies, which are based on small molecules licensed from Ligand.

Our lead clinical program is VK5211, an orally availableprogram’s drug candidate, currently in a Phase 2 clinical trial for acute rehabilitation following non-elective hip fracture surgery. Hip fractureVK2809, is a common injury among persons aged 60 and older. The acute recovery period post-injury is characterized by significant and rapid declines in bone mineral density (“BMD”) and lean body mass, which contributes to substantial morbidity and mortality in these patients. VK5211 is a non-steroidal selective androgen receptor modulator (“SARM”). A SARM is designed to selectively interact with a subset of receptors that have a normal physiologic role of interacting with naturally-occurring hormones called androgens. Broad activation of androgen receptors with drugs, such as exogenous testosterone, can stimulate muscle growth and improve BMD, but often results in unwanted side effects such as prostate growth, hair growth and acne. VK5211 is expected to selectively produce the therapeutic benefits of testosterone in muscle and bone tissue, potentially accelerating rehabilitation and improving patient outcomes. VK5211 is also expected to have improved safety, tolerability and patient acceptance relative to testosterone. We currently expect to complete the ongoing Phase 2 trial in mid-2017.

Our second clinical program is VK2809, an orally available, tissue and receptor-subtype selective agonist of the thyroid hormone receptor beta, (“or TRß”) that is currently in. In November 2019, we initiated the VOYAGE study, a Phase 22b clinical trial for the treatment of patients with hypercholesterolemia and fatty liver disease. VK2809 belongs to a family of novel prodrugs which are cleaved in vivo to release potent thyromimetics. Selective activation of the TRß receptor in liver tissue is believed to favorably affect cholesterol and lipoprotein levels via multiple mechanisms, including increasing the expression of low-density lipoprotein receptors and increasing mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation. We currently expect to complete the ongoing Phase 2 trial in the second half of 2017.

We are also developing VK2809 for glycogen storage disease Ia (“GSD Ia”).  GSD Ia is a rare orphan genetic disease that results in excess accumulation of glycogen and lipids in liver tissue. The disease is caused by mutations in the gene for glucose-6-phosphatase (“G6PC”), a critical enzyme involved in the production of glucose from either glycogen or gluconeogenesis.  Impaired G6PC function leads to dramatically elevated liver triglyceride levels in human patients and in animal models of the disease.  In patients, this may contribute to serious long-term complications, such as severe hepatomegaly, hepatic adenomas and hepatocellular carcinoma.  There is currently no approved therapy for GSD Ia. We are conducting a proof-of-concept study of VK2809 in patients with biopsy-confirmed non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH.

The VOYAGE study is a mouse modelrandomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial designed to assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of GSD Ia.   DataVK2809 in patients with biopsy-confirmed NASH and fibrosis ranging from stages F1 to date have shown thatF3. The study is targeting enrollment of approximately 340 patients across five treatment arms.  The primary endpoint of the study will evaluate the relative change in liver fat content, as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging, proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF), from baseline to week 12 in subjects treated with VK2809 produced rapidas compared to placebo. Secondary objectives include evaluation of histologic changes assessed by hepatic biopsy after 52 weeks of dosing.

VK2809 has been evaluated in eight completed clinical studies, which enrolled more than 300 subjects. No serious adverse events, or SAEs, have been observed in subjects receiving VK2809 in these completed studies, and substantial reductionsoverall tolerability remains encouraging. In addition, the compound has been evaluated in liver triglyceride content, liver weight and liver weight as a percentagechronic toxicity studies of body weight compared with vehicle-treated controls.  Pending completion of this study, we expectup to commence work directed toward filing an Investigational New Drug Application.12 months in duration.

We are also developing VK0214, which is also an orally available, tissue and receptor-subtype selective agonist of TRß for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, or X-ALD, a rare X-linked, inherited neurological disorder characterized by a breakdown in the protective barriers surrounding brain and nerve cells. The disease, for which there is no approved treatment, is caused by mutations in a peroxisomal transporter of very long chain fatty acids, (“VLCFA”)or VLCFA, known as ABCD1. As a result, transporter function is impaired and patients are unable to efficiently metabolize VLCFA. The TRß receptor is known to regulate expression of an alternative VLCFA transporter, known as ABCD2. Various preclinical models have demonstrated that increased expression of ABCD2 can lead to normalization of VLCFA metabolism. Preliminary in vitro data suggest that VK0214 stimulates ABCD2 expression. We are conducting studies of VK0214expression in an in vitro model and reduces VLCFA levels in an in vivo model of disease.X-ALD. In September 2020, we initiated a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 1 single ascending dose, or SAD, and multiple ascending dose, or MAD, clinical trial of VK0214 in healthy patients.  The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the safety and tolerability of VK0214 administered orally for up to 14 days.  The secondary objective is to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of VK0214 following single and multiple oral doses.  In June 2021, we announced the results of the study. The first portion of the study evaluated single doses of VK0214; in the second portion of the study, subjects received VK0214 once daily for 14 days.  Subsequent cohorts in both portions of the study received successively higher VK0214 doses.

VK0214 was shown to be safe and well-tolerated at all doses evaluated in this study.  No serious adverse events were reported, and no treatment or dose-related trends were observed for vital signs, gastrointestinal effects, cardiovascular measures or physical examinations.  VK0214 demonstrated dose-dependent exposures, no evidence of accumulation following multiple doses, and a half-life consistent with anticipated once-daily dosing regimens.

While the study's primary objective was to evaluate safety and tolerability, laboratory assessments included a lipid panel to determine potential pharmacodynamic effects following exposure to VK0214.  The results showed that subjects who received VK0214 experienced reductions in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, orLDL-C, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B following 14

days of treatment at all VK0214 doses.  Many of the observed lipid reductions achieved statistical significance, though the study was not powered to demonstrate statistical significance on laboratory assessments. 

In June 2021, we initiated a Phase 1b clinical trial of VK0214 in patients with X-ALD. The Phase 1b trial is a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in adult male patients with the adrenomyeloneuropathy, or AMN, form of X-ALD.  The study is initially targeting enrollment across three cohorts: placebo, VK0214 20 mg daily, and VK0214 40 mg daily.  Pending completiona blinded review of preliminary safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic data, additional dosing cohorts may be pursued.

The primary objectives of the study are to evaluate the safety and tolerability of VK0214 administered once-daily over a 28-day dosing period, and to assess the efficacy of VK0214 at lowering plasma levels of very long chain fatty acids in patients with AMN.  Secondary objectives include an evaluation of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of VK0214 following 28 days of dosing in this population.

Other clinical programs include VK5211, an orally available, non-steroidal selective androgen receptor modulator, or SARM. In November 2017, we announced positive top-line results from a Phase 2 proof-of-concept clinical trial in 108 patients recovering from non-elective hip fracture surgery. Top-line data showed that the trial achieved its primary endpoint, demonstrating statistically significant, dose dependent increases in lean body mass, less head, following treatment with VK5211 as compared to placebo. The study also achieved certain secondary endpoints, demonstrating statistically significant increases in appendicular lean body mass and total lean body mass for all doses of VK5211, compared to placebo. VK5211 demonstrated encouraging safety and tolerability in this study, with no drug-related SAEs reported. Our intent is to continue to pursue partnering or licensing opportunities prior to conducting additional clinical studies.

We were incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware on September 24, 2012. Since our incorporation, we have devoted most of our efforts towards conducting certain clinical trials and preclinical studies related to our VK2809, VK0214 and VK5211 programs, as well as efforts towards raising capital and building infrastructure. We obtained exclusive worldwide rights to our VK2809, VK0214 and VK5211 programs and certain other assets pursuant to an exclusive license agreement with Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, or Ligand. The terms of this license agreement are detailed in the Master License Agreement with Ligand, which we entered into on May 21, 2014, as amended, or the Master License Agreement. A summary of the Master License Agreement can be found under the heading “Agreements with Ligand—Master License Agreement” under Part I, “Item 1. Business” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, on February 17, 2021.

We are subject to risks and uncertainties as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business is highly uncertain and difficult to predict, as the responses that we, other businesses and governments are taking continue to evolve. Furthermore, capital markets and economies worldwide have also been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is possible that it could cause a local and/or global economic slowdown or recession. Policymakers around the globe have responded with fiscal policy actions to support the healthcare industry and economy as a whole. The magnitude and overall effectiveness of these studies, we expectactions still remains uncertain.

In addition, our clinical trials have been affected by and may continue to commence work directedbe affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinical site initiation and patient enrollment have been, and may continue to be delayed due to prioritization of hospital resources toward the COVID-19 pandemic. Some patients have not been able and others may not be able to comply with clinical trial protocols if quarantines impede patient movement or interrupt healthcare services. Similarly, any inability to recruit and retain patients and principal investigators and site staff who, as healthcare providers, may have heightened exposure to COVID-19, may adversely impact our clinical trial operations.

The severity of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business will depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the duration and severity of the pandemic and the extent and severity of the impact on our service providers, suppliers, contract research organizations, or CROs, and our clinical trials, all of which are uncertain and cannot be predicted, as well as the timing, rollout and availability of vaccines and the effectiveness thereof, and the willingness of the general population to be vaccinated. As of

the date of this filing, an Investigational New Drug Application.the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic may materially impact our financial condition, liquidity or results of operations is still uncertain.

Corporate Information

For a complete description of our business, financial condition, results of operations and other important information, we refer you to our filings with the SEC that are incorporated by reference in this prospectus, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.2020 and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2021.  For instructions on how to find copies of these documents, see “Wherethe section of this prospectus entitled “Where You Can Find More Information”.Information.”

We were incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware on September 24, 2012. Since our incorporation, we have devoted substantially all of our efforts to raising capital, building infrastructure and obtaining the worldwide rights to certain technology, including VK5211, VK2809 and VK0214,RISK FACTORS

Investing in any securities offered pursuant to an exclusive license agreement with Ligand,this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement and conducting certain clinical trials and preclinical studiesany related to these programs. The terms of this license agreement are detailed in the Master License Agreement. A summary of the Master License Agreement can be found in the section entitled “Business —Agreements with Ligand —Master License Agreement” in Part I, Item1 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 8, 2016.

RISK FACTORS

Investing in shares of our Common Stockfree writing prospectus involves a high degree of risk. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks described under “Risk Factors” in anythe applicable prospectus supplement, any related free writing prospectus and in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, or any updates in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, together with all of the other information appearing in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and anythe applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus, before deciding whether to purchase any of the Common Stocksecurities being offered. Our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks. The trading priceoccurrence of shares of our Common Stock could decline due to any of these risks andmight cause you mayto lose all or part of your investment.investment in the offered securities.

DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement and the documents incorporated by reference intoin this prospectus may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”), aboutor the Company.  TheseExchange Act, which statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or our future financial or operating performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements are intended to be covered by the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact, and can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminologybecause they contain words such as “believes”, “expects”, “may”, “will”, “could”, “should”, “projects”, “plans”, “goal”, “targets”,“may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “intends,” “target,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential”, “estimates”, “pro forma”, “seeks”, “intends” or “anticipates”“continue” or the negative thereofof these words or comparable terminology.other similar terms or expressions that concern our expectations, strategy, plans or intentions. Forward-looking statements include discussions of strategy, financial projections, guidance and estimates (including their underlying assumptions), statements regarding plans, objectives, expectations or consequences of various transactions, and statements about the future performance, operations, products and services of the Company.  We caution our stockholders and other readers not to place undue reliance on such statements.

You should readcontained in this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference completelyin this prospectus include, but are not limited to, statements about:

We caution you that the forward-looking statements highlighted above do not encompass all of the forward-looking statements made in this prospectus or in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

We have based the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free-writing prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus primarily on our current expectations and projections about future events and trends that we believe may affect our business, financial condition, results of operations are and will beprospects. The outcomes of the events described in these forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors.  Consequently, actual results and experience may materially differ from those contained in any forward-looking statements.  Such risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results and experience to differ from those projected, include,including, but are not limited to, the risk factors set forth in Part I - Item 1A, “Risk Factors”, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015,2020, as filed with the SEC on February 17, 2021, in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 831, 2021, as filed with the SEC on April 28, 2021, 2016,in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2021, as filed with the SEC on July 28, 2021, and elsewhere in the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

You should assume that the information appearing Moreover, we operate in this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement, any related free writing prospectusa very competitive and any document incorporated herein by reference is accurate as of its date only.  Because the risk factors referred to above could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made.challenging environment. New factorsrisks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict which factorsall risks and uncertainties that could have an impact on the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free-writing prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We cannot assure you that the results, events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will arise. In addition, we cannot assess the impact of each factor on our businessbe achieved or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may causeoccur, and actual results, toevents or circumstances could differ materially from those containeddescribed in anythe forward-looking statements. All written or oral

The forward-looking statements attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf made after the date of this prospectus are expressly qualified in their entirety by the risk factors and cautionary statements contained in this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free-writing prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference intoin this prospectus.  Unless legally required, weprospectus relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. We do not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this prospectus or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures, other strategic transactions or investments we may make.

USE OF PROCEEDS

We will receive noExcept as described in the applicable prospectus supplement or in any free-writing prospectuses we have authorized for use in connection with a specific offering, we currently intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the Securities by the Selling Stockholders. We may, however, receive cash proceeds equal to the total exercise price of the Warrants to the extent that the Warrants are exercisedsecurities under this prospectus, if any, for cash.  The exercise price of the Ligand Warrant is $1.50 per share of Common Stockworking capital and the exercise price of the Laidlaw Warrant is $10.00 per share of Common Stock.  The exercise price and the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants may be adjusted in certain circumstances, including stock splits, dividends or distributions, or other similar transactions.  However, the Warrants contain a “cashless exercise” feature that allow the holders to exercise the Warrants without making a cash payment to us in the event that there is no registration statement registering the Warrant Shares. There can be no assurance that any of these Warrants will be exercised by the Selling Stockholders at all or that the Warrants will be exercised for cash rather than pursuant to the “cashless exercise” feature.  To the extent we receive proceeds from the cash exercise of the Warrants, we intend to use such proceeds to provide capital support or for general corporate purposes, which may include, without limitation, supporting asset growth and engaging in acquisitions or other business combinations. We do not have any specific plans for acquisitions or other business combinations at this time.  Our management will retain broad discretion inalso may use a portion of the allocationproceeds to repay debt.

The amounts and timing of our use of the net proceeds from the exercisesale of securities under this prospectus will depend on a number of factors, such as the Warrants.

The Selling Stockholders will pay any underwriting discountstiming and commissions and any similar expenses they incur in disposing of the Securities. We will bear all other costs, fees and expenses incurred in effecting the registration of the Securities covered by this prospectus. These may include, without limitation, all registration and filing fees, printing fees and fees and expensesprogress of our counselresearch and accountants.

SELLING STOCKHOLDERS

Unlessdevelopment efforts, the context otherwise requires, as used in this prospectus, “Selling Stockholders” includestiming and progress of any partnering and commercialization efforts, technological advances and the selling stockholders listed below and donees, pledgees, transferees or other successors-in-interest selling shares received aftercompetitive environment for our products. As of the date of this prospectus, from a selling stockholder as a gift, pledge or other non-sale related transfer.

We have prepared this prospectus to allow the Selling Stockholders or their successors, assignees or other permitted transferees to sell or otherwise dispose of, from time to time, up to 9,965,956 shares of our Common Stock. The 9,965,956 shares of Common Stock to be offered hereby were issued or are issuable, to the Selling Stockholders in connectionwe cannot specify with (i) the Master License Agreement, (ii) the conversion of the Note, (iii) the exercise of the Ligand Warrant, (iv) the Stock Purchase Agreement, and (v) the exercise of the Laidlaw Warrant.

Pursuant to the terms of the Master License Agreement, we issued an aggregate total of 3,655,964 shares of Common Stock to Ligand and Metabasis. Upon the partial conversion of the Note, we issued 960,000 shares of Common Stock and the Ligand Warrant to Ligand. The Ligand Warrant has an exercise price of $1.50 per share of Common Stock, subject to adjustment as provided in the Ligand Warrant, became exercisable upon issuance, and has a term of five years from the date of issuance. The exercisability of the Ligand Warrant is subject to the Warrant Blocker, as described in the footnotes below. As of the date hereof, $1,955,139 in principal amount remains outstanding under the Note and, based on $1.33, the volume weighted-average closing price of our Common Stock for the 30 days prior to January 31, 2017, and after including accrued but unpaid interest through May 21, 2017 (the maturity date of the Note), the Note will be convertible into up to 3,021,319 shares of Common Stock. Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, we agreed to register the shares of Common Stock issued or issuable pursuant to the Master License Agreement, the conversion of the Note and the exercise of the Ligand Warrant.

Pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, we agreed to register the 1,286,173 shares of Common Stock issued to PoC Capital pursuant thereto.

Pursuant to the Laidlaw Warrant, we agreed to register the 82,500 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise thereof. The Laidlaw Warrant has an exercise price of $10.00 per share of Common Stock, subject to adjustment as provided in the Laidlaw Warrant, became exercisable on the one year anniversary of the date of issuance, has a term of five years from the date of issuance and requires us to register the shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to the exercise thereof.

All of the 9,965,956 shares of Common Stock to be offered hereby were, and will be, issued in reliance on the exemption from securities registration in Section 4(a)(2) under the Securities Act and Rule 506 promulgated thereunder.

The shares of Common Stock to be offered by the Selling Stockholders are “restricted” securities under applicable federal and state securities laws and are being registered under the Securities Act to give the Selling Stockholders the opportunity to sell these shares publicly.  The registration of these shares does not require that any of the shares be offered or sold by the Selling Stockholders.  Subject to these resale restrictions, the Selling Stockholders may from time to time offer and sell all or a portion of their shares indicated below in privately negotiated transactions or on the NASDAQ Capital Market or any other market on which our Common Stock may subsequently be listed.

The registered shares may be sold directly or through brokers or dealers, or in a distribution by one or more underwriters on a firm commitment or best effort basis.  To the extent required, the names of any agent or broker-dealer and applicable commissions or discounts and any other required information with respect to any particular offering will be set forth in a prospectus supplement.  See the section of this prospectus entitled “Plan of Distribution”. The Selling Stockholders and any agents or broker-dealers that participate with the Selling Stockholders in the distribution of registered shares may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act, and any commissions received by them and any profit on the resale of the registered shares may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act.

No estimate can be given as to the amount or percentage of Common Stock that will be held by the Selling Stockholders after any sales made pursuant to this prospectus because the Selling Stockholders are not required to sell any of the Securities being registered under this prospectus.  The following table assumes that the Selling Stockholders will sellcertainty all of the Securities listed in this prospectus.

Unless otherwise indicated inparticular uses for the footnotes below, no Selling Stockholder has had any material relationship with us or any of our affiliates within the past three years other than as a security holder.

We have prepared this table based on written representations and information furnishednet proceeds to us by or on behalf of the Selling Stockholders.  Since the date on which the Selling Stockholders provided this information, the Selling Stockholders may have sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of all or a portion of the shares of Common Stock in a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.  Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes below, we believe that: (1) none of the Selling

Stockholders are broker-dealers or affiliates of broker-dealers, (2) no Selling Stockholder has direct or indirect agreements or understandings with any person to distribute their Securities, and (3) the Selling Stockholders have sole voting and investment power with respect to all Securities beneficially owned, subject to applicable community property laws.  To the extent any Selling Stockholder identified below is, or is affiliated with, a broker-dealer, it could be deemed, individually but not severally, to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act. Information about the Selling Stockholders may change over time.  Any changed information will be set forth in supplements to this prospectus, if required.

The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our Common Stock held, as of February 8, 2017, by the Selling Stockholders and the number of Securities being registered hereby and information with respect to shares to be beneficially owned by the Selling Stockholders after completion of the offering of the shares for resale.  The percentages in the following table reflect the shares beneficially owned by the Selling Stockholders as a percentage of the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of February 8, 2017.  As of such date, 22,703,590 shares of Common Stock were outstanding.

Indemnification

Under the Securities Purchase Agreements and the Underwriting Agreement, in the case of Laidlaw, we have agreed to indemnify the Selling Stockholders of the Securities against certain losses, claims, damages, liabilities, settlement costs and expenses, including liabilities under the Securities Act.    

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We are registering the shares of Common Stock previously issued to the Selling Stockholders, shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants previously issued to certain of the Selling Stockholders and shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Note previously issued to one of the Selling Stockholders to permit the resale of these shares of Common Stock by the holders of the Common Stock, the Warrants and the Note from time to time after the date of this prospectus. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale by the Selling Stockholdersof the shares of Common Stock. We will bear all fees and expenses incident to our obligation to register the shares of Common Stock.

The Selling Stockholders may sell all or a portion of the shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by them and offered hereby from time to time directly or through one or more underwriters, broker-dealers or agents. If the shares of Common Stock are sold through underwriters or broker-dealers, the Selling Stockholders will be responsible for underwriting discounts or commissions or agent’s commissions. The shares of Common Stock may be sold in one or more transactions at fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of the sale, at varying prices determined at the time of sale, or at negotiated prices. The Selling Stockholders will act independently of us in making decisions with respect to the timing, manner and size of each sale. These sales may be effected in transactions, which may involve cross or block transactions:

If the Selling Stockholders effect such transactions by selling shares of Common Stock to or through underwriters, broker-dealers or agents, such underwriters, broker-dealers or agents may receive commissions in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the Selling Stockholders or commissions from purchasers of the shares of Common Stock for whom they may act as agent or to whom they may sell as principal (which discounts, concessions or commissions as to particular underwriters, broker-dealers or agents may be in excess of those customary in the types of transactions involved). In connection with sales of the shares of Common Stock or otherwise, the Selling Stockholders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers, which may in turn engage in short sales of the shares of Common Stock in the course of hedging in positions they assume. The Selling Stockholders may also sell shares of Common Stock short and deliver shares of Common Stock covered by this prospectus to close out short positions and to return borrowed shares in connection with such short sales. The Selling Stockholders may also loan or pledge shares of Common Stock to broker-dealers that in turn may sell such shares.

The Selling Stockholders may pledge or grant a security interest in some or all of the shares of Common Stock, the Warrants

or the Note owned by them and, if they default in the performance of their secured obligations, the pledgees or secured parties may offer and sell the shares of Common Stock from time to time pursuant tounder this prospectus or any amendment to thisapplicable prospectus under Rule 424(b)(3) or other applicable provisionsupplement. Accordingly, our management will have broad discretion in the timing and application of these proceeds. Pending application of the Securities Act amending, if necessary,net proceeds as described above, we intend to temporarily invest the list of Selling Stockholders to include the pledgee, transferee or other successorsproceeds in interest as Selling Stockholders under this prospectus. The Selling Stockholders also may transfer and donate the shares of Common Stock in other circumstances in which case the transferees, donees, pledgees or other successors in interest will be the selling beneficial owners for purposes of this prospectus.short-term, interest-bearing instruments.

The Selling Stockholders, individually and not severally, and any broker-dealer participating in the distribution of the shares of Common Stock may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act, and any commission paid, or any discounts or concessions allowed to, any such broker-dealer may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act. At the time a particular offering of the shares of Common Stock is made, a prospectus supplement, if required, will be distributed which will set forth the aggregate amount of shares of Common Stock being offered and the terms of the offering, including the name or names of any broker-dealers or agents, any discounts, commissions and other terms constituting compensation from the Selling Stockholders and any discounts, commissions or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to broker-dealers. The Selling Stockholders may indemnify any broker-dealer that participates in transactions involving the sale of the shares of Common Stock against certain liabilities, including liabilities arising under the Securities Act.

Under the securities laws of some states, the shares of Common Stock may be sold in such states only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition, in some states the shares of Common Stock may not be sold unless such shares have been registered or qualified for sale in such state or an exemption from registration or qualification is available and is complied with.

There can be no assurance that any Selling Stockholder will sell any or all of the shares of Common Stock registered pursuant to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

The Selling Stockholders and any other person participating in such distribution will be subject to applicable provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, including, without limitation, Regulation M of the Exchange Act, which may limit the timing of purchases and sales of any of the shares of Common Stock by the Selling Stockholders and any other participating person. Regulation M may also restrict the ability of any person engaged in the distribution of the shares of Common Stock to engage in market-making activities with respect to the shares of Common Stock. All of the foregoing may affect the marketability of the shares of Common Stock and the ability of any person or entity to engage in market-making activities with respect to the shares of Common Stock.

We will pay all expenses of the registration of the shares of Common Stock pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Stock Purchase Agreement and the terms of the Laidlaw Warrant, estimated to be $131,813 in total, including, without limitation, SEC filing fees and expenses of compliance with state securities or “Blue Sky” laws; provided, however, that a Selling Stockholder will pay all underwriting discounts and selling commissions, if any. We will indemnify the Selling Stockholders against certain liabilities, including certain liabilities arising under the Securities Act, or the Selling Stockholders will be entitled to contribution. We may be indemnified by the Selling Stockholders against civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, that may arise from any written information furnished to us by the Selling Stockholder specifically for use in this prospectus, or we may be entitled to contribution.

Once sold under the registration statement, of which this prospectus forms a part, the shares of Common Stock will be freely tradable in the hands of persons other than our affiliates.

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

General

The following description summarizes the most important terms of our capital stock. Because it is only a summary of the provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, it does not contain all of the information that may be important to you. For a complete description of the matters set forth in this “Description of Capital Stock,” you should refer to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, amended and restated bylaws and the agreements described under the heading “—Registration Rights Agreement, the Laidlaw Warrant, the Stock Purchase Agreement and our registration rights agreement with Aspire Capital,Rights” below, each of which are included as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and to the applicable provisions of Delaware law. Our authorized capital stock consists of 300,000,000300,000,000 shares of Common Stock,common stock, $0.00001 par value per share, and 10,000,00010,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock, $0.00001 par value per share.

As of January 31June 30, 2017,2021, there were 21,417,41778,189,814 shares of our Common Stockcommon stock outstanding, held by approximately 18 four stockholders of record, not including beneficial holders whose shares are held in names other than their own. Our board of directors is authorized, without stockholder approval except as required by the rules and listings standards of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC, to issue additional shares of our capital stock.

Common Stock

Dividend Rights

Subject to preferences that may apply to any shares of preferred stock outstanding at the time, the holders of our Common Stockcommon stock are entitled to receive dividends out of funds legally available if our board of directors, in its discretion, determines to issue dividends and then only at the times and in the amounts that our board of directors may determine.

Voting Rights

Holders of our Common Stockcommon stock are entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation does not provide for cumulative voting for the election of directors, and it establishes a classified board of directors that is divided into three classes with staggered three-year terms. Only the directors in one class will be subject to election at each annual meeting of our stockholders with the directors in the other classes continuing for the remainder of their respective three-year terms.

No Preemptive or Similar Rights

Our Common Stockcommon stock is not entitled to preemptive rights and is not subject to conversion, redemption or sinking fund provisions.

Right to Receive Liquidation Distributions

If we become subject to a liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, the assets legally available for distribution to our stockholders would be distributable ratably among the holders of our Common Stockcommon stock and any participating preferred stock outstanding at that time, subject to prior satisfaction of all outstanding debt and liabilities and the preferential rights of and the payment of liquidation preferences, if any, on any outstanding shares of preferred stock.

Fully Paid and Non-Assessable

All of the outstanding shares of our Common Stockcommon stock are, and the shares of our Common Stockcommon stock to be issued pursuant to this prospectus or which may be issued upon conversion of or exchange for preferred stock or debt securities that provide for conversion or exchange, or upon exercise of warrants or units to be issued pursuant to this prospectus, will be, fully paid and non-assessable.

Preferred Stock

Our board of directors is authorized, subject to limitations prescribed by Delaware law, to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of our preferred stock in one or more series, to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each series, and to fix the designation, powers, preferences, and rights of the shares of each series and any of its qualifications, limitations or restrictions, in each case without further vote or action by our stockholders. Our board of directors can also increase or decrease the number of shares of any series of preferred stock, but not below the number of shares of that series then outstanding, without any further vote or action by our stockholders. Our board of directors may authorize the issuance of preferred stock with voting or conversion rights that could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of our Common Stock.common stock. The issuance of preferred stock, while providing flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could, among other things, have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of our company and might adversely affect the market price of our Common Stockcommon stock and the voting and other rights of the holders of our Common Stock.common stock.

Equity Awards

As of June 30, 2021, optionsJanuary 31, 2017, options to purchase 1,610,371 3,917,509 shares of our Common Stockcommon stock with a weighted-average exercise price of $2.91 $5.62 per share were outstanding,outstanding; restricted stock awards representing an aggregate of 307,096 183,095 shares of our Common Stockcommon stock were unvested and outstanding,outstanding; and restricted stock units representing 80,625 1,047,155 shares of our Common Stockcommon stock were outstanding.

Outstanding Warrants

As of January 31, 2017, in addition to the Warrants we are registering hereunder,June 30, 2021, warrants to purchase an aggregate of 8,625,000 487,087 shares of our Common Stockcommon stock with a weighted-average exercise price of $1.50 $1.30 per share were outstanding. Our warrants to purchase an aggregate of 8,625,000 shares of our Common Stock issued in April 2016 are listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “VKTXW”.

Ligand Convertible NoteAnti-Takeover Provisions

As of January 31, 2017, the aggregate outstanding principal amount under the Note, plus all accrued and previously unpaid interest thereon, was approximately $1,994,106. We may repay any portion of the outstanding principal amount of the loans under the Note, plus accrued and previously unpaid interest thereon, by delivering a notice to Ligand (the “Additional Repayment Notice”) specifying the amount that we wish to repay (the “Additional Payment Amount”). Ligand will have five days to elect to receive the Additional Payment Amount in cash, our equity securities or a combination of cash and our equity securities. If Ligand does not make an election within such five-day period, the form of the Additional Payment Amount will be at our sole election and discretion, subject to the number of equity securities being reduced to the extent that the issuance of such equity securities would increase Ligand’s beneficial ownership of our Common Stock to greater than 49.9%. To the extent that any portion of an Additional Payment Amount will be paid in the form of our equity securities, we will issue to Ligand, with respect to the portion of the Additional Payment Amount that will be paid in our equity securities, such number of shares of our Common Stock equal to the greater of (a) such number of shares of Common Stock equal to the quotient obtained by dividing the Additional Payment Amount by the volume weighted-average closing price of our Common Stock for the 30 days prior to the date we deliver the Additional Repayment Notice, and (b) such number of shares of Common Stock equal to the quotient obtained by dividing the Additional Payment Amount by $8.00 (subject to adjustment for stock dividends, splits, combinations or similar transactions). Each $1.00 of any Additional Payment Amount will reduce the amount of accrued and unpaid interest and then unpaid principal amount under the Note by $0.50.

Registration Rights

On May 21, 2014, we entered into the Registration Rights Agreement pursuant to which we agreed, among other things, that we will file with the SEC, by no later than January 23, 2017, a Registration Statement under the Securities Act that covers the resale of (1) the securities issued by us to Ligand pursuant to the Master License Agreement we previously entered into with Ligand and the securities issuable by us to Ligand pursuant to the Ligand Note (collectively, the “Viking Securities”), (2) the shares of our Common Stock issued or issuable upon conversion of the Viking Securities, if applicable, and (3) the shares of our Common Stock issued as a dividend or other distribution with respect to, in exchange for or in replacement of the Viking Securities.

We issued to Laidlaw as part of the compensation under the Underwriting Agreement the Laidlaw Warrant to purchase an aggregate of 82,500 shares of our Common Stock. Pursuant to the terms of the Laidlaw Warrant, the holders of 51% of the shares issuable upon exercise of the Laidlaw Warrant (the “Registrable Warrant Shares”) have the right to demand, on one occasion, the registration by us of the Registrable Warrant Shares. Additionally, we have agreed under the terms of the Laidlaw Warrant to provide the holder of the Registrable Warrant Shares with certain piggyback registration rights.

On February 8, 2017, we issued to PoC Capital an aggregate of 1,286,173 shares of Common Stock pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement.  Under the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement, we agreed to file with the SEC, by no later than February 23, 2017, a Registration Statement under the Securities Act that covers the resale of all of the 1,286,173 shares of Common Stock issued to PoC Capital.

We are registering 9,965,956 shares of Common Stock for resale pursuant to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part as required by the Registration Rights Agreement, the Stock Purchase Agreement and the Laidlaw Warrant.

On August 24, 2016, we entered into a Registration Rights Agreement with Aspire Capital (the “Aspire Registration Rights Agreement”), pursuant to which we agreed to file with the SEC one or more registration statements as necessary to register for sale under the Securities Act shares of Common Stock that we issued or may issue to Aspire Capital under that certain Common Stock Purchase Agreement by and between us and Aspire Capital. We filed a registration statement registering such shares of Common Stock for resale on September 2, 2016, and the registration statement was declared effective on September 21, 2016.

Anti-Takeover Provisions

Certain provisions of Delaware law, along with certain provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws, may have the effect of delaying, deferring or discouraging another person from acquiring control of our company. These provisions are expected to discourage coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids. These provisions are also designed, in part, to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of our company to first negotiate with our board of directors. However, these provisions could have the effect of delaying, discouraging or preventing attempts to acquire us, which could deprive our stockholders of opportunities to sell their shares of Common Stockcommon stock at prices higher than prevailing market prices.prices.

Delaware Law

We are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, (the “DGCL”)or the DGCL, regulating corporate takeovers. In general, those provisions prohibit a public Delaware corporation from engaging in any business combination with any interested stockholder for a period of three years following the date that the stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless:

In general, Section 203 of the DGCL defines an interested stockholder as any entity or person beneficially owning, or who within three years prior to the time of determination of interested stockholder status did own, 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation and any entity or person affiliated with or controlling or controlled by any such entity or person.

A Delaware corporation may opt out of this provision by express provision in its original certificate of incorporation or by amendment to its certificate of incorporation or bylaws approved by its stockholders. However, we have not opted out of, and do not currently intend to opt out of, this provision. The statute could prohibit or delay mergers or other takeover or change in control attempts and, accordingly, may discourage attempts to acquire our company.

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws include a number of provisions that could deter hostile takeovers or delay or prevent changes relating to the control of our board of directors or management team, including the following:

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for our Common Stock and the warrants we issued in April 2016common stock is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC. The transfer agent and registrar’s address is 6201 15th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11219.

Listing

Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “VKTX”. Our

Any underwriters that are qualified market makers on the Nasdaq Capital Market may engage in passive market making transactions in the common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market in accordance with Regulation M under the symbol “VKTXW”.Exchange Act, during the business day prior to the pricing of the offering, before the commencement of offers or sales of the common stock. Passive market makers must comply with applicable volume and price limitations and must be identified as passive market makers. In general, a passive market maker must display its bid at a price not in excess of the highest independent bid for such security; if all independent bids are lowered below the passive market maker’s bid, however, the passive market maker’s bid must then be lowered when certain purchase limits are exceeded. Passive market making may stabilize the market price of the securities at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.

In compliance with guidelines of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA, the maximum consideration or discount to be received by any FINRA member or independent broker dealer may not exceed 8% of the aggregate amount of the securities offered pursuant to this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement.

LEGAL MATTERS

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the validity of the Common Stocksecurities offered by this prospectus, and any supplement thereto, will be passed upon for us by Paul Hastings LLP, Palo Alto, California.

EXPERTS

Marcum LLP, our independent, registered public accounting firm, has audited our financial statements included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015,2020, which is incorporated by reference into this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. Our financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance on Marcum LLP’s report, (which includes an explanatory paragraph as to Viking Therapeutics, Inc.’s ability to continue as a going concern), given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We are a reporting company and file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act with respect to the Common Stocksecurities being offered under this prospectus. This prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement and the exhibits to the registration statement. For further information with respect to us and the shares of Common Stocksecurities being offered under this prospectus, we refer you to the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules filed as a part of the registration statement. You may readFor further information with respect to us and copythe securities being offered under this prospectus, we refer you to the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules filed as well as our reports, proxy statements and other information, at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information about the operationa part of the Public Reference Room.registration statement. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, including Viking Therapeutics, Inc. The SEC’s Internet site can be found at http://www.sec.gov.

DISCLOSURE OF COMMISSION POSITION ON INDEMNIFICATION FOR SECURITIES ACT LIABILITIES

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our directors, officers, and persons controlling us pursuant to the provisions described in Item 15 of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part or otherwise, we have been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than our payment of expenses incurred or paid by our directors, officers, or controlling persons in the successful defense of any action, suit, or proceeding) is asserted by our directors, officers, or controlling persons in connection with the common stock being registered, we will, unless in the opinion of our counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by us is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of the issue.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” information into this prospectus, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. The documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus contain important information that you should read about us.

The following documents are incorporated by reference into this prospectus:

We also incorporate by reference any future filings (other than current reports furnished under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form 8-K and exhibits filed on such form that are related to such items unless such Form 8-K expressly provides to the contrary) made with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, including those made after the date of the initial filing of the registration statement of which this prospectus formsis a part and prior to effectiveness of such registration statement, until we file a post-effective amendment that indicates the termination of the offering of the Common Stocksecurities made by this prospectus and such future filings will become a part of this prospectus from the respective dates that such documents are filed with the SEC. Any statement contained herein or in a document incorporated, or deemed to be incorporated, by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes hereof or of the related prospectus supplement to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document whichthat also is, also incorporated or is deemed to be, incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.

Documents incorporated by reference are available from us, without charge. You may obtain documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus by requesting them in writing or by telephone at the following address:

Viking Therapeutics, Inc.

Attn: Secretary

12340 El Camino Real, Suite 250

San Diego, CA 92130

Telephone Number: (858) 704-4660

28

The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JULY 28, 2021

PROSPECTUS

Viking Therapeutics, Inc.

Up to $125,000,000
Common Stock

____________________

We have entered into an At-the-Market Equity Offering Sales Agreement, or the Sales Agreement, with Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, or Stifel, Truist Securities, Inc., or Truist, and H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC, or Wainwright, each of whom we refer to as an Agent, and together as the Agents, to offer and sell up to $125.0 million of our common stock, $0.00001 par value per share, offered by this prospectus.

In accordance with the terms of the Sales Agreement, we may offer and sell shares of our common stock at any time and from time to time through or to the Agents as sales agent or principal. Sales of our common stock, if any, will be made at market prices by any method that is deemed to be an “at the market offering” as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act.

The aggregate compensation payable to the Agents shall be equal to 3.0% of the gross sales price of the shares sold through the Agents pursuant to the Sales Agreement. In connection with the sale of the common stock on our behalf, each of the Agents will be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act, and the compensation of the Agents will be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts.

Subject to the terms and conditions of the Sales Agreement, the Agents will use their commercially reasonable efforts consistent with their normal trading and sales practices to sell on our behalf any shares to be offered by us under the Sales Agreement. There is no arrangement for funds to be received in any escrow, trust or similar arrangement.

Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “VKTX.” On July 26, 2021, the closing price of our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market was $5.63 per share.

____________________

Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-7 of this prospectus and under similar headings in the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus for a discussion of certain risks you should consider before investing in shares of our common stock.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

____________________

The date of this prospectus is , 2021

i

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a “shelf” registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, using a “shelf” registration process. This prospectus describes the specific terms of this offering. This prospectus relates only to an offering of up to $125.0 million of shares of our common stock through the Agents. These sales, if any, will be made pursuant to the terms of the Sales Agreement entered into among us and the Agents on July 28, 2021, a copy of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

We urge you to carefully read this prospectus, the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein and the additional information in the section of this prospectus entitled “Incorporation by Reference; Where You Can Find More Information” before buying any of the securities being offered under this prospectus. These documents contain information you should consider when making your investment decision. To the extent that any statement that we make in this prospectus is inconsistent with statements made in any documents incorporated by reference, the statements made in this prospectus will be deemed to modify or supersede those made in such documents incorporated by reference.

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, the documents incorporated by reference herein and any free-writing prospectus we may provide you. We have not, and the Agents have not, authorized anyone to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it.

You should not assume that the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus is accurate on any date subsequent to the date set forth on the front cover of this prospectus or on any date subsequent to the date of the document incorporated by reference, as applicable. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

We are offering to sell, and seeking offers to buy, the securities described in this prospectus only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The distribution of this prospectus and the offering of the securities in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons outside the United States who come into possession of this prospectus must inform themselves about, and observe any restrictions relating to, the offering of the securities and the distribution of this prospectus outside the United States. This prospectus does not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities offered by this prospectus by any person in any jurisdiction in which it is unlawful for such person to make such an offer or solicitation.

We further note that the representations, warranties and covenants made by us in any agreement that is filed as an exhibit to any document that is incorporated by reference into this prospectus were made solely for the benefit of the parties to such agreement, including, in some cases, for the purpose of allocating risk among the parties to such agreements, and should not be deemed to be a representation, warranty or covenant to you. Moreover, such representations, warranties or covenants were accurate only as of the date when made. Accordingly, such representations, warranties and covenants should not be relied on as accurately representing the current state of our affairs.

In this prospectus, unless otherwise indicated or required by the context, the terms “Viking,” “we,” “our,” “us” and the “Company” refer to Viking Therapeutics, Inc.

S-1

S-2

S-3

S-4

S-5

RISK FACTORS

Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2021 which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus, as updated by our subsequent annual, quarterly and other reports and documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus, as well as our other filings with the SEC, include material risk factors relating to our business. Those risks and uncertainties and the risks and uncertainties described below are not the only risks and uncertainties that we face. Additional risks and uncertainties that are not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial or that are not specific to us, such as general economic conditions, may also materially and adversely affect our business and operations. If any of those risks and uncertainties or the risks and uncertainties described below actually occurs, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be harmed substantially. In such a case, you may lose all or part of your investment. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below and those risks and uncertainties incorporated by reference into this prospectus, as well as the other information included in this prospectus, before making an investment decision with respect to our common stock.

Risks Related to this Offering

We will have broad discretion in the use of the net proceeds from this offering and may not use them effectively.

We currently intend to use the net proceeds of this offering for the continued development of our VK2809 and VK0214 programs and for general research and development, working capital and general corporate purposes, as further described in the section of this prospectus entitled “Use of Proceeds.” We will have broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds in the category of other working capital and general corporate purposes and investors will be relying on the judgment of our management regarding the application of the proceeds of this offering.

The precise amount and timing of the application of these proceeds will depend upon a number of factors, such as the timing and progress of our research and development efforts, the timing and progress of any partnering and commercialization efforts, our funding requirements and the availability and costs of other funds. As of the date of this prospectus, we cannot specify with certainty all of the particular uses for the net proceeds to us from this offering. Depending on the outcome of our efforts and other unforeseen events, our plans and priorities may change and we may apply the net proceeds of this offering in different manners than we currently anticipate.

The failure by our management to apply these funds effectively could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. Pending their use, we may invest the net proceeds from this offering in short-term, interest-bearing instruments. These investments may not yield a favorable return to our stockholders.

You may experience immediate and substantial dilution.

The offering price per share in this offering may exceed the net tangible book value per share of our common stock outstanding prior to this offering. Assuming that an aggregate of 22,202,487 shares of our common stock are sold during the term of the Sales Agreement with the Agents at a price of $5.63 per share, the last reported sale price of our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market on July 26, 2021, for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $125.0 million, after deducting commissions and estimated aggregate offering expenses payable by us you will experience immediate dilution of $2.18 per share, representing the difference between the assumed offering price per share and our as adjusted net tangible book value per share as of July 26, 2021 after giving effect to this offering. The exercise of outstanding stock options and warrants may result in further dilution of your investment. See the section of this prospectus entitled “Dilution” for a more detailed illustration of the dilution you would incur if you participate in this offering.

The shares of common stock will be sold in “at the market” offerings, and investors who buy shares at different times will likely pay different prices.

Investors who purchase shares in this offering at different times will likely pay different prices, and so may experience different outcomes in their investment results. We will have discretion, subject to market demand, to

vary the timing, prices, and numbers of shares sold, and there is no minimum or maximum sales price. Investors may experience a decline in the value of their shares as a result of share sales made at prices lower than the prices they paid.

The actual number of shares we will issue under the Sales Agreement with the Agents, at any one time or in total, is uncertain.

Subject to certain limitations in the Sales Agreement with the Agents and compliance with applicable law, we have the discretion to deliver placement notices to the Agents at any time throughout the term of the Sales Agreement. The number of shares that are sold by the Agents after delivering a placement notice will fluctuate based on the market price of the common stock during the sales period and limits we set with the Agents.

You may experience future dilution as a result of future equity offerings.

In order to raise additional capital, we may in the future offer additional shares of our common stock or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock at prices that may not be the same as the price per share in this offering. We may sell shares or other securities in any other offering at a price per share that is less than the price per share paid by investors in this offering, and investors purchasing shares or other securities in the future could have rights superior to existing stockholders. The price per share at which we sell additional shares of our common stock, or securities convertible or exchangeable into common stock, in future transactions may be higher or lower than the price per share paid by investors in this offering.

We do not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable future. As a result, you must rely on stock appreciation for any return on your investment.

We do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Any payment of cash dividends will also depend on our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements and other factors and will be at the discretion of our board of directors. Accordingly, you will have to rely on capital appreciation, if any, to earn a return on your investment in our common stock.

DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or our future financial or operating performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “intends,” “target,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions that concern our expectations, strategy, plans or intentions. Forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus include, but are not limited to, statements about:

We caution you that the forward-looking statements highlighted above do not encompass all of the forward-looking statements made in this prospectus or in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

We have based the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus primarily on our current expectations and projections about future events and trends that we believe may affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. The outcomes of the events described in these forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results and experience to differ from those projected, including, but not limited to, the risk factors described herein and the risk factors set forth in Part I - Item 1A, “Risk Factors”, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, as filed with the SEC on February 17, 2021, in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, as filed with the SEC on April 28, 2021, and in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2021, as filed with the SEC on July 28, 2021, as updated by our subsequent annual, quarterly and other reports and documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and elsewhere in the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and challenging environment. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all risks and uncertainties that could have an impact on the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We cannot assure you that the results, events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or occur, and actual results, events or circumstances could differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. We do not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this prospectus or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures, other strategic transactions or investments we may make.

MARKET AND INDUSTRY DATA

This prospectus and the information incorporated by reference herein contain statistical data, estimates, forecasts, projections and other information concerning our industry, our business and the markets for certain diseases, including data regarding the estimated size of those markets and the incidence and prevalence of certain medical conditions. Information that is based on statistical data, estimates, forecasts, projections, market research or similar methodologies is inherently subject to uncertainties and actual events or circumstances may differ materially from events and circumstances reflected in this information. Unless otherwise expressly stated, we obtained this industry, business, market and other data from reports, research surveys, medical and general publications, government data, studies and similar data prepared by market research firms and other third parties. These third parties may, in the future, alter the manner in which they conduct surveys and studies regarding the markets in which we operate our business. The market and other estimates included in this prospectus and the information incorporated by reference herein, as they relate to projections, involve numerous assumptions, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and are subject to change based on various factors, including those discussed in the section of this prospectus entitled “Risk Factors” and in the other information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

USE OF PROCEEDS

We may issue and sell shares of our common stock having aggregate sales proceeds of up to $125.0 million from time to time. Because there is no minimum offering amount required as a condition to close this offering, the actual total public offering amount, commissions and proceeds to us, if any, are not determinable at this time. There can be no assurance that, in the future, we will sell any shares under or fully utilize the Sales Agreement with the Agents as a source of financing.

We intend to use the net proceeds, if any, from this offering for the continued development of our VK2809 and VK0214 programs and for general research and development, working capital and general corporate purposes.  

The precise amount and timing of the application of these proceeds will depend upon a number of factors, such as the timing and progress of our research and development efforts, our funding requirements and the availability and costs of other funds. As of the date of this prospectus, we cannot specify with certainty all of the particular uses for the net proceeds to us from this offering. Depending on the outcome of our efforts and other unforeseen events, our plans and priorities may change and we may apply the net proceeds of this offering in different manners than we currently anticipate. Accordingly, our management will have broad discretion in the timing and application of these proceeds. Pending application of the net proceeds as described above, we intend to temporarily invest the proceeds in money market funds, certificates of deposit and corporate debt securities.

DILUTION

If you purchase our common stock in this offering, your interest will be diluted to the extent of the difference between the public offering price per share of common stock and the net tangible book value per share of common stock immediately after this offering.

Our net tangible book value as of June 30, 2021 was approximately $225.0 million, or $2.88 per share of common stock. Net tangible book value per share is determined by dividing the net of total tangible assets less total liabilities, by the aggregate number of shares of our common stock outstanding as of June 30, 2021.  After giving effect to the sale of our common stock during the term of the Sales Agreement with the Agents in the aggregate amount of $125.0 million at an assumed offering price of $5.63 per share, the last reported sale price of our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market on July 26, 2021, and after deducting commissions and estimated aggregate offering expenses payable by us, our as adjusted net tangible book value as of June 30, 2021 would have been approximately $346.0 million, or $3.45 per share of common stock. This represents an immediate increase in the net tangible book value of $0.57 per share to our existing stockholders and an immediate dilution in net tangible book value of $2.18 per share to new investors.

The following table illustrates this per share dilution:

The table above assumes for illustrative purposes that an aggregate of 22,202,487 shares of our common stock are sold during the term of the Sales Agreement with the Agents at a price of $5.63 per share, the last reported sale price of our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market on July 26, 2021, for aggregate net proceeds of approximately $121.0 million, after deducting commissions and estimated aggregate offering expenses payable by us. The as adjusted information is illustrative only and will adjust based on the actual price to the public, the actual number of shares sold and other terms of the offering determined at the time shares of our common stock are sold pursuant to this prospectus. The shares pursuant to the Sales Agreement with the Agents are being sold from time to time at various prices. An increase of $1.00 per share in the price at which the shares are sold from the assumed offering price of $5.63 per share shown in the table above, assuming all of our common stock in the aggregate amount of $125.0 million during the term of the Sales Agreement with the Agents is sold at that price, would increase our as adjusted net tangible book value per share after the offering to $3.57 per share and would increase the dilution in net tangible book value per share to new investors in this offering to $3.06 per share, after deducting commissions and estimated aggregate offering expenses payable by us. A decrease of $1.00 per share in the price at which the shares are sold from the assumed offering price of $5.63 per share shown in the table above, assuming all of our common stock in the aggregate amount of $125.0 million during the term of the Sales Agreement with the Agents is sold at that price, would decrease our as adjusted net tangible book value per share after the offering to $3.29 per share and would decrease the dilution in net tangible book value per share to new investors in this offering to $1.34 per share, after deducting commissions and estimated aggregate offering expenses payable by us. This information is supplied for illustrative purposes only.

The above table is based on 78,189,814 shares of our common stock outstanding as of June 30, 2021, and excludes:

To the extent that options or warrants are exercised, new options are issued under our equity incentive plans, or we issue additional shares of common stock in the future, there may be further dilution to investors participating in this offering. Moreover, we may choose to raise additional capital because of market conditions or strategic considerations even if we believe that we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans. If we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the issuance of these securities could result in further dilution to our stockholders.

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We have entered into the Sales Agreement, dated July 28, 2021, with Stifel, Truist and Wainwright under which we may offer and sell shares of our common stock, from time to time, having an aggregate gross sales price of up to $125.0 million from time to time through or to the Agents, as sales agent or principal.

Upon delivery of a placement notice and subject to the terms and conditions of the Sales Agreement, the Agents may sell our common stock by any method permitted by law deemed to be an “at the market offering” as defined in Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act. We may instruct the Agents not to sell common stock if the sales cannot be effected at or above the price designated by us from time to time. We or the Agents may suspend the offering of common stock upon notice and subject to other conditions.

We will pay the Agents commissions, in cash, for their services in acting as agent in the sale of our common stock. The Agents will be entitled to compensation at a commission rate equal to 3.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds from each sale of our common stock. Because there is no minimum offering amount required as a condition to close this offering, the actual total public offering amount, commissions and proceeds to us, if any, are not determinable at this time. We have also agreed to reimburse the Agents for certain expenses incurred in connection with the offering of our common stock pursuant to the Sales Agreement, up to a maximum of $50,000. We estimate that the total expenses for the offering, excluding compensation and reimbursements payable to the Agents under the terms of the Sales Agreement, will be approximately $220,000.

Settlement for sales of common stock will occur on the second business day, or such earlier day as is industry practice for regular-way trading, following the date on which any sales are made, or on some other date that is agreed upon by us and the Agents in connection with a particular transaction, in return for payment of the net proceeds to us. Sales of our common stock as contemplated in this prospectus will be settled through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company or by such other means as we and the Agents may agree upon. There is no arrangement for funds to be received in an escrow, trust or similar arrangement.

Subject to the terms and conditions of the Sales Agreement, the Agents will use their commercially reasonable efforts consistent with their normal trading and sales practices to sell on our behalf any shares to be offered by us under the Sales Agreement. In connection with the sale of the common stock on our behalf, each of the Agents will be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act and the compensation of the Agents will be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts. We have agreed to provide indemnification and contribution to the Agents against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

The offering of our common stock pursuant to the Sales Agreement will terminate upon the earlier of (i) the sale of all of our common stock subject to the Sales Agreement, or (ii) the termination of the Sales Agreement as permitted therein. We and the Agents may each terminate the Sales Agreement at any time upon written notice.

The Agents and their affiliates have in the past and may in the future provide various investment banking, commercial banking and other financial services for us and our affiliates, for which services they may in the future receive customary fees. To the extent required by Regulation M, the Agents will not engage in any market making activities involving our common stock while the offering is ongoing under this prospectus.

LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the issuance of the common stock offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Paul Hastings LLP, Palo Alto, California. Duane Morris LLP, New York, New York, is acting as counsel for the Agents in connection with this offering.

EXPERTS

Marcum LLP, our independent, registered public accounting firm, has audited our financial statements included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, which is incorporated by reference into this

prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. Our financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance on Marcum LLP’s report, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE; WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference the information and reports we file with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to these documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus. We are incorporating by reference the documents listed below, which we have already filed with the SEC:

All documents we file pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act on or after the date of this prospectus and before the later of (1) the completion of the offering of the securities described in this prospectus, and (2) if applicable, the date the Agents stop offering securities pursuant to this prospectus will also be incorporated by reference in this prospectus from the date of filing of such documents. Upon request, we will provide to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a prospectus is delivered a copy of any or all of the information that has been incorporated by reference in this prospectus but not delivered with this prospectus.

Notwithstanding the preceding, unless specifically stated to the contrary, none of the information that we disclose under Items 2.02 or 7.01 or, if related to Items 2.02 or 7.01, Item 9.01 of any Current Report on Form 8-K that we may, from time to time, furnish to the SEC will be incorporated by reference into, or otherwise included in, this prospectus. The information contained in each of the documents incorporated by reference speaks only as of the date of such document. Any statement contained in a document incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein, or contained in this prospectus, shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any subsequently filed document or report that also is incorporated by reference or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.

We file annual, quarterly and other reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. These filings will be available as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement under the Securities Act relating to the offering of these securities. The registration statement, including the attached exhibits, contains additional relevant information about us and the securities. This prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement. You can obtain a copy of the registration statement from the SEC at the address listed above. The registration statement and the documents referred to above are also available on our corporate website at www.vikingtherapeutics.com.

Unless specifically listed above, the information contained on the SEC website or our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus and you should not consider that information a part of this prospectus.  You may obtain a copy of any of these documents at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address:

Viking Therapeutics, Inc.

12340 El Camino Real, Suite 250

San Diego, California 92130

Telephone: (858) 704-4660

This prospectus may contain information that updates, modifies or is contrary to information in one or more of the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus. You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with different information. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date of this prospectus or the date of the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

VIKING THERAPEUTICS, INC.Up to $125,000,000

Common Stock

9,965,956 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK

, 2021

PROSPECTUS

__________ __, 2017

Neither we nor the Selling Stockholders have authorized any dealer, salesperson or other person to give any information or to make any representations not contained in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement. You must not rely on any unauthorized information. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where an offer or sale is not permitted. The information in this prospectus is current as of the date of this prospectus. You should not assume that this prospectus is accurate as of any other date.

PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

The following table sets forth allis an estimate of the fees and expenses, other than underwriting discounts or commissions, payable by the Registrant in connection with the saleissuance and distribution of the common stocksecurities being registered. The security holders will not bear any portion of such expenses. All the amounts shown are estimates except for the registration fee. All of the expenses below will be paid by the Registrant.

__________________

(1) These fees are calculated based on the securities offered and the number of issuances and accordingly cannot be estimated at this time.

Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers

Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, or the DGCL, authorizes a corporation’s board of directors to grant, and authorizes a court to award, indemnity to officers, directors and other corporate agents.

The Registrant’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws contain provisions that limit the liability of the Registrant’s directors for monetary damages to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. Consequently, the Registrant’s directors are not personally liable to the Registrant or the Registrant’s stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duties as directors, except liability for the following:

Any amendment to, or repeal of, these provisions will not eliminate or reduce the effect of these provisions in respect of any act, omission or claim that occurred or arose prior to that amendment or repeal. If the DGCL is amended to provide for further limitations on the personal liability of directors of corporations, then the personal liability of the Registrant’s directors will be further limited to the greatest extent permitted by the DGCL.

The Registrant’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that the Registrant will, under certain circumstances, indemnify any director, officer, employee or agent of the Registrant, subject to any provisions contained in the Registrant’s amended and restated bylaws. The Registrant’s amended and restated bylaws provide that the Registrant will indemnify, to the fullest extent permitted by law, each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to, or is otherwise involved in, any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he or she, or a person for whom he or she is the legal representative, is or was a director or officer of the Registrant, or is or was serving at the request of the Registrant, as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against all expense, liability and loss (including, among other things, attorney’s fees and amounts paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by such director, officer, employee or agent in connection therewith, subject to certain conditions. The Registrant’s amended and restated bylaws also provide the Registrant with the power to, to the extent authorized by the Registrant’s board of directors, grant rights to indemnification and to advancement of expenses to any employee or agent of the Registrant to the fullest extent indemnification may be granted to the Registrant’s directors and officers. In addition, the Registrant’s amended and restated bylaws provide that the Registrant

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must advance expenses incurred by or on behalf of a director or officer in advance of the final disposition of any action or proceeding, subject to certain exceptions.

The Registrant has indemnification agreements with each of its directors and executive officers that may be broader than the specific indemnification provisions contained in the DGCL. These indemnification agreements require the Registrant, among other things, to indemnify its directors and executive officers against liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service. These indemnification agreements also require the Registrant to advance all expenses incurred by the directors and executive officers in investigating or defending any such action, suit or proceeding, subject to certain exceptions. The Registrant believes that these agreements are necessary to attract and retain qualified individuals to serve as directors and executive officers.

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The limitation of liability and indemnification provisions that are included in the Registrant’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation, amended and restated bylaws and indemnification agreements with its directors and executive officers may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against the Registrant’s directors and executive officers for breach of their fiduciary duties. They may also reduce the likelihood of derivative litigation against the Registrant’s directors and executive officers even though an action, if successful, might benefit the Registrant and other stockholders. Further, a stockholder’s investment may be adversely affected to the extent that the Registrant pays the costs of settlement and damage awards against directors and executive officers as required by these indemnification provisions. At present, the Registrant is not aware of any pending litigation or proceeding involving any person who is or was one of its directors, officers, employees or other agents or is or was serving at its request as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, for which indemnification is sought, and the Registrant is not aware of any threatened litigation that may result in claims for indemnification.

The Registrant’s amended and restated bylaws provide that the Registrant may purchase and maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Registrant or is or was serving at its request as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Registrant would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the DGCL. The Registrant maintains insurance under which, subject to the limitations of the insurance policies, coverage is provided to the Registrant’s directors and executive officers against loss arising from claims made by reason of breach of fiduciary duty or other wrongful acts as a director or executive officer, including claims relating to public securities matters, and to the Registrant with respect to payments that may be made by the Registrant to these directors and executive officers pursuant to the Registrant’s indemnification obligations or otherwise as a matter of law.

Item 16. Exhibits

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___________________________

Item 17. Undertakings

The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

(i) To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement.

(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;

Provided, however, that:

Paragraphs (1)(i), (1)(ii) and (1)(iii) of this section do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to section 13 or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.

(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

(4) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:

(i) Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration

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statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and

(ii) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration

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statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.

(5) IfThat, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant is subjectunder the Securities Act of 1933 to Rule 430C, eachany purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement424;

(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

(iv) Any other communication that is an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and includedoffer in the registration statement as ofoffering made by the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part ofundersigned registrant to the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.purchaser.

(6) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(7) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933:

(i) the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(l) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be a part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective; and

(ii) each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(8) To file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of San Diego, State of California, on February 14, 2017.July 28, 2021.

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Know All Persons By These Presents, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Brian Lian, Ph.D. and Michael Morneau,Greg Zante, and each or any one of them, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their or his or her substitutes or substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS