In the competitive arena of oral obesity treatments, Viking Therapeutics has made a strong showing with its obesity medication VK2735, reporting impressive weight-loss results from its Phase 1 clinical trial. The data, presented at the ObesityWeek conference in San Antonio, indicate that Viking’s dual GLP-1 and GIP agonist could offer a viable option in a crowded market.
Viking tested VK2735 at dosages ranging from 2.5 mg to 100 mg, finding that the highest dose led to a 6.8% reduction in body weight over 28 days. While smaller doses yielded minimal results, the 20-mg, 40-mg, 60-mg, and 80-mg doses delivered weight losses of 2.2%, 3.7%, 2.7%, and 3.9%, respectively. Viking noted that the highest dose appeared to outperform competitor Novo Nordisk’s oral obesity drug amycretin, which targets the GLP-1 and amylin receptors and has shown a 5% reduction in body weight.
The promising outcomes from VK2735’s 100-mg dose have driven up Viking’s stock, which saw an 18% jump in premarket trading, rising from $72.88 to $85.82. Viking’s stock, which began the year at under $20, has seen significant growth as investor interest rises.
Viking’s report on VK2735 also highlighted a favorable safety profile, with 99% of treatment-related adverse events being mild or moderate. Gastrointestinal effects were similarly mild, with nausea reported in 32% of patients compared to 11% in the placebo group. William Blair analysts described VK2735’s tolerability as “highly benign,” further strengthening its competitive edge.
Additionally, Viking released data on its injectable version of VK2735 at the same conference. This version showed even more significant results, with the highest 15-mg dose linked to a 13.1% weight loss over 13 weeks. Viking has already begun preparations for a Phase 3 trial of the injectable formulation and aims to start a Phase 2 trial of the oral form by year-end.
William Blair analysts believe VK2735’s Phase 3 readiness and oral formulation provide a unique market appeal, potentially increasing Viking’s value in the eyes of major pharmaceutical companies. The firm speculated that a buyout could be likely given VK2735’s status and the addition of Viking’s amylin program, which is anticipated to enter Phase 1 next year.
With VK2735 moving closer to later-stage trials, Viking is stepping into an increasingly competitive market, joining major players such as Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Roche, and Terns Pharmaceuticals.
