Viking Therapeutics Initiates Phase 1 Trial of VK3019
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jun 24 2026
0mins
Viking Therapeutics announced the initiation of a Phase 1 single ascending dose, or SAD, clinical trial of VK3019, an investigational dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonist, or DACRA. VK3019 is being developed as a potential treatment option for weight loss. The study initiation follows the filing and clearance of VK3019's investigational new drug, or IND, application with the FDA. The Phase 1 trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled SAD study in healthy adults with BMI greater than or equal to30. The primary objectives of the study include evaluating the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of single subcutaneous doses of VK3019. Exploratory pharmacodynamic assessments include evaluations of changes in body weight after a single-dose administration. Preclinical data from Viking's internally developed DACRAs showed impressive effects on body weight, food intake, and metabolism in healthy rats and diet-induced obese, or DIO, mice compared to control-treated animals. Results showed Viking's DACRAs reduced food intake in lean rats within 0 to 72 hours after a single dose. At 72 hours, these compounds reduced body weight by up to 8% compared to controls. In addition to the Phase 1 trial of VK3019, Viking is currently conducting the Phase 3 VANQUISH studies of subcutaneous VK2735, a dual agonist of the glucagon-like peptide 1, or GLP-1, and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, or GIP, receptors, in patients with obesity or who are overweight. In parallel with the development of a subcutaneous formulation, Viking is advancing an oral tablet formulation of VK2735. If successful, oral VK2735 would represent the first oral dual agonist to reach the market. The company believes the availability of both oral and injectable formulations is a key differentiating feature of VK2735, compared with competitive agents, as no other dual or triple agonist is currently available in both formulations. Using the same active ingredient across formulations may also reduce the risk of unexpected side effects compared with switching between therapies that do not share the same active agent. The company plans to initiate a Phase 3 trial to evaluate oral VK2735 for the treatment of obesity and overweight later this year. Based on VK2735's promising efficacy and differentiated pharmacokinetic, or PK, profile, the company is evaluating a range of novel dosing regimens for both the induction and the long-term maintenance of weight loss. The company expects to report the results of the study in 3Q.
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Current: 38.710
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Current: 38.710
Low
70.00
Averages
97.00
High
125.00
About VKTX
Viking Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that is focused on the development of therapies for the treatment of metabolic and endocrine disorders. Its clinical programs include VK2735, a novel dual agonist of the glucagon-like peptide 1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptors for the potential treatment of various metabolic disorders. It is evaluating an oral formulation of VK2735 in a Phase II trial. It is also developing VK2809, a novel, orally available, small molecule selective thyroid hormone receptor beta agonist for the treatment of lipid and metabolic disorders. Its newest program is evaluating a series of internally developed dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonists for the treatment of obesity and other metabolic disorders. In the rare disease space, it is developing VK0214, a novel, orally available, small molecule selective thyroid hormone receptor beta agonist for the potential treatment of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- VKTX's Positive Outlook: Viking Therapeutics saw a 9% stock increase post-announcement, with analysts projecting a 12-month target of $92.58, indicating a 120% upside, reflecting strong market confidence in its obesity drug VK2735, especially with upcoming Q3 maintenance data as a key catalyst.
- BCRX's Clear Benefits: BioCryst's shares rose 8%, with a 12-month target of $21.90 implying a 99% upside, bolstered by strong performance from its rare disease products Orladeyo and Navenibart, enhancing its competitive position in the market.
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See More
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- Viking Clinical Progress: Viking Therapeutics' stock is at $41.21, up 6.46%, yet it generated no revenue in FY 2025 with a net loss of approximately $359.6 million, reflecting high R&D costs in obesity and metabolic diseases and uncertainty in future commercialization.
- Risk and Dependency: CRISPR relies on Vertex Pharmaceuticals for 60% of its profits and faces intellectual property disputes that could impact financial sustainability, while Viking's dependence on Ligand Pharmaceuticals' licensing agreement poses a risk of halting its development programs, indicating vulnerabilities in both business models.
- Market Outlook Comparison: CRISPR's Casgevy treatment is globally approved, with projected sales exceeding $2 billion by 2029, while Viking is not expected to generate revenue until 2028; despite the vast GLP-1 drug market, Viking faces challenges in a competitive landscape.
See More
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- Market Competition Analysis: Viking Therapeutics' VK2735, a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist, faces significant competition from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, whose drugs dominate the weight loss market, highlighting both challenges and opportunities for VK2735 in capturing market share.
- Unique Therapeutic Advantage: VK2735's dual formulation allows for rapid weight loss via injection followed by oral maintenance, achieving a notable 14.7% weight reduction in 13 weeks, which could appeal to patients seeking quicker results compared to competitors' offerings.
- Clinical Trial Progress: Viking is conducting a 19-week maintenance study, with phase 3 results for subcutaneous VK2735 expected in mid-2027 and oral dosing results anticipated in 2028, necessitating patience from investors as they await critical data.
- Investor Confidence and Risks: Despite a 20% discontinuation rate due to adverse events, market sentiment remains optimistic about VK2735's prospects, particularly if maintenance trial results are favorable, potentially attracting acquisition interest from larger pharmaceutical companies and enhancing the company's value.
See More
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- Viking's Clinical Challenges: Viking Therapeutics focuses on therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders, reporting no revenue in fiscal 2025 and a net loss of approximately $359.6 million, indicating high risks associated with its clinical pipeline investments and dependence on Ligand Pharmaceuticals' licensing agreement, which could jeopardize drug development.
- Financial Health Comparison: CRISPR's current ratio stands at 13.3, indicating strong short-term solvency, but its free cash flow of negative $345.9 million underscores ongoing financial losses; conversely, Viking's current ratio of 9.3 and zero debt suggest a healthier financial structure, albeit with significant operational losses.
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See More
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- Viking Clinical Investments: Viking Therapeutics reported no revenue for fiscal 2025, with a net loss of approximately $359.6 million as it heavily invests in its clinical pipeline for obesity and metabolic diseases; despite its zero-debt financial status, it faces uncertainties regarding regulatory approvals.
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- Investor Considerations: While both companies operate in high-growth sectors, CRISPR's sales performance makes it more attractive to investors, whereas Viking's prospects depend on its licensing agreement with Ligand Pharmaceuticals, where any changes could significantly impact its drug development timeline.
See More
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- Dual Formulation Advantage: As a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist, VK2735 can initially be administered via injection for rapid weight loss and later switched to oral maintenance, providing a more convenient experience that could enhance patient adherence and market competitiveness.
- Safety Challenges: Despite VK2735's promising weight loss results, the safety data from the phase 2 oral trial raises concerns, with a 20% discontinuation rate due to adverse events in the treatment group, compared to 13% in the placebo group, potentially affecting future market acceptance.
- Future Outlook: Viking is conducting a 19-week maintenance study, with phase 3 results for subcutaneous dosing expected in mid-2027; if results are favorable, this could boost investor confidence and drive stock price appreciation.
See More
