Viking Therapeutics Publishes VK2735 Clinical Trial Results
Viking Therapeutics announced the publication of the results of the company's Phase 2 VENTURE clinical trial of VK2735, a dual agonist of the glucagon-like peptide 1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptors. VK2375 is being developed in both oral and subcutaneous formulations for the potential treatment of various metabolic disorders such as obesity. The publication highlights the previously reported positive results from the Phase 2 VENTURE study of VK2735 in patients with obesity, which showed that the trial successfully achieved its primary and secondary endpoints. After 13 weekly subcutaneous doses, participants receiving VK2735 demonstrated statistically significant reductions in mean body weight from baseline, ranging up to 14.7% with no signs of plateau. VK2735 also demonstrated encouraging safety and tolerability in the VENTURE study, with the majority of observed adverse events being reported as mild or moderate. Treatment and study discontinuation rates among VK2735 cohorts were well-balanced compared with placebo."We are happy to have the VENTURE Trial results published in the peer-reviewed journal of The Obesity Society, providing important visibility for these data across the medical community. The study data served to highlight the promise that VK2735 holds as a potentially best-in-class dual GLP-1/GIP agonist and were central to our designing of the ongoing VANQUISH Phase 3 program for VK2735," said Brian Lian Ph.D., chief executive officer of Viking. "The response among patients and clinicians for the VANQUISH studies has been positive, with VANQUISH-1 over-enrolled ahead of schedule and VANQUISH-2 expected to complete enrollment in the first quarter of 2026."
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- Viking Therapeutics Outlook: Viking Therapeutics is developing weight-loss drug VK2735, currently in phase 3 studies, and despite competition, its mid-stage results are stronger than many larger firms, with clinical progress expected in 2026 potentially boosting stock prices.
- New Drug Development: The company is also working on a new weight management candidate set to enter clinical trials this year, and if successful in clinical and regulatory aspects by 2028, it could yield long-term returns for investors.
- BioNTech Clinical Progress: Although BioNTech's financial results have been inconsistent, its cancer drug BNT113 is undergoing late-stage trials and has received FDA Fast Track designation, with important data expected this year that could enhance market performance.
- Rich Drug Pipeline: BioNTech is also advancing Trastuzumab Pamirtecan for endometrial cancer in phase 3 studies, and if these drugs are launched in the coming years, it will significantly improve financial results, thus providing superior returns for shareholders.
Eli Lilly vs. Viking: Who Will Dominate Weight Loss Market?
- Market Leadership of Eli Lilly: Eli Lilly's weight loss drugs Mounjaro and Zepbound generated over $10 billion in sales last quarter, demonstrating strong growth potential in the weight loss market while solidifying the company's leadership against Novo Nordisk.
- Regulatory Catalyst for New Drug: Lilly is seeking regulatory approval for its oral weight loss drug orforglipron, and if approved, it could act as a positive catalyst for stock performance, further boosting its market share.
- Clinical Progress of Viking: Viking's injectable and oral candidates are meeting trial goals, and the company ended the last quarter with over $700 million in cash, providing robust support for clinical development and indicating future growth potential.
- Market Opportunities and Risks: Although Viking has no products on the market yet, its market value of nearly $4 billion suggests significant upside potential if it secures regulatory approval and begins generating product revenue, positioning it as a potential millionaire-maker stock.
