Viking Therapeutics’ Obesity Drug Candidate Gains Momentum with Phase 2 Publication

Viking Therapeutics US92686J1060

The biopharmaceutical company Viking Therapeutics has published detailed results from its Phase 2 VENTURE trial for the obesity treatment candidate VK2735 in the peer-reviewed journal Obesity. This publication brings heightened scrutiny to the dual GLP-1/GIP agonist's efficacy and safety profile as the firm advances a comprehensive Phase 3 development program. For shareholders, a central question is whether this new data provides a robust enough foundation for the ongoing late-stage clinical efforts.

The core of Viking's late-phase strategy is the VANQUISH Phase 3 program, which will evaluate a subcutaneous formulation of VK2735 over extended periods. The program's cornerstone, the 78-week VANQUISH-1 trial, has completed enrollment, involving approximately 4,650 participants.

Running concurrently is the VANQUISH-2 study, which focuses on adults with Type 2 diabetes. Viking anticipates finishing recruitment for this trial, which includes about 1,100 subjects, in the first quarter of 2026. These two studies form the pivotal development framework for targeting both the obesity and diabetic patient populations.

Underpinning Data from the VENTURE Trial

The recently published findings originate from the 13-week Phase 2 VENTURE study. In this trial, VK2735 demonstrated a mean weight reduction of up to 14.7% from baseline. Researchers observed no plateau in weight loss throughout the treatment period, and the trial successfully met all its primary and secondary endpoints.

Viking characterized the therapy's safety profile as consisting predominantly of mild-to-moderate adverse events, with no serious safety signals being highlighted. These outcomes directly support the transition to the larger, longer-duration Phase 3 studies.

Key clinical data points include:
- Phase 2 VENTURE trial duration: 13 weeks
- Mean weight reduction: Up to 14.7%
- All primary and secondary endpoints achieved
- Adverse events largely mild to moderate in nature
- Data published in Obesity on January 12

Complementary Research and Commercial Preparations

Beyond the primary efficacy trials, Viking is investigating strategies for long-term weight maintenance. In early January, the company announced it had completed patient recruitment for a maintenance dose study of VK2735. This trial will test various dosing regimens, including both oral and subcutaneous administration, to identify protocols for sustaining weight loss.

On the commercial front, Viking has appointed a new Chief Commercial Officer tasked with shaping the future marketing strategy for VK2735. This executive move comes as the market for obesity therapies grows increasingly competitive, with both injectable and oral treatments vying for position.

While the subcutaneous version remains the focus of late-stage development, Viking continues to pursue multiple formulations of the drug candidate. The oral variant of VK2735 faced critical assessment following 2025 Phase 2 data on its safety and tolerability, yet it remains part of the company's broader development portfolio.

Anticipated Upcoming Catalysts

The coming quarters will be defined by progress in the long-term Phase 3 studies and the finalization of enrollment for the VANQUISH-2 trial. For the metabolic disease market, the results from these late-stage evaluations will be critical, as they must substantiate—or potentially qualify—the drug's efficacy, safety, and the durability of its weight-loss effects under real-world conditions.