Viking's VK2735 Achieves 8.2% Weight Loss in Phase 1 Trial; Stock Surges Over 20%

Nov 4, 2024, 02:10 AM

Viking Therapeutics (ticker: VKTX) reported new data from its VK2735 obesity program at ObesityWeek 2024, exceeding expectations according to JP Morgan. In the Phase 1 trial, patients receiving 100mg doses of the oral VK2735 tablet lost an average of 8.2% of their body weight after 28 days, with weight loss maintained long after the last dose. The drug demonstrated an impressive safety and tolerability profile, with mild gastrointestinal-related adverse events comparable to placebo, no moderate or severe nausea, and no discontinuations reported. The company plans to initiate a Phase 2 study of the oral formulation by the end of the year and to discuss the clinical path forward for injectable VK2735 with the FDA later this quarter. Viking's stock surged over 20% following the announcement, as investors reacted to the potential of VK2735 to compete with blockbuster weight-loss treatments from Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly.