Viking Therapeutics Announces Completion of Enrollment in Maintenance Dosing Clinical Trial of VK2735 in Obesity

Rhea-AI Summary

Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VKTX) announced completion of enrollment in a Phase 1 maintenance dosing study of VK2735, a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist being developed in oral and subcutaneous formulations for obesity. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study enrolled ~180 adults (BMI ≥30) who received 19 weeks of weekly VK2735 or placebo, then were randomized to maintenance regimens including monthly, every-other-week, weekly subcutaneous, daily or weekly oral dosing, or placebo through Week 31. Objectives include safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics; exploratory endpoints assess body-weight change from baseline and from Week 19. Viking also notes ongoing Phase 3 VANQUISH-1 (≈4,650 enrolled) and VANQUISH-2 (≈1,100 planned) studies of weekly subcutaneous VK2735 for up to 78 weeks, with results expected later in 2026.

Positive

• Maintenance study enrolled approximately 180 participants (BMI ≥30)
• Study tests both oral and subcutaneous formulations of the same molecule
• VANQUISH-1 completed enrollment of approximately 4,650 adults
• VANQUISH-2 targeting approximately 1,100 adults with type 2 diabetes

Negative

• No efficacy or safety results published yet; data expected later in 2026
• Maintenance study is Phase 1 and relatively small (180), limiting definitive efficacy conclusions

News Market Reaction

-2.25%

1 alert

-2.25% News Effect

On the day this news was published, VKTX declined 2.25%, reflecting a moderate negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Maintenance trial size: approximately 180 adults Initial treatment period: 19 weeks Maintenance study duration: 31 weeks +5 more

8 metrics

Maintenance trial size approximately 180 adults Phase 1 VK2735 maintenance dosing study in obesity

Initial treatment period 19 weeks Weekly subcutaneous VK2735 or placebo before maintenance phase

Maintenance study duration 31 weeks Exploratory endpoints through Week 31 in maintenance trial

BMI inclusion threshold BMI ≥30 kg/m2 Eligibility for Phase 1 maintenance dosing obesity study

VANQUISH-1 enrollment approximately 4,650 adults Phase 3 subcutaneous VK2735 obesity trial

VANQUISH-2 enrollment approximately 1,100 adults Phase 3 VK2735 trial in type 2 diabetes with obesity/overweight

Phase 3 dosing duration 78 weeks Weekly subcutaneous VK2735 in VANQUISH-1 and VANQUISH-2

Weekly VK2735 doses 7.5 mg, 12.5 mg, 17.5 mg Treatment arms vs placebo in Phase 3 trials

Market Reality Check

Price: $28.55 Vol: Volume 3,849,988 is 1.52x...

high vol

$28.55 Last Close

Volume Volume 3,849,988 is 1.52x the 20-day average of 2,538,272, indicating elevated interest ahead of this update. high

Technical Price at $32.38 is trading above the 200-day MA of $30.50 and about 25.65% below the 52-week high.

Peers on Argus

VKTX was up 0.25% pre-news. Key biotech peers mostly rose (IMVT +2.61%, XENE +3....

VKTX was up 0.25% pre-news. Key biotech peers mostly rose (IMVT +2.61%, XENE +3.69%, CRNX +4.10%, SRRK +3.66%), while SLNO fell 4.78%. With no peers in the momentum scanner and mixed moves, trading appeared stock-specific rather than a coordinated sector rotation.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Jan 05 (Neutral)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Jan 05	Conference presentation	Neutral	+0.5%	J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference presentation and webcast scheduling.
Nov 19	Phase 3 enrollment	Positive	-4.6%	Completion of Phase 3 VANQUISH-1 enrollment ahead of schedule and above target.
Nov 06	Clinical data update	Positive	+2.2%	Phase 2 VENTURE data showing weight loss and cardiometabolic improvements.
Nov 04	Investor conferences	Neutral	+5.3%	Participation in Stifel and Jefferies healthcare investor conferences.
Oct 29	Clinical data preview	Positive	+0.8%	Planned VK2735 obesity data and study design presentations at ObesityWeek and AHA.

Pattern Detected

Recent VKTX headlines, especially around VK2735, more often saw price gains, but there is at least one notable divergence where very positive clinical data coincided with a sharp decline.

Recent Company History

Over the past six months, Viking’s news flow has focused on VK2735 obesity programs and investor outreach. Clinical trial milestones included data from Phase 2 VENTURE and VANQUISH-1 enrollment progress, while multiple conference presentations kept visibility high. Reactions to clinical trial news were mixed, with four of the last five major items showing gains within 24 hours, but one highly positive Phase 2 VENTURE-Oral result on Aug 19, 2025 coincided with a 42.12% drop, underscoring event-risk around obesity data releases.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement marks completion of enrollment in a Phase 1 VK2735 maintenance dosing study in obe...

Analysis

This announcement marks completion of enrollment in a Phase 1 VK2735 maintenance dosing study in obesity, building on prior VK2735 development and large Phase 3 VANQUISH trials. Key details include approximately 180 participants, an initial 19-week induction phase, and multiple subcutaneous and oral maintenance regimens to Week 31. Investors may track upcoming readouts, safety and tolerability across dosing schedules, and how maintenance strategies complement the ongoing 78-week Phase 3 programs in obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Key Terms

glucagon-like peptide 1 (glp-1), glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (gip), subcutaneous, placebo-controlled

4 terms

glucagon-like peptide 1 (glp-1) medical

"dual agonist of the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent"

A naturally occurring hormone that signals the body to release insulin, slow stomach emptying, and reduce appetite, acting like a thermostat that helps control blood sugar and hunger. It matters to investors because medicines that mimic or boost this hormone are a major and growing class of treatments for diabetes and obesity, driving drug sales, regulatory decisions, and company valuations in the health sector.

glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (gip) medical

"peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors."

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) is a hormone released by the gut after eating that tells the pancreas to release insulin only when blood sugar is high, and it also influences appetite and fat storage. Investors watch GIP because drugs that mimic or block its action are a major focus for diabetes and obesity treatments; successful clinical results or regulatory setbacks can materially affect a drugmaker’s prospects and market value.

subcutaneous medical

"monthly subcutaneous, weekly oral, and daily oral regimens designed"

Subcutaneous means situated or applied just beneath the skin. In finance, the term can describe processes or investments that are hidden or not immediately visible, much like something placed under the skin that isn't easily seen from the outside. Recognizing subcutaneous activities helps investors understand underlying factors that may influence markets or asset values over time.

placebo-controlled medical

"Phase 1, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial designed"

"Placebo-controlled" describes a testing method where one group receives the actual treatment or intervention, while another group receives a harmless, inactive version called a placebo. This approach helps determine whether the real treatment has genuine effects beyond psychological expectations. For investors, understanding this ensures confidence that reported benefits are real and not influenced by bias or false perceptions.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Study is Evaluating Monthly Subcutaneous, Weekly Oral, and Daily Oral Regimens

Designed to Explore Maintenance Dosing Regimens Following Initial Weight Loss with VK2735

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (Viking) (NASDAQ: VKTX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders, today announced the completion of patient enrollment in its exploratory maintenance dosing study of VK2735, the company's dual agonist of the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors. VK2375 is being developed in both oral and subcutaneous formulations for the potential treatment of various metabolic disorders such as obesity. 

The maintenance dosing study is a Phase 1, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial designed to evaluate various dosing regimens, following initial weight loss achieved with weekly VK2735 treatment. The trial enrolled approximately 180 adults with BMI ≥30 kg/m² but who are otherwise healthy. 

All enrolled participants receive initial weekly subcutaneous doses of VK2735 or placebo for 19 weeks.  Following Week 19, participants are transitioned to a range of VK2735 maintenance dosing regimens including weekly, every other week, or monthly subcutaneous dosing, as well as daily oral dosing, weekly oral dosing, or placebo.  The objectives of the study are to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic profile of VK2735 under these various dosing regimens.  Exploratory endpoints are assessing change in body weight from baseline, as well as change in body weight from Week 19 to the end of the study at Week 31.

"The successful development of maintenance dosing regimens is critical to realizing the long-term health benefits from weight loss and may provide an opportunity to further differentiate VK2735 from currently available obesity treatments," said Brian Lian Ph.D., chief executive officer of Viking.  "Importantly, the same dual-acting GLP-1/GIP agonist molecule is used in both our subcutaneous and oral formulations, which may uniquely enable treatment flexibility with VK2735.  Remaining on the same active compound offers the potential for long-term dosing with either tablets or injections with potentially reduced side effects compared with options that require switching between different therapeutic agents.  This may improve adherence to treatment, a key factor in achieving the long-term benefits of weight loss such as improved cardiovascular health, enhanced physical function, and increased quality of life.  We look forward to reporting the results of this important study later this year."

In addition to the maintenance dosing study, Viking is currently conducting two Phase 3 studies evaluating subcutaneous VK2735 (VANQUISH-1 and VANQUISH-2).  These trials are randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trials designed to assess the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous VK2735 dosed weekly for 78 weeks.  The VANQUISH-1 study has completed enrollment of approximately 4,650 adults with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) or who are overweight (BMI ≥27 kg/m²) with at least one weight-related co-morbid condition.  The VANQUISH-2 study is enrolling approximately 1,100 adults with type 2 diabetes who have obesity or are overweight.  Patients in both trials are being randomized to one of four weekly treatment arms: VK2735 7.5 mg; VK2735 12.5 mg; VK2735 17.5 mg; and placebo.

About GLP-1 and Dual GLP-1/GIP Agonists

Activation of the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor has been shown to decrease glucose, reduce appetite, lower body weight, and improve insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes, obesity, or both. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is currently marketed in various dosage strengths and forms as Ozempic^®, Rybelsus^®, and Wegovy^®. More recently, research efforts have explored the potential co-activation of the glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) receptor as a means of enhancing the therapeutic benefits of GLP-1 receptor activation. Tirzepatide is a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is currently marketed in various dosage strengths and forms as Mounjaro^® and Zepbound^®.

About Viking Therapeutics, Inc.

Viking Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel first-in-class or best-in-class therapies for the treatment of metabolic and endocrine disorders. Viking's research and development activities leverage its expertise in metabolism to develop innovative therapeutics designed to improve patients' lives. Viking's clinical programs include VK2735, a novel dual agonist of the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors for the potential treatment of various metabolic disorders. The company is evaluating its subcutaneous formulation of VK2735 in a Phase 3 obesity program that includes two Phase 3 clinical trials (VANQUISH-1 and VANQUISH-2). Data from a Phase 1 and a Phase 2 trial evaluating subcutaneous VK2735 demonstrated an encouraging safety and tolerability profile as well as positive signs of clinical benefit. Concurrently, the company is evaluating an oral formulation of VK2735 in obesity. Viking is also developing VK2809, a novel, orally available, small molecule selective thyroid hormone receptor beta agonist for the treatment of lipid and metabolic disorders. The compound successfully achieved both the primary and secondary endpoints in a Phase 2b study for the treatment of biopsy-confirmed non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis. In a Phase 2a trial for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and elevated LDL-C, patients who received VK2809 demonstrated statistically significant reductions in LDL-C and liver fat content compared with patients who received placebo. The company's newest program is evaluating a series of internally developed dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonists (or DACRAs) for the treatment of obesity and other metabolic disorders. In the rare disease space, Viking is developing VK0214, a novel, orally available, small molecule selective thyroid hormone receptor beta agonist for the potential treatment of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD). In a Phase 1b clinical trial in patients with the adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN) form of X-ALD, VK0214 was shown to be safe and well-tolerated, while driving significant reductions in plasma levels of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) and other lipids, as compared to placebo.

For more information about Viking Therapeutics, please visit www.vikingtherapeutics.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding Viking Therapeutics, Inc., under the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements about Viking's expectations regarding its clinical and preclinical development programs, anticipated timing for reporting clinical data and cash resources.  Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely and reported results should not be considered as an indication of future performance.  These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: risks associated with the success, cost and timing of Viking's product candidate development activities and clinical trials, including those for VK2735, VK0214, VK2809, and the company's other incretin receptor agonists; risks that prior clinical and preclinical results may not be replicated; risks regarding regulatory requirements; and other risks that are described in Viking's most recent periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Viking's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, including the risk factors set forth in those filings.  These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof.  Viking disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements except as required by law.

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SOURCE Viking Therapeutics, Inc.

FAQ

What did Viking announce about VK2735 enrollment on January 8, 2026?

Viking completed enrollment in a Phase 1 maintenance dosing study of VK2735, enrolling approximately 180 adults with BMI ≥30.

What maintenance dosing regimens are being evaluated for VK2735 in the Phase 1 study?

Participants moved from 19 weeks of weekly dosing to maintenance regimens: monthly, every-other-week, or weekly subcutaneous; daily or weekly oral; or placebo.

What are the primary objectives and endpoints of the VK2735 maintenance study (VKTX)?

The study evaluates safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics as primary objectives; exploratory endpoints include change in body weight from baseline and from Week 19 to Week 31.

How does the maintenance study relate to Viking's Phase 3 VANQUISH trials (VKTX)?

The maintenance study tests dosing flexibility after initial weekly treatment, while VANQUISH-1 (≈4,650 enrolled) and VANQUISH-2 (≈1,100 planned) are Phase 3 trials assessing weekly subcutaneous VK2735 for up to 78 weeks.

When will Viking report results from the VK2735 maintenance dosing study (VKTX)?

Viking indicated it expects to report results from the maintenance dosing study later in 2026.