Viking Therapeutics Announces Completion of Enrollment in Phase 3 VANQUISH-2 Trial of VK2735

Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VKTX) announced completion of enrollment in the Phase 3 VANQUISH-2 trial of subcutaneous VK2735, a GLP-1/GIP dual agonist.

Rhea-AI Summary

Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VKTX) announced completion of enrollment in the Phase 3 VANQUISH-2 trial of subcutaneous VK2735, a GLP-1/GIP dual agonist. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study enrolled ~1,000 adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity/overweight, with 78-week dosing and a primary endpoint of percent body weight change at week 78.

The trial randomized participants to VK2735 7.5 mg, 12.5 mg, 17.5 mg or placebo, includes a 52-week extension, and follows VANQUISH-1 (enrollment completed Nov 2025). Phase 1 maintenance dosing results are expected in Q3 2026.

Positive

• Enrollment of approximately 1,000 adults completed
• Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design across 78 weeks
• Three active dose arms (7.5 mg, 12.5 mg, 17.5 mg) plus placebo
• Phase 2 VENTURE showed up to 14.7% mean body-weight reduction after 13 weeks
• VANQUISH-1 enrollment previously completed in Nov 2025

Negative

• Primary efficacy readout not expected until study completion in 2027
• No Phase 3 efficacy or safety results yet; investors must wait for VANQUISH readouts

Argus Mar 26 session

+3.16% close to close Open Argus

Details

News Market Reaction – VKTX

On Mar 26, the day this news came out, VKTX closed 3.16% above the previous close.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus for the Mar 26 session.

Market Context

This announcement completes enrollment in VANQUISH-2, Viking’s second Phase 3 trial of subcutaneous ...

Analysis

This announcement completes enrollment in VANQUISH-2, Viking’s second Phase 3 trial of subcutaneous VK2735, targeting adults with obesity and Type 2 diabetes over 78 weeks. It follows earlier milestones, including Phase 2 VENTURE data showing up to 14.7% weight loss and prior completion of VANQUISH-1 enrollment. Investors may focus on trial design, responder thresholds (≥5–20% weight loss), and the planned 52-week extension as they track future efficacy, safety, and maintenance-dosing readouts.

Key Figures

VANQUISH-2 duration: 78 weeks VANQUISH-2 enrollment: ≈1,000 adults BMI thresholds: BMI ≥30 kg/m² or ≥27 kg/m² +4 more

VANQUISH-2 duration

78 weeks

Weekly subcutaneous VK2735 Phase 3 treatment period

VANQUISH-2 enrollment

≈1,000 adults

Type 2 diabetes with obesity or overweight (BMI criteria)

BMI thresholds

BMI ≥30 kg/m² or ≥27 kg/m²

Obesity or overweight inclusion criteria for VANQUISH-2

Dose levels

7.5 mg, 12.5 mg, 17.5 mg

Weekly VK2735 subcutaneous treatment arms vs placebo

Responder thresholds

≥5%, ≥10%, ≥15%, ≥20%

Body weight reduction endpoints vs baseline

Extension period

52 weeks

Optional continued treatment after primary 78-week dosing

VENTURE weight loss

Up to 14.7%

Mean body weight reduction after 13 weekly VK2735 doses

Previous Clinical trial Reports

5 past events · Latest: Jan 12

Same Type 5 events

1. Jan 12

   Phase 2 results

   24h Move

   -0.7%

   Publication of Phase 2 VENTURE VK2735 obesity data with up to 14.7% weight loss.

2. Jan 08

   Maintenance trial enrollment

   24h Move

   -2.3%

   Completion of enrollment in Phase 1 VK2735 maintenance dosing obesity study.

3. Nov 19

   VANQUISH-1 enrollment

   24h Move

   -4.6%

   Completion of enrollment in Phase 3 VANQUISH-1 VK2735 trial ahead of schedule.

4. Nov 06

   ObesityWeek data

   24h Move

   +2.2%

   ObesityWeek 2025 presentation of exploratory VK2735 Phase 2 VENTURE cardiometabolic data.

5. Oct 29

   Data preview

   24h Move

   +8.4%

   Announcement of upcoming VK2735 obesity data and VANQUISH designs at ObesityWeek and AHA.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Key Terms

subcutaneous, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, +4 more

8 terms

subcutaneous medical

"Phase 3 VANQUISH-2 clinical trial of subcutaneous VK2735"

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.

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

"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.

randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled medical

"study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial"

A "randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled" process is a method used to test the effectiveness of a new treatment or intervention. Participants are randomly assigned to different groups, with one receiving the real treatment and the other a fake version, called a placebo. Neither the participants nor the researchers know who is receiving which, which helps ensure unbiased results. For investors, this rigorous approach increases confidence that the findings are accurate and not influenced by guesswork or bias.

multicenter medical

"placebo-controlled, multicenter trial designed to assess the efficacy"

A multicenter study or trial is conducted at several independent locations or clinics rather than a single site, so researchers collect data from diverse groups and settings. For investors, multicenter designs matter because they increase the credibility and generalizability of results, reduce the risk that findings are due to one local population or practice, and often speed enrollment — all factors that can affect regulatory outcomes, market confidence and commercial prospects.

body mass index (BMI) medical

"who have obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) or who are overweight (BMI ≥27 kg/m2)."

Body mass index (BMI) is a simple number calculated from a person’s weight and height that gives a rough indication of whether their body size falls into categories such as underweight, normal, overweight, or obese. For investors, BMI matters because it’s a common screening measure used in public health, insurance underwriting, clinical trials and market research; shifts in population BMI can affect demand for medical services, drugs, insurance costs and related business risks, like a quick fuel-gauge that signals broader health trends.

pharmacokinetic medical

"objectives of the study are to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic profile"

Pharmacokinetic describes how a drug moves through and leaves the body — how it is absorbed, spread to tissues, broken down and excreted — like tracking a package from pickup to delivery and disposal. For investors, these properties determine effective dose, safety risks, how often a medicine must be taken, and how reliably it works, which in turn influence clinical trial success, regulatory approval chances, production complexity and a drug’s commercial value.

adverse events (AEs) medical

"majority of observed adverse events (AEs) being reported as mild or moderate."

Adverse events (AEs) are any unwanted medical problems or side effects that occur in people taking a drug, vaccine, or undergoing a medical procedure, whether or not the treatment caused them. Think of AEs like warning lights on a dashboard: a few minor blips may be manageable, but frequent or serious lights can signal bigger problems that affect patient safety, regulatory approvals, and a product’s commercial prospects — all key concerns for investors.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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78-Week Study Evaluating Subcutaneous VK2735 in Adults with Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

SAN DIEGO, March 26, 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 Phase 3 VANQUISH-2 clinical trial of subcutaneous VK2735, the company's dual agonist of the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors. VK2735 is being developed in both oral and subcutaneous formulations for the potential treatment of metabolic disorders such as obesity.

The Phase 3 VANQUISH-2 study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial designed to assess the efficacy and safety of VK2735 administered by subcutaneous injection once weekly for 78 weeks. The trial enrolled approximately 1,000 adults with type 2 diabetes and who have obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) or who are overweight (BMI ≥27 kg/m²). Enrolled patients have been randomized to one of four weekly treatment arms: VK2735 7.5 mg, 12.5 mg, 17.5 mg, and placebo. 

The primary endpoint of the trial is the percent change in body weight from baseline for participants receiving VK2735 as compared to placebo after 78 weeks of treatment. Secondary and exploratory endpoints are evaluating a range of additional safety and efficacy measures, including the percentage of patients who achieve ≥5%, ≥10%, ≥15% and ≥20% body weight reduction. The study includes a 52-week extension period allowing participants the opportunity to continue receiving treatment following completion of the primary dosing period.

"Completing enrollment in the VANQUISH-2 study is an important milestone for Viking as it is the second of our two registration studies to be fully enrolled," said Brian Lian, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Viking. "As with the VANQUISH-1 study, we are happy to see a study of this size enroll quickly, which we believe speaks to the enthusiasm for new obesity treatments beyond those currently available. We look forward to completing the VANQUISH studies in 2027."

Concurrently, Viking is conducting the Phase 3 VANQUISH-1 study of subcutaneous VK2735 in patients who have obesity or are overweight. Enrollment in VANQUISH-1 was completed in November 2025. Viking is also evaluating VK2735 in a Phase 1 study evaluating a range of potential maintenance dosing regimens. 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 following the transition to maintenance dosing. The company expects to report the results from this study in the third quarter of 2026.

In 2024, Viking announced positive results from the Phase 2 VENTURE study of VK2735 in obesity. This trial successfully achieved its primary and secondary endpoints, with subjects receiving VK2735 demonstrating statistically significant reductions in body weight compared with placebo. After 13 weekly subcutaneous doses, subjects 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 (AEs) being reported as mild or moderate. Treatment and study discontinuation rates among VK2735 cohorts were well-balanced compared with 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

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

What did Viking announce about VANQUISH-2 enrollment for VKTX on March 26, 2026?

The company completed enrollment of about 1,000 patients in VANQUISH-2. According to the company, the trial is randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled and will evaluate VK2735 over 78 weeks with a 52-week extension.

What is the primary endpoint of the VKTX VANQUISH-2 Phase 3 trial and timing?

The primary endpoint is percent change in body weight from baseline at 78 weeks. According to the company, comparisons will be made versus placebo across three active VK2735 dose arms and placebo.

How many dose levels of VK2735 are being tested in VANQUISH-2 (VKTX)?

VANQUISH-2 randomizes patients to 7.5 mg, 12.5 mg, 17.5 mg or placebo once weekly. According to the company, the trial will compare weight-loss outcomes across those active dose arms and placebo.

When does Viking expect VANQUISH program results and what other VK2735 data are pending?

Viking expects to complete the VANQUISH studies in 2027. According to the company, Phase 1 maintenance dosing results are expected to be reported in Q3 2026.

What prior clinical evidence does Viking cite supporting VK2735 for obesity (VKTX)?

Viking cites Phase 2 VENTURE results showing up to 14.7% mean body-weight reduction after 13 weekly subcutaneous doses. According to the company, VENTURE met primary and secondary endpoints with favorable tolerability.

Who was enrolled in VANQUISH-2 and what are the inclusion criteria related to BMI (VKTX)?

Approximately 1,000 adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) or overweight (BMI ≥27 kg/m2) were enrolled. According to the company, participants were randomized across four weekly treatment arms.