Viking Therapeutics Announces Two Poster Presentations at European Congress on Obesity (ECO) 2026

Rhea-AI Summary

Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VKTX) will present two posters on its VK2735 program at the 33rd European Congress on Obesity (ECO) in Istanbul, May 12–15, 2026. One poster reports 13-week Phase 2 VENTURE-Oral efficacy and safety data; the other describes Phase 3 VANQUISH-1 design and enrollment demographics for subcutaneous VK2735.

Both posters are on display May 12–15 at Istanbul Congress Center Level B5, with a networking session on May 14 from 18:00–19:15 Turkey Time; presenter: Karen Modesto, M.D., VP Clinical Development.

News Market Reaction – VKTX

-1.42%

-1.42% Session close to close

In the May 5 session, VKTX declined 1.42%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Context

This announcement underscores continued visibility for VK2735 at ECO 2026, with posters on 13‑week P...

Analysis

This announcement underscores continued visibility for VK2735 at ECO 2026, with posters on 13‑week Phase 2 VENTURE‑Oral data and Phase 3 VANQUISH‑1 enrollment demographics. It follows recent filings detailing fully enrolled Phase 3 trials and substantial R&D investment, including a Q1 2026 net loss of $158.3M and cash, cash equivalents and short‑term investments of $603M. Investors may watch for detailed efficacy, safety and design insights from these posters alongside upcoming Phase 3 and maintenance‑study readouts.

Key Figures

VENTURE-Oral duration: 13 weeks VENTURE-Oral phase: Phase 2 VANQUISH-1 phase: Phase 3 +4 more

7 metrics

VENTURE-Oral duration 13 weeks Phase 2 VENTURE-Oral VK2735 trial length

VENTURE-Oral phase Phase 2 VENTURE-Oral VK2735 obesity study

VANQUISH-1 phase Phase 3 VANQUISH-1 subcutaneous VK2735 obesity trial

ECO dates May 12–15, 2026 33rd European Congress on Obesity in Istanbul

Poster session time 18:00–19:15 Turkey Time, May 14 ECO poster networking session

Publication number PO4.260 VENTURE-Oral VK2735 ECO poster ID

Publication number PO4.278 VANQUISH-1 VK2735 ECO poster ID

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Apr 29 (Negative)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	24h Move	Catalyst
Apr 29	Earnings and update	Negative	-0.5%	Larger quarterly loss alongside updates on VK2735 and VK3019 programs.
Apr 22	Earnings date notice	Neutral	-4.2%	Announcement of timing for Q1 2026 results and conference call.
Apr 10	Investor conferences	Neutral	-2.0%	Participation in April investor conferences and 1‑on‑1 meetings.
Mar 26	Clinical trial update	Positive	+3.2%	Completion of enrollment in Phase 3 VANQUISH‑2 trial of VK2735.
Mar 05	Investor conferences	Neutral	+4.7%	March conference participation and investor meetings in Miami.

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

Pattern Detected

News often triggers modest moves, with clinical milestones skewing positive and corporate/earnings items showing mixed or divergent reactions.

Recent Company History

Over the past few months, Viking reported larger losses as it ramped obesity trials, with a Q1 2026 net loss of $158.3M and R&D of $150.2M, while maintaining cash, cash equivalents and short‑term investments of $603M at March 31, 2026. The VANQUISH-1 trial enrolled over 4,500 patients and VANQUISH-2 about 1,000, and enrollment in VANQUISH-2 was completed in late March. The latest ECO 2026 poster presentations build on this Phase 2 and Phase 3 VK2735 progress highlighted in prior filings and updates.

Key Terms

glucagon-like peptide 1 (glp-1), glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (gip), phase 2, phase 3, +1 more

5 terms

glucagon-like peptide 1 (glp-1) medical

"VK2735 is a 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

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

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.

phase 2 medical

"Poster Presentations Highlight Data from 13-Week Phase 2 VENTURE-Oral Trial of VK2735..."

Phase 2 is the mid-stage clinical trial where a new drug or treatment is tested in a larger group of patients to see if it works and to keep checking safety after initial human testing. Think of it as a field test that proves whether a product actually delivers its promised benefit. Investors watch Phase 2 closely because its results strongly influence a medicine’s chances of reaching the market, the size of its potential sales, and the company’s valuation.

phase 3 medical

"Phase 3 VANQUISH-1 study of subcutaneous VK2735 in adults with obesity..."

Phase 3 is the late-stage clinical testing step for a new drug or medical treatment, where the product is given to large groups of patients to confirm effectiveness, monitor side effects, and compare it to standard care. Successful Phase 3 results are often the final scientific hurdle before regulators decide on approval and market launch—like passing a final exam before graduation—and can sharply change a company's valuation and future revenue prospects.

randomized, placebo-controlled medical

"The Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Dose-Finding VENTURE-Oral Study..."

A randomized, placebo-controlled trial is a medical study where people are assigned by chance (like flipping a coin) to receive either the experimental treatment or an inactive substitute (a placebo), and neither participants nor often the researchers know who got which. For investors, this design is the gold standard for showing whether a therapy truly works beyond chance or expectation, which reduces uncertainty about regulatory approval, market adoption, and the commercial value of a drug or device.

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

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Poster Presentations Highlight Data from 13-Week Phase 2 VENTURE-Oral Trial of VK2735 and Participant Characteristics from Phase 3 VANQUISH-1 Trial of Subcutaneous VK2735

SAN DIEGO, May 5, 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, announced today that it will present two posters on its VK2735 program at the 33^rd European Congress on Obesity (ECO) taking place in Istanbul, Türkiye on May 12-15, 2026. VK2735 is a dual agonist of the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors that Viking is developing in subcutaneous and oral formulations for the potential treatment of various metabolic disorders, including obesity.

At ECO, Viking will present a poster highlighting data from its Phase 2 VENTURE-Oral Dosing trial, focusing on key efficacy and safety endpoints, including weight loss and tolerability during the 13-week study. The second poster will highlight the design and enrollment demographics of the ongoing Phase 3 VANQUISH-1 study of subcutaneous VK2735 in adults with obesity or who are overweight and have at least one weight-related comorbidity.

Details of the ECO poster presentations are as follows:

Title: Treatment with Oral VK2735 Results in Significant Weight Loss: The Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Dose-Finding VENTURE-Oral Study

Publication Number: PO4.260

Presented by: Karen Modesto, M.D., Vice President, Clinical Development

Date/Time: On display May 12-15, with poster networking session on Thursday, May 14, from 18:00 – 19:15 Turkey Time

Location: Poster area at Level B5, Istanbul Congress Center

Title: VANQUISH-1: Phase 3 Trial With Enrollment of a Diverse Population to Test Efficacy of Subcutaneous VK2735 in Adult Participants with Obesity or Overweight with Weight Related Comorbidities

Publication Number: PO4.278

Presented by: Karen Modesto, M.D., Vice President, Clinical Development

Date/Time: On display May 12-15, with poster networking session on Thursday, May 14, from 18:00 – 19:15 Turkey Time

Location: Poster area at Level B5, Istanbul Congress Center

About VK2735

VK2735 is a novel dual agonist of the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors in development for the treatment of metabolic disorders, including obesity. The compound is being evaluated in both oral and subcutaneous formulations.

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, with three compounds currently in clinical trials. 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. Data from a Phase 1 and a Phase 2 trial evaluating VK2735 (dosed subcutaneously) for metabolic disorders 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 a Phase 1 trial. 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 recently completed 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 and other 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 data will Viking (VKTX) present about oral VK2735 at ECO 2026?

Viking will present 13-week Phase 2 VENTURE-Oral data focusing on weight loss and tolerability. According to the company, the poster highlights randomized, placebo-controlled dose-finding results and key efficacy and safety endpoints observed during the 13-week study.

What does the VANQUISH-1 poster for VKTX cover at ECO 2026?

The VANQUISH-1 poster details Phase 3 study design and enrollment demographics for subcutaneous VK2735. According to the company, it summarizes participant characteristics in adults with obesity or overweight and at least one weight-related comorbidity.

When and where will VKTX posters be available at the ECO 2026 meeting?

Both VKTX posters are on display May 12–15, 2026 at Istanbul Congress Center, Level B5. According to the company, a poster networking session will occur on May 14 from 18:00–19:15 Turkey Time where presenters will be available.

Who will present Viking's VK2735 posters at ECO 2026 for VKTX?

Karen Modesto, M.D., Vice President, Clinical Development, will present both posters. According to the company, she is listed as the presenter for Publication Numbers PO4.260 and PO4.278 during the May 12–15 poster display and May 14 networking session.

What formulations of VK2735 will be discussed in the ECO 2026 posters from VKTX?

The posters cover both oral and subcutaneous formulations of VK2735. According to the company, the VENTURE-Oral poster reports oral formulation Phase 2 results while VANQUISH-1 describes subcutaneous VK2735 Phase 3 design and enrollment demographics.