Viking Therapeutics Presents Data from its 13-Week Phase 2 VENTURE-Oral Dosing Trial of VK2735 at European Congress on Obesity (ECO) 2026
Rhea-AI Summary
Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VKTX) presented 13-week Phase 2 VENTURE-Oral/Venture-2 data for once-daily oral VK2735 in adults with obesity at ECO 2026.
VK2735 produced statistically significant, dose-dependent weight loss up to 12.2% (26.6 lbs), with early, progressive reductions from Week 1 and a generally favorable tolerability profile. A related Phase 3 subcutaneous study (VANQUISH-1) design was also highlighted.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
Positive
- Mean body-weight reduction up to 12.2% (26.6 lbs) at Week 13 on highest VK2735 dose
- Placebo-adjusted mean percent weight change up to -10.9% at 13 weeks
- Up to 97% of VK2735 subjects achieved ≥5% weight loss vs 10% on placebo
- Up to 80% of VK2735 subjects achieved ≥10% weight loss vs 5% on placebo
- Drug-related TEAEs were 98% mild or moderate, typically resolving with continued dosing
- Statistically significant weight loss observed from Week 1 at doses above 15 mg
Negative
- Gastrointestinal-related treatment-emergent adverse events were the most common TEAEs with VK2735
- VENTURE-Oral/Venture-2 data cover only a 13-week treatment period
- VK2735 remains in clinical development; long-term efficacy and safety await Phase 3 results
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
VKTX was up 1.24% while close peers were mixed: IMVT up 0.41%, XENE, CRNX, SLNO, SRRK modestly negative, indicating a stock-specific reaction rather than a broad biotech move.
Previous Clinical trial Reports
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 26 | Phase 3 enrollment | Positive | +3.2% | Completion of enrollment in Phase 3 VANQUISH-2 trial of VK2735. |
| Jan 12 | Phase 2 results | Positive | -0.7% | Publication of Phase 2 VENTURE subcutaneous VK2735 results showing up to 14.7% weight loss. |
| Jan 08 | Maintenance study enroll | Positive | -2.3% | Completion of enrollment in Phase 1 maintenance dosing trial of VK2735 in obesity. |
| Nov 19 | Phase 3 enrollment | Positive | -4.6% | Completion of enrollment in Phase 3 VANQUISH-1 obesity trial ahead of schedule. |
| Nov 06 | Clinical data update | Positive | +2.2% | Presentation of VK2735 Phase 2 data at ObesityWeek 2025 with strong metabolic outcomes. |
Clinical trial updates on VK2735 have produced mixed stock reactions, with an average same-tag move of -0.44% and several instances of negative reactions to seemingly positive data.
Over the past several months, Viking has steadily advanced VK2735 through late-stage obesity development. In Nov 2025, it completed Phase 3 VANQUISH-1 enrollment (~4,650 adults). Subsequent updates in Jan–Mar 2026 covered completion of a maintenance study, publication of Phase 2 VENTURE results showing up to 14.7% weight loss, and full enrollment of Phase 3 VANQUISH-2 (~1,000 adults). This ECO 2026 poster adds detailed 13-week oral VK2735 data, extending the VK2735 efficacy and tolerability narrative.
Historical Comparison
Past VK2735 clinical-trial headlines have averaged a -0.44% move, with mixed upside and downside. This ECO 2026 oral VK2735 data fits into a pattern of substantial clinical progress but uneven immediate price reactions.
Clinical updates trace a path from Phase 2 VENTURE efficacy, through Phase 3 VANQUISH-1 and VANQUISH-2 enrollment completion, to detailed oral VK2735 data now showcased at ECO 2026.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement provides detailed Phase 2 oral VK2735 data, showing up to 12.2% mean weight loss at 13 weeks, high proportions achieving ≥5% and ≥10% loss, and mainly mild-to-moderate TEAEs. It complements earlier subcutaneous VENTURE and VANQUISH updates, underscoring a broad obesity franchise. Investors may watch for Phase 3 oral trial initiation, longer-duration outcomes, and how safety, efficacy, and dosing convenience compare across the competitive landscape.
Key Terms
glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) medical
glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) medical
treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) medical
BMI medical
p-value technical
Phase 2 medical
Phase 3 medical
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
Oral VK2735 demonstrated early, progressive weight loss from Week 1 through Week 13 without a plateau
Dose-dependent weight loss observed across all VK2735 cohorts, with the highest dose achieving a mean reduction of up to
Baseline characteristics in the ongoing Phase 3 VANQUISH-1 study of VK2735 in adults with obesity were also presented in a second poster at the conference
The poster presented today at ECO 2026 highlighted key findings from previously reported trial data, including mean change from baseline in body weight throughout the 13-week treatment period and additional safety and tolerability data, for the Phase 2 study of orally administered VK2735. Participants receiving once-daily oral VK2735 demonstrated statistically significant, dose-dependent weight loss from baseline of up to
"The Phase 2a VENTURE-Oral Dosing study results provide important data to inform the design of our upcoming oral Phase 3 registration studies. We observed compelling efficacy, a clear dose-response, and an encouraging tolerability profile through the 13-week treatment period in the study. All treated cohorts demonstrated statistically significant weight loss from baseline, and the full dataset presented at ECO provides a detailed picture of response over time," said Brian Lian, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Viking Therapeutics. "We are excited to move oral VK2735 into Phase 3 development as we believe it has the potential to become the first oral dual agonist of the GLP-1 and GIP receptors to reach the market. Together with the subcutaneous formulation, currently in the ongoing Phase 3 VANQUISH registration program, the oral tablet formulation represents a potentially differentiated treatment option by enabling patients to transition from injection to oral administration using the same active therapeutic agent. We look forward to initiating Phase 3 trials with the tablet later this year."
"From a clinical perspective, the early onset and continued progression of weight loss without plateau over 13 weeks is particularly compelling," said Parke Joseph Hedges, M.D., FACOG, Flourish Research,
Highlights from Viking's poster titled Treatment with Oral VK2735 Results in Significant Weight Loss: The Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Dose-Finding VENTURE-2 Study include:
- Early and progressive weight loss. Patients receiving VK2735 experienced statistically significant reductions in body weight compared with placebo, beginning as early as Week 1 at all doses greater than 15 mg, with continuous and progressive weight loss observed throughout the 13-week treatment period.
- No plateau observed. Weight loss trajectories demonstrate continued downward trends across all active dose levels through Week 13, supporting the potential for continued weight reduction with longer-duration treatment.
- Dose-dependent efficacy. Weight loss increased with escalating doses of VK2735, with the highest dose achieving a mean reduction of up to
12.2% of body weight from baseline at Week 13. - Favorable tolerability profile. Among subjects receiving VK2735, the majority (
98% ) of reported drug-related TEAEs were categorized as mild or moderate in severity. Gastrointestinal-related events were the most commonly observed TEAEs and were consistent with dual agonist GLP-1/GIP receptors, typically occurring early in treatment and subsiding with continued dosing. - Progressive titration enabled tolerability. Dose escalation in 30 mg increments enabled rapid progression to higher dose levels with an encouraging tolerability profile, and gastrointestinal events diminished over time. Lower starting doses and longer titration windows may further improve tolerability.
Change in Body Weight Following 13 Weeks of Daily Dosing with Oral VK2735
Dose Level1,2 | Placebo (n=40) | VK2735 15 mg (n=40) | VK2735 30 mg (n=40) | VK2735 60 mg (n=38) | VK2735 90 mg (n=39) | VK2735 120 mg (n=39) |
Mean baseline body weight (kg)3 | 105.2 kg | 99.0 kg | 102.9 kg | 102.8 kg | 103.4 kg | 101.9 kg |
Mean change from baseline body weight4,5 | -1.3 kg | -2.2 kg | -7.1 kg | -8.8 kg | -11.5 kg | -12.1 kg |
Mean percent change from baseline4,5 | -1.3 % | -2.3 % | -7.0 % | -8.7 % | -11.1 % | -12.2 % |
p-value vs. baseline5 | - | 0.0057 | <0.0001 | <0.0001 | <0.0001 | <0.0001 |
Placebo-adjusted mean percent change from baseline4,5 | - | -1.0 % | -5.7 % | -7.4 % | -9.8 % | -10.9 % |
p-value vs. placebo5 | - | - | <0.0001 | <0.0001 | <0.0001 | <0.0001 |
Percent reporting ≥ | 5 % | 8 % | 35 % | 40 % | 59 % | 80 % |
p-value vs. placebo6 | - | - | <0.01 | 0.0017 | < 0.0001 | <0.0001 |
Notes: 1) Efficacy population, includes all randomized patients who received at least one dose of study drug and had a valid baseline and post-baseline body weight assessment. 2) Participants treated with VK2735 were titrated to final doses as indicated: 15 mg cohort = 15 mg x 13 weeks; 30 mg cohort = 30 mg x 13 weeks; 60 mg cohort = 30 mg x 2 weeks, 60 mg x 11 weeks; 90 mg cohort = 30 mg x 2 weeks, 60 mg x 2 weeks, 90 mg x 9 weeks; 120 mg cohort = 30 mg x 2 weeks, 60 mg x 2 weeks, 90 mg x 2 weeks, 120 mg x 7 weeks. 3) All enrolled participants were required to have baseline BMI ≥30 kg/m2 or BMI≥27 kg/m2 with at least one weight-related comorbid condition. 4) Least squares mean. 5) Two-sided t-test using mixed model for repeated measures. 6) Logistic regression model with treatment as factor and baseline weight as covariate. |
Poster Presentation Details:
Publication Number: PO4.260
Title: Treatment with Oral VK2735 Results in Significant Weight Loss: The Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Dose-Finding VENTURE-2 Study
Presented by: Karen Modesto, M.D., Vice President, Clinical Development
Date/Time: On display May 12-15, with poster networking session on May 14 from 18 – 19:15 Turkish Time
Location: Poster area at Level B5, Istanbul Congress Center
Viking also presented a second poster at ECO today highlighting 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.
Poster Presentation Details:
Publication Number: PO4.278
Title: VANQUISH-1: Phase 3 Trial With Enrollment of Diverse Population to Test Efficacy of Subcutaneous VK2735 in Adult Participants with Obesity or Overweight with Weight Related Comorbidities
Presented by: Karen Modesto, M.D., Vice President, Clinical Development
Date/Time: On display May 12-15, with poster networking session on May 14 from 18 – 19:15 Turkish Time
Location: Poster area at Level B5, Istanbul Congress Center
Copies of these poster presentations are available in the Publications section of Viking's website at www.vikingtherapeutics.com/pipeline/publications/.
About the Phase 2 VENTURE-Oral Trial
The Phase 2 VENTURE-Oral Dosing Trial was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter study designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and weight loss efficacy of VK2735 dosed as an oral tablet once daily for 13 weeks. The trial enrolled 280 adults who are obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2), or adults who are overweight (BMI ≥27 kg/m2) with at least one weight-related co-morbid condition. Enrolled patients were evenly randomized to one of six dosing arms or placebo. The primary endpoint of the study was the percent change in body weight from baseline after 13 weeks of treatment, while secondary and exploratory endpoints evaluated a range of additional safety and efficacy measures.
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
About Viking Therapeutics
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 a Phase 2 trial 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 (
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
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SOURCE Viking Therapeutics, Inc.