The biopharmaceutical sector is closely monitoring Viking Therapeutics as compelling new clinical results for its obesity treatment candidate VK2735 fuel widespread speculation about a potential buyout. Data unveiled at the ObesityWeek® 2025 conference, particularly showing significant benefits for prediabetic patients, positions the company as a highly attractive asset for larger industry players.
Impressive Glucose Control Results
Recent findings from the Phase 2 VENTURE study of VK2735, a dual-acting GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist, have surpassed expectations. An exploratory analysis revealed that 78% of patients classified as prediabetic at the study’s outset returned to normal blood glucose levels after just 13 weeks of treatment. This outcome starkly contrasts with the placebo group, where only 29% of participants achieved similar results.
These glycemic benefits complement the previously reported primary efficacy data from the same trial. Patients receiving weekly injections of VK2735 over the 13-week period demonstrated weight reduction of up to 14.7%. Viking is now advancing its comprehensive Phase 3 VANQUISH program, with enrollment for the first of two key studies anticipated to conclude before the end of 2025.
Financial Health and Strategic Position
Despite reporting a net loss of $90.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, substantially higher than the $24.9 million loss recorded in the comparable period last year, the company maintains a strong cash position. The increased deficit was primarily driven by a significant ramp-up in research and development spending, which reached $90.0 million for the quarter.
Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying Viking Therapeutics?
Viking’s financial stability is supported by $715 million in cash and equivalents as of September 30. Company leadership has confirmed these resources are sufficient to fund the planned Phase 3 obesity trials through their critical stages.
Intensifying Market Interest
The competitive landscape for obesity therapeutics, currently dominated by Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, is heating up. The recent bidding war for competitor Metsera has further intensified acquisition rumors surrounding Viking. With its advanced pipeline and robust clinical data, industry analysts suggest the company could become the next logical target for pharmaceutical giants seeking to expand their presence in this multi-billion dollar market.
Upcoming Clinical Milestones
The coming months will be pivotal for Viking’s development trajectory. While the VANQUISH-1 study is scheduled to complete enrollment by the end of 2025, the subsequent VANQUISH-2 trial is expected to begin patient recruitment in the first quarter of 2026. Additional data from a maintenance dosing study is projected for release by mid-2026.
With a steady stream of clinical trial readouts expected and persistent market speculation about its strategic future, Viking Therapeutics is likely to remain a focal point of investor attention in the biotech sector.
Ad
Viking Therapeutics Stock: Buy or Sell?! New Viking Therapeutics Analysis from November 9 delivers the answer:
The latest Viking Therapeutics figures speak for themselves: Urgent action needed for Viking Therapeutics investors. Is it worth buying or should you sell? Find out what to do now in the current free analysis from November 9.
Viking Therapeutics: Buy or sell? Read more here...
