Viking Therapeutics has achieved a significant milestone in its clinical development program, announcing the completion of patient enrollment for its pivotal Phase 3 study, VANQUISH-1. The trial is evaluating the company’s obesity treatment candidate, VK2735. Enrollment concluded ahead of schedule and substantially exceeded initial targets, with approximately 4,650 adults now participating.
Robust Clinical Program Advances
The VANQUISH-1 study is a 78-week investigation of VK2735, a dual agonist targeting both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. Participants are receiving weekly subcutaneous injections of either 7.5 mg, 12.5 mg, 17.5 mg of the drug, or a placebo. The primary objective is to measure the percentage reduction in body weight from the baseline.
Brian Lian, CEO of Viking Therapeutics, expressed enthusiasm about the rapid enrollment pace. “This strong interest from the clinical community underscores the significant need for new therapeutic options in obesity care beyond currently available treatments,” he stated. The high participation rate suggests considerable anticipation among physicians and patients for VK2735’s potential.
A parallel study, VANQUISH-2, is also underway. This trial is examining VK2735 in patients with type 2 diabetes and overweight. Patient recruitment for VANQUISH-2 is projected to finish in the first quarter of 2026.
Foundation Built on Strong Mid-Stage Data
The company’s confidence stems from compelling results obtained in its Phase 2 VENTURE study. In that trial, VK2735 successfully met all primary and secondary endpoints, demonstrating statistically significant weight reductions of up to 14.7% over a 13-week treatment period. Notably, the data indicated that weight loss had not reached a plateau by the study’s conclusion.
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The therapy also exhibited a favorable safety and tolerability profile. Most adverse events were characterized as mild to moderate in severity. Discontinuation rates due to side effects remained low and were comparable to those observed in the placebo group.
Competing in a Dynamic Market
VK2735 is entering a highly competitive market landscape, currently led by Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Eli Lilly’s Zepbound. Both are established GLP-1 receptor agonists, with Zepbound sharing a similar dual-agonist mechanism that also targets GIP receptors, much like Viking’s candidate.
The obesity therapeutics market is experiencing unprecedented expansion, fueled by the growing medical recognition of obesity as a chronic disease. Viking is developing VK2735 in both subcutaneous and oral formulations, a strategic approach that could offer a distinct competitive edge.
Financial Runway Supports Extended Timeline
Viking Therapeutics reported a strong cash position of $715 million as of the end of September 2025, providing ample resources to fund its extensive development programs. However, the 78-week duration of the VANQUISH-1 study means that top-line results are not anticipated before the second half of 2027.
Investors can monitor several upcoming catalysts, including the completion of VANQUISH-2 enrollment in Q1 2026 and potential data readouts from ongoing maintenance dosing studies. The efficient completion of this large-scale Phase 3 enrollment demonstrates Viking’s operational capability to execute complex clinical trials—a critical factor in the race to capture a share of the lucrative obesity treatment market.
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