Viking Therapeutics has provided a series of updates this January concerning its clinical development pipeline, with a primary focus on its obesity treatment candidate, VK2735. The company released fresh trial data, completed enrollment for an additional study, and bolstered its executive team to prepare for potential commercialization. Market observers are now keenly awaiting the firm’s announcement of specific upcoming milestones in the following weeks.
Leadership Expansion and Upcoming Financial Report
In a move signaling its preparation for future market entry, Viking Therapeutics appointed Neil Aubuchon as its new Chief Commercial Officer on January 7. Aubuchon brings extensive experience from prior leadership positions at firms including AbCellera, Amgen, and Eli Lilly. His mandate is to develop and drive the commercialization strategy for VK2735, which encompasses potential discussions with strategic partners.
The immediate focus shifts to tomorrow, Wednesday, when Viking is scheduled to release its financial results for the fourth quarter and the full fiscal year 2025. Investors are expected to closely monitor the subsequent conference call for strategic updates and further details on the progression of the company’s clinical programs.
Detailed Phase 2 Trial Results Published
On January 12, Viking published detailed findings from its VENTURE Phase 2 trial for VK2735 in the medical journal Obesity. The study evaluated a subcutaneous formulation of VK2735, a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, in patients with obesity.
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The published results indicated that after a 13-week treatment period, patients receiving VK2735 achieved a statistically significant reduction in average body weight. The data showed weight loss of up to 14.7% from baseline. Viking reported an encouraging safety and tolerability profile for the drug candidate, noting that the majority of adverse events observed were mild to moderate in severity.
Concurrent Clinical Trial Progress
Parallel to its late-stage development, the company also progressed an earlier-stage study. Viking announced on January 8 that it had finished enrolling approximately 180 adult participants into an exploratory Phase 1 trial. This study is designed to assess the safety and tolerability of various maintenance dosing regimens for VK2735. The regimens under investigation include monthly subcutaneous injections, as well as daily or weekly oral administrations, all following an initial weight-loss phase.
This Phase 1 work proceeds alongside the ongoing Phase 3 program for the subcutaneous formulation of VK2735, known as VANQUISH-1 and VANQUISH-2. Patient recruitment for the VANQUISH-1 trial was already completed in November 2025.
Key Developments at a Glance:
– Phase 2 data for VK2735 demonstrates weight reductions reaching 14.7% after 13 weeks (subcutaneous version)
– Enrollment concluded for an exploratory Phase 1 study involving about 180 adults
– New Chief Commercial Officer hired to lead commercialization strategy for VK2735
– Q4 and full-year 2025 financial results are due tomorrow (Wednesday)
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