Viking Therapeutics' VK2735 Fails to Impress in Obesity Pill Study, Shares Plunge 42%

Viking Therapeutics' shares fell 42% after reporting mixed data from its phase II VENTURE-Oral Dosing study, which evaluated the safety and efficacy of its experimental obesity drug, VK2735. Although the study achieved its primary and secondary endpoints, a large number of patients dropped out due to adverse events, raising concerns about the drug's tolerability. Viking's shares have lost 39% YTD, while the obesity market is expected to reach $100 billion by 2030.

Viking Therapeutics' shares fell 42% after reporting mixed data from its phase II VENTURE-Oral Dosing study, which evaluated the safety and efficacy of its experimental obesity drug, VK2735. Although the study achieved its primary and secondary endpoints, a large number of patients dropped out due to adverse events, raising concerns about the drug's tolerability [1].

The Phase 2 VENTURE-Oral Dosing Trial enrolled 280 adults who received either VK2735 or placebo. The study aimed to assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and weight loss efficacy of VK2735 dosed as an oral tablet once daily for 13 weeks. The trial achieved its primary endpoint of statistically significant reductions in body weight, with participants receiving VK2735 demonstrating mean weight loss of up to 12.2% compared to placebo [1].

However, the study also revealed significant concerns regarding the drug's tolerability. Discontinuation rates due to adverse events were higher among VK2735-treated participants (28%) compared to placebo (18%). The most common adverse events were gastrointestinal-related, with nausea and vomiting being the most frequently reported [1].

Viking Therapeutics' CEO, Brian Lian, expressed optimism about the study's results, noting the potential for further improvement with longer dosing periods and the encouraging signal from the maintenance dosing arm. However, the high dropout rate due to adverse events casts a shadow over the drug's future prospects [1].

Viking Therapeutics' shares have lost 39% year-to-date (YTD), while the obesity market is expected to reach $100 billion by 2030. The mixed results from the phase II study may impact investor sentiment and the company's ability to attract further funding. The obesity market's growth potential highlights the need for effective and well-tolerated treatments, making Viking Therapeutics' progress in this area a closely watched development.

References:
[1] Viking Therapeutics Announces Positive Top-Line Results from Phase 2 VENTURE-Oral Dosing Trial of VK2735 Tablet Formulation in Patients with Obesity. Retrieved from https://ir.vikingtherapeutics.com/2025-08-19-Viking-Therapeutics-Announces-Positive-Top-Line-Results-from-Phase-2-VENTURE-Oral-Dosing-Trial-of-VK2735-Tablet-Formulation-in-Patients-with-Obesity