Vktx Stock Climbs as Viking Therapeutics Reports Positive Phase 2 Obesity Drug Results

Viking Therapeutics has announced positive results from its Phase 2 VENTURE-Oral Dosing trial, assessing the oral tablet formulation of its investigational drug, VK2735, targeting obesity. The trial explored the potential of VK2735, a dual agonist designed to activate glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors, achieving significant weight loss outcomes compared to placebo.

The 13-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involved 280 subjects who were either diagnosed with obesity or were overweight with at least one related comorbid condition. The main goal was to evaluate the percentage change in body weight, with secondary analysis encompassing broader safety and efficacy measures.

VK2735 met both its primary and secondary endpoints, showing statistically significant weight reductions. Subjects administered the drug demonstrated mean weight loss up to 12.2% from baseline at various doses. Weight loss was progressive with no plateau observable by week 13, with anticipations that extended treatment might yield further reductions.

All doses over 15 mg showed marked statistical significance compared to placebo concerning both weight reduction percentages and the proportion of subjects achieving over 5% and 10% weight reduction. At the highest dose, patients achieved a 10.9% placebo-adjusted loss, and up to 80% of subjects reached at least 10% weight reduction, in contrast with a mere 5% on placebo.

In safety assessments, VK2735 was generally well-tolerated. While gastrointestinal-related adverse events comprised the most common side effects, they were predominantly mild or moderate in nature, with early onset but reduced frequency with continuous administration. The trial reported that 28% of VK2735 recipients discontinued due to adverse events, compared to 18% taking placebo.

CEO Brian Lian highlighted the study's positive implications, emphasizing the drug's dose-response relationship and the potential for sustained weight management with lower maintenance doses after an initial period of higher dosing. An exploratory study group maintaining weight loss while transitioning from 90 mg to 30 mg further suggests benefits for prolonged weight control.

However, investor sentiment was cautious, largely due to the discontinuation rates, especially at the highest doses, and comparisons against competitors in the field, like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. The concerns center on the need to find a balance between efficacy and tolerability to ensure commercial viability.

While the company deliberates optimal dosing strategies, the results indicate that VK2735 could potentially provide effective obesity treatment, primarily by employing a strategy that maintains therapeutic effects at reduced doses for longer periods. The outcomes indicate future possibilities for VK2735 in extended trials, maintaining hope for its role in effective obesity and metabolic disorder management.