Viking Therapeutics' Oral Obesity Drug Shows Promising Weight Loss in Phase 2 Trial

Event summary

  • Viking Therapeutics presented Phase 2 data for its oral obesity drug VK2735 at ECO 2026, showing up to 12.2% weight loss in 13 weeks.
  • The highest dose cohort achieved a mean reduction of 26.6 lbs from baseline.
  • Up to 80% of participants achieved ≥10% weight loss compared to 5% for placebo.
  • VK2735 demonstrated a favorable tolerability profile with most adverse events being mild or moderate.
  • The company plans to initiate Phase 3 trials for the oral formulation later in 2026.

The big picture

Viking Therapeutics' positive Phase 2 data for VK2735 comes as the obesity drug market continues to expand, with increasing demand for effective and accessible treatment options. The company's dual formulation approach aims to differentiate itself in a competitive landscape dominated by injectable therapies. The strategic move to initiate Phase 3 trials later this year could position VK2735 as a potential first oral dual GLP-1/GIP agonist to market, addressing a significant unmet need in obesity treatment.

What we're watching

Regulatory Pathway
Whether the Phase 3 trial initiation and design will position VK2735 favorably for regulatory approval.
Market Differentiation
How Viking's dual formulation strategy (oral and subcutaneous) will compete against established GLP-1/GIP agonists like tirzepatide.
Execution Risk
The pace at which Viking can advance both formulations through late-stage trials and potential commercialization.