Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) has announced the completion of participant enrollment in its Phase II VENTURE-Oral Dosing study. The study is focused on evaluating the safety and effectiveness of VK2735, an experimental oral obesity drug. Results from the study are expected in the second half of 2025.
The study enrolled approximately 280 adults who are overweight or obese, with at least one weight-related co-morbid condition. Participants have been randomly assigned to one of six dosing groups, including both VK2735 and a placebo. The primary objective of the study is to measure the percent change in body weight after 13 weeks of treatment.
This announcement marks a significant milestone for Viking Therapeutics. The study, which began in January, has enrolled participants rapidly, indicating strong interest in VK2735. The quick enrollment aligns with the growing market for weight-loss treatments, following the success of Eli Lilly’s Zepbound and Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy. The swift recruitment also highlights enthusiasm from both patients and physicians, suggesting strong commercial potential if VK2735 proves effective and safe.
Supporting the trial’s launch is data from an earlier-stage study. The data showed that participants who took oral VK2735 lost up to 8.2% of their body weight after 28 days, compared to just 1.4% in the placebo group. Viking Therapeutics believes that extending the treatment duration beyond 28 days may lead to even greater weight loss.
Additionally, the company reiterated plans to begin a late-stage study on the subcutaneous version of VK2735 in the first half of this year.
Viking Therapeutics Stock Performance
Viking Therapeutics’ stock has faced challenges this year, falling 36%, while the broader industry has seen modest growth of 1%.
Competition in the Obesity Market
The obesity treatment market has become highly competitive, with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk leading the field with their respective medications. According to Goldman Sachs research, the U.S. obesity market is expected to reach $100 billion by 2030. This growth has prompted both companies to expand production and rapidly develop additional obesity treatments.
Other companies, including Roche, Amgen, AbbVie, and Merck, are also making strides in the obesity space. Roche entered the market by acquiring Carmot Therapeutics for $2.7 billion in 2023. This acquisition added a range of obesity drugs to its portfolio, including CT-388, a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist currently being evaluated in a Phase II trial.
Roche is also exploring other obesity treatments, including a collaboration with Zealand Pharma to develop an amylin analog in combination with CT-388.
In November 2024, Amgen released promising data from a Phase II trial of its GLP-1 therapy, MariTide. The data showed that the drug led to a 20% average weight loss over 52 weeks. Amgen plans to expand its research with a broad Phase III program targeting obesity and related conditions.
AbbVie and Merck have also entered the obesity market through licensing deals. AbbVie signed an agreement with Gubra, a biotech firm based in Denmark, for an experimental obesity drug. Meanwhile, Merck secured a licensing deal for an oral weight-loss treatment developed by China’s Hansoh Pharma in December 2024.
Viking Therapeutics Stock Outlook
Viking Therapeutics currently holds a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold). For investors seeking recommendations, Zacks Investment Research provides a list of the top-performing stocks.
