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Retail chatter around Ventyx Biosciences surged late Wednesday after the biotechnology company announced positive topline results from a Phase 2 study of its oral anti-inflammatory drug, VTX3232, in participants with obesity and cardiovascular risk factors.
The study followed 175 participants in the trial, which tested VTX3232 as both a standalone therapy and alongside semaglutide. These were compared to placebo groups.
In a statement, Ventyx said those taking the drug demonstrated strong evidence of an anti-inflammatory effect of the drug as evidenced by reductions in two biomarkers of cardiovascular risk, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6).
In the monotherapy group, hsCRP levels decreased by approximately 78% by week 12, in contrast to an increase observed in the placebo group. Levels of IL-6 also dropped to below 1.65 nanograms per liter, which is a marker for lower heart risk.
The firm also said the drug reduced levels of lipoprotein(a), fibrinogen, and liver inflammation, showing signs of an anti-inflammatory effect across multiple measures.
CEO Raju Mohan said the observed effects on hsCRP, IL-6, and Lp(a) suggest VTX3232 could represent a new class of oral anti-inflammatory therapies.
Peter Libby, MD of Mass General Brigham, said elevated CRP levels are a strong predictor of cardiovascular risk and that new NLRP3 inhibitors may complement cholesterol-lowering treatments.
Chief Medical Officer Mark Forman said VTX3232 “robustly inhibited the NLRP3 pathway,” adding that combination treatment with semaglutide achieved further reductions in inflammation-related biomarkers.
On Stocktwits, retail sentiment for Ventyx was ‘extremely bullish’ amid an 18,600% surge in 24-hour message volume.
One user expressed “mixed feelings” about the results, noting that while the data showed little effect on weight, liver disease (MASH), or lipids, VTX3232 appeared to be a strong candidate for use in combination therapies rather than as a standalone drug. They added that longer studies would be needed to define its target patient group and assess its value as a monotherapy.
Another user highlighted the company’s strong financial position, pointing out that Ventyx holds nearly $3 per share in cash and carries minimal debt.
Ventyx’s stock has risen 76% so far in 2025.
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