Viking Therapeutics Moves Closer To Challenging Ozempic With Phase 3 Trial Progress

• Viking is developing VK2735 in both oral and subcutaneous formulations for the potential treatment of metabolic disorders such as obesity.
• The company stated that the primary endpoint of the Phase 3 VANQUISH-2 study is the percentage change in body weight from baseline for participants receiving VK2735.
• The company stated it expects to complete the VANQUISH studies in 2027.

Viking Therapeutics Inc. (VKTX) on Thursday announced that it has completed enrollment in the Phase 3 trial of its obesity drug, VK2735, which is in the race to compete in the GLP-1 obesity drug market, dominated by Novo Nordisk's Ozempic and Wegovy.

The company said that the Phase 3 VANQUISH-2 study will assess the efficacy and safety of VK2735 administered by subcutaneous injection once weekly for 78 weeks.

Viking is developing VK2735 in both oral and subcutaneous formulations for the potential treatment of metabolic disorders such as obesity.

Viking Therapeutics shares were up nearly 2% in Thursday’s opening trade. Retail sentiment on Stocktwits around the company trended in the ‘bearish’ territory.

What Are The Primary And Secondary Endpoints?

Viking Therapeutics stated that the primary endpoint of the Phase 3 VANQUISH-2 study is the percentage change in body weight from baseline for participants receiving VK2735, compared to patients on placebo after 78 weeks of treatment.

The secondary and exploratory endpoints include an evaluation of several efficacy and safety measures. This includes the percentage of patients who achieve 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% or more body weight reduction during the trial.

“As with the VANQUISH-1 study, we are happy to see a study of this size enroll quickly, which we believe speaks to the enthusiasm for new obesity treatments beyond those currently available,” said Viking CEO Brian Lian.

The company stated it expects to complete the VANQUISH studies in 2027.

Phase 3 Trial Update

Viking also announced an update regarding its Phase 3 VANQUISH-1 study of subcutaneous VK2735 in patients who have obesity or are overweight.

The company also stated that it is evaluating VK2735 in a Phase 1 study evaluating a range of potential maintenance dosing regimens. Results from the maintenance study are expected in the third quarter (Q3) of 2026.

VKTX stock is down 6% year-to-date, but up 19% over the past 12 months. The S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) is up 42% over the past 12 months, while the Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund ETF (VBK) is up 18%.

Also See: Trump Says Iran ‘Begging’ For Deal, Warns Them To 'Get Serious’ On Talks — Dow Futures Fall More Than 300 Points

For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.