Positive Phase 2 Results for VK2735 Dual Receptor Agonist in Obesity Treatment

In a recent clinical trial, Viking Therapeutics' drug candidate VK2735 has shown promising results in treating obesity. The Phase 2 VENTURE trial was a significant milestone, achieving both its primary and secondary endpoints, demonstrating a statistically significant reduction in body weight for all dosages compared to placebo.

After 13 weeks of treatment, VK2735 resulted in an impressive mean weight loss of up to 13.1% when adjusted for placebo, with a 14.7% reduction from baseline. Notably, the weight loss progression did not plateau, indicating potential for further reduction with extended treatment. The trial also highlighted VK2735's safety and tolerability, with 95% of gastrointestinal treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) being mild or moderate.

The study involved weekly dosing of VK2735, and the results were remarkable across all tested doses. The 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg doses showed mean weight loss of -9.2 kg, -10.7 kg, -13.3 kg, and -14.6 kg, respectively, from baseline. The placebo-adjusted mean percent changes from baseline were -7.4%, -9.2%, -11.3%, and -13.1% for the respective doses, all statistically significant compared to placebo.

In terms of safety, the discontinuation rates were low and balanced across the VK2735 treatment groups and the placebo group. Most drug-related TEAEs were mild or moderate, with nausea being the most commonly reported event. Vomiting and other gastrointestinal issues were also observed but were generally mild and decreased in frequency with continued dosing.

Brian Lian, Ph.D., CEO of Viking Therapeutics, expressed excitement over the results, noting VK2735's robust weight loss effects and its potential for further clinical development. The company plans to discuss the drug's development path with the FDA following these positive findings.

Viking Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative treatments for metabolic and endocrine disorders. Its pipeline includes VK2809 for lipid and metabolic disorders and VK0214 for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD), both of which are also in clinical trials. The company's commitment to improving patient outcomes through novel therapeutics is evident in its diverse and promising clinical programs.