Home / Health / Viking Therapeutics Advances Oral Obesity Drug to Late-Stage Trials
Viking Therapeutics Advances Oral Obesity Drug to Late-Stage Trials
12 Feb
Summary
- Viking plans late-stage study for oral obesity drug VK2735 this year.
- Mid-stage trial showed VK2735 helped patients lose 12.2% body weight.
- The company aims to differentiate VK2735 with both oral and injectable forms.
Viking Therapeutics announced plans to initiate late-stage clinical trials for its oral obesity drug, VK2735, by the third quarter of 2026. This move follows promising results from a mid-stage study where the experimental pill facilitated an average weight loss of 12.2% for participants.
The company emphasized that VK2735's dual availability in both oral and injectable forms could set it apart from competitors. This strategy, similar to that of other market players, may offer patients a consistent treatment option with a shared active ingredient.
Viking Therapeutics reported having $706 million in cash reserves at the close of 2025, sufficient to fund these upcoming late-stage studies and support other development initiatives. The company's CEO noted the market's continued interest in novel weight-loss therapies, suggesting a significant expansion of the overall market opportunity.
