Investing $1,000 in Viking Therapeutics 3 years back would means you'd have accumulated a certain amount now.
Viking Therapeutics' lead development compound, VK2735, a GLP-1/GIP dual agonist, has shown promising results in its quest to become a potential treatment for obesity. The oral form of VK2735 completed a Phase 2 trial with positive top-line results, demonstrating up to 12.2% mean body weight reduction after 13 weeks compared to placebo.
In the Phase 2 VENTURE-Oral trial, VK2735 met both primary and secondary endpoints of efficacy and safety, enrolling 280 adults with obesity. The drug's robust efficacy was evident, with approximately 80% of patients on the highest dose achieving at least 10% weight loss[1][3][4][5].
However, the safety profile of VK2735 was not as ideal as hoped. Most treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were mild or moderate and GI-related, such as nausea and vomiting. Discontinuation rates were somewhat elevated, with a notably higher incidence of nausea and vomiting compared to placebo. GI side effects decreased over time after the initial weeks[1][3][4].
Following the encouraging Phase 2 data, Viking Therapeutics initiated the Phase 3 VANQUISH program, a two-study evaluation of VK2735. This move indicates the company's confidence in the drug's potential, although Phase 3 results are yet to be announced[2].
Analysts and investors had anticipated a "squeaky clean" safety profile alongside the strong efficacy, but the observed GI side effects have tempered enthusiasm. This has contributed to a significant stock price drop despite the promising weight loss[3]. The CEO, however, remains optimistic, seeing potential for further weight loss with longer treatment and the possibility of transitioning patients to low-dose maintenance to improve tolerability and sustain effects[4].
Investors are keeping a close eye on VK2735, hoping it can achieve similar levels of success as Eli Lilly's tirzepatide (Zepbound). Potential larger pharmaceutical companies may also be interested in buying Viking Therapeutics for the oral form of VK2735[6].
The oral form of VK2735 offers benefits of convenience and comfort for patients, making it an attractive option in the competitive obesity treatment market. It's currently in Phase 3 trials, with results not expected until 2027. Meanwhile, the subcutaneous form of VK2735 has already completed a Phase 2 trial, resulting in up to 88% of patients experiencing more than 10% weight loss[7].
It's important to note that Viking Therapeutics has not yet generated any revenue, as VK2735 is not yet commercially available[8]. The progress of VK2735 in its various trials is a source of excitement among investors, who are eagerly awaiting further developments.
[1] https://ir.vikingtherapeutics.com/static-files/6383b778-17e0-47b6-91c5-a074c3916287 [2] https://ir.vikingtherapeutics.com/static-files/16a69189-0b31-4714-9a74-60f360f6717a [3] https://www.fiercebiotech.com/research/viking-therapeutics-stock-tumbles-on-vk2735-data-showing-gastrointestinal-side-effects [4] https://www.fiercebiotech.com/research/viking-therapeutics-vk2735-obesity-drug-shows-promise-but-gastrointestinal-side-effects [5] https://www.vikingtherapeutics.com/news-media/press-releases/detail/111/viking-therapeutics-announces-top-line-results-from [6] https://www.fiercebiotech.com/research/viking-therapeutics-vk2735-obesity-drug-shows-promise-but-gastrointestinal-side-effects [7] https://www.vikingtherapeutics.com/news-media/press-releases/detail/111/viking-therapeutics-announces-top-line-results-from [8] https://www.vikingtherapeutics.com/about-us/investors/financial-reports-filings/sec-filings/
- In the finance world, investors are closely monitoring Viking Therapeutics' progress with its lead development compound, VK2735, a potential treatment for obesity.
- Despite the promising results of VK2735 in a Phase 2 trial, the drug's safety profile is not as ideal as initially anticipated, resulting in GI side effects and a significant stock price drop.
- Viking Therapeutics is not yet generating any revenue, as VK2735 is not yet commercially available and is currently in Phase 3 trials for obesity treatment.
- Potential larger pharmaceutical companies may consider buying Viking Therapeutics for its oral form of VK2735, which offers benefits of convenience and comfort, and has shown promising results in clinical trials.
