Viking Therapeutics’ Oral GLP-1 Weight-Loss Pill Shows Promising Results in Phase 1 Trial
Viking Therapeutics Inc. is looking to make waves in the weight-loss drug market with the promising results from their Phase 1 trial of the oral medication VK2735. The trial examined the drug among obese adults, producing an impressive average weight loss of **8.2%** at the highest dosage of **100 mg over a four-week period**. The announcement generated significant enthusiasm, causing the company’s stock to rise sharply in premarket trading before settling down later as investors took profits.
Trial Findings and Comparisons
The results were unveiled during the annual Obesity Week event hosted by the Obesity Society in San Antonio, Texas. Participants taking the 100 mg dosage experienced a weight loss of **up to 6.8%** compared to those receiving a placebo. An earlier 28-day placebo-adjusted outcome for the 40 mg dose yielded **3.3%** weight loss. The updated findings support the notion that VK2735’s effects linger, with weight loss persisting up to **8.3%** four weeks after the last dose was administered.
JPMorgan analysts lauded the outcomes, categorizing the **8.2%** weight loss as superior to existing oral weight-loss drugs under development. Specifically, Viking Therapeutics’ Chief Executive Brian Lian labeled the data as “a great outcome,” emphasizing the drug’s tolerability at higher doses. Most adverse events reported were mild or moderate, underscoring the safety profile of the drug.
Market Positioned for Change
The potential for VK2735, which belongs to the GLP-1 class of drugs made prominent by companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, lies not only in its efficacy but also in its oral administration. Current competitor drugs require injections, which may deter a segment of potential users fearful of needles. As the market shifts towards more convenient formulations, an oral GLP-1 drug could revolutionize obesity treatment.
Industry Analyst Perspectives
Market analysts express high optimism regarding Viking’s prospects. Stifel noted that the data presented not only highlight VK2735’s effectiveness at the upper dosage while maintaining excellent tolerability but also indicate its potential for flexible dosage regimens. Furthermore, the injectable variant of VK2735 is currently undergoing Phase 2 trials, with the company aiming for less frequent administration in the future.
Raymond James highlighted that the dataset attracted considerable attention during Obesity Week, stating, “There aren’t any major flaws in the dataset,” suggesting the stock’s value could continue to rise. The analysts compared VK2735 favorably against Roche’s CT-996, which achieved a **7.3%** weight loss but also exhibited a **33% vomiting rate**, significantly higher than VK2735’s **11% vomiting rate.** This stark contrast solidifies VK2735’s profile as preferable in both efficacy and tolerability.
Future Steps and Competitive Landscape
As Viking Therapeutics moves forward, they plan to engage with the FDA to discuss the clinical pathway for the injectable form of VK2735. The company expects to initiate a Phase 2 trial for the oral variant by the year’s end. The anticipation surrounding the potential for VK2735 is palpable, with Stifel analysts describing it as having one of the most competitive profiles in the obesity treatment landscape.
VK2735 mimics the effects of GLP-1, which aids in controlling blood sugar levels and reducing appetite, similar to Novo Nordisk’s **Wegovy** and **Ozempic** as well as Eli Lilly’s **Mounjaro**. Given that obesity remains a significant health concern globally, the advent of oral options could potentially broaden access to effective treatments, ultimately transforming the landscape of weight management therapies.
Stock Performance and Market Impact
Viking Therapeutics’ stock (VKTX) has seen a remarkable surge this year, experiencing a gain of **270%** in 2024 and more than **535%** over the past twelve months. Notably, all 13 analysts covering the stock have assigned ‘buy’ ratings, reflecting overwhelming confidence in the company’s products and prospects.
In conclusion, Viking Therapeutics stands at a promising juncture with VK2735, indicated by significant efficacy outcomes and an advantageous safety profile. As the company pursues further clinical trials and prepares for regulatory discussions, the biotech’s future in the rapidly evolving obesity treatment market appears bright.