Viking Therapeutics reports Phase 1 results of VK2735 in obesity

Viking Therapeutics announced positive results from the company’s Phase 1 multiple ascending dose clinical trial of an oral tablet formulation of VK2735, a dual agonist of the glucagon-like peptide 1 – GLP-1 – and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide – GIP – receptors, in development for the potential treatment of metabolic disorders such as obesity. Based on these Phase 1 results, the company plans to initiate a Phase 2 trial with the oral formulation of VK2735 in obesity later this year. The 28-day MAD study results highlight positive signs of clinical activity following treatment with oral VK2735. Cohorts receiving VK2735 demonstrated dose-dependent reductions in mean body weight from baseline, ranging up to 5.3%. Cohorts receiving VK2735 also demonstrated reductions in mean body weight relative to placebo, ranging up to 3.3%. Up to 57% of VK2735-treated subjects achieved greater than or equal to5% weight loss, compared with 0% for placebo. The company believes that treatment duration beyond 28 days may provide further reductions in body weight. Among subjects receiving VK2735, all treatment emergent adverse events reported to date have been mild or moderate, with the majority reported as mild. The company has elected to continue further dose escalation in this study. Viking also plans to initiate a Phase 2 trial of oral VK2735 in patients with obesity in the second half of 2024.