Viking Pushes Ahead in Obesity Race: Phase 3 Momentum Builds for VK2735

The obesity drug race is accelerating—and Viking Therapeutics, Inc. is making a clear move to stay competitive.

In its Q1 2026 update, the company outlined rapid progress across its lead obesity program VK2735, alongside new pipeline expansion and a strong cash position of $603 million.

Phase 3 VANQUISH Trials: Fully Enrolled

Viking’s late-stage program for subcutaneous VK2735 is now fully enrolled.

Key Highlights

• VANQUISH-1: Obesity population (4,500+ patients)
• VANQUISH-2: Obesity + type 2 diabetes (~1,000 patients)
• Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
• Dosing: Weekly injections (7.5 mg to 17.5 mg)
• Duration: 78 weeks

The primary goal: measure percentage change in body weight versus placebo.

Why This Matters

Fast enrollment signals strong demand:

• High patient and investigator interest
• Growing urgency for better obesity therapies
• Confidence in VK2735’s early data

The Drug: VK2735

VK2735 is a dual agonist targeting:

• GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1)
• GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide)

This mechanism mirrors the next wave of obesity drugs aiming for greater weight loss and metabolic control.

Phase 2 Signal

From the VENTURE study:

• Up to 14.7% mean weight loss after 13 weeks
• Favorable safety and tolerability
• Mostly mild-to-moderate GI side effects

That’s competitive—and enough to justify a large Phase 3 push.

Oral VK2735: A Potential Differentiator

Viking isn’t betting on injections alone. The company plans to start a Phase 3 trial for oral VK2735 in 4Q26.

Why Oral Matters

• Could become the first oral dual GLP-1/GIP agonist
• Expands patient preference options
• Enables initiation (oral) → maintenance (injectable or oral) strategies

Clinical Backing

• Phase 1: Up to 8.2% weight loss in 28 days
• Phase 2 (13 weeks): Up to 12.2% weight loss
• Up to 97% of patients achieved ≥5% weight loss

Safety profile remained consistent with injectable form—mostly mild GI effects.

Maintenance Dosing Study: Solving the Long-Term Problem

Weight loss is only half the story. Maintenance is where most therapies struggle. Viking is testing flexible dosing strategies:

• Weekly
• Bi-weekly
• Monthly

Study Snapshot

• ~180 patients with obesity
• Randomized, placebo-controlled
• Focus: safety, PK, and weight maintenance

Data expected in 3Q26.

If successful, this could improve long-term adherence—a major gap in obesity care.

Pipeline Expansion: VK3019 Enters the Scene

Viking is also diversifying beyond GLP-1-based therapies.

New Program

• VK3019: Amylin receptor agonist
• IND filed
• Phase 1 trial expected in 2Q26

Why It Matters

Amylin pathways offer:

• Alternative for patients intolerant to GLP-1 therapies
• Potential for combination regimens
• Additional metabolic control mechanisms

Beyond Obesity: Broader Metabolic Pipeline

Viking is quietly building depth:

• VK2809: Thyroid hormone receptor beta agonist (NASH/NAFLD)
• VK0214: Rare disease candidate for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy

This reduces reliance on a single asset.

Strategic Takeaways

Three things stand out:

1. Speed Is a Strategy

Rapid enrollment and parallel development (oral + injectable) show aggressive execution.

2. Differentiation Through Flexibility

Same molecule, multiple formats, varied dosing—this is about lifecycle control.

3. Platform Thinking

From GLP-1/GIP to amylin agonists, Viking is building a metabolic franchise.

Bottom Line

Viking isn’t just chasing the obesity market—it’s trying to shape how these therapies are delivered.

• Phase 3 program fully underway
• Oral formulation could redefine access
• Maintenance strategies target long-term success

Now the pressure shifts to data. If Phase 3 delivers, VK2735 could emerge as a serious contender in an increasingly crowded—and lucrative—market.