Viking Therapeutics has reached an important milestone in its obesity drug pipeline. The company announced the completion of patient enrollment for its phase 3 VANQUISH-1 trial evaluating VK2735, a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist being developed as a next-generation treatment for obesity and metabolic disorders.
VK2735 is under development in both subcutaneous and oral formulations, positioning it as a potential competitor to current blockbuster obesity therapies.
Inside the VANQUISH-1 Trial: A Closer Look
The VANQUISH-1 study is one of Viking’s largest clinical programs to date. It is:
- Randomized
- Double-blind
- Placebo-controlled
- Multicenter
- 78 weeks long, followed by a 52-week extension
A total of ~4,650 adults have been enrolled. Participants include:
- Individuals with obesity (BMI ≥30)
- Individuals overweight (BMI ≥27) with at least one weight-related comorbidity
Four Treatment Arms
Participants were randomized into weekly dosing groups:
- VK2735 7.5 mg
- VK2735 12.5 mg
- VK2735 17.5 mg
- Placebo
Primary Endpoint
- Percent change in body weight after 78 weeks vs placebo
Secondary Goals
The trial will also measure:
- Percentage of patients achieving ≥5%, ≥10%, ≥15%, and ≥20% weight loss
- Additional safety and metabolic markers
The extension phase gives participants the option to continue treatment beyond the primary dosing period.
Why Enrollment Matters: Rising Interest in New Obesity Therapies
Viking completed enrollment ahead of schedule, underscoring the surging demand for new anti-obesity treatments.
“We believe this speaks to the enthusiasm for new obesity treatments beyond those currently available,”
— Brian Lian, Ph.D., CEO, Viking Therapeutics
The company also expects to finish enrollment in its companion obesity-diabetes study, VANQUISH-2, by Q1 2026.
Momentum from Phase 2 Results
VK2735 first gained attention after the positive phase 2 VENTURE trial, which showed:
- Up to 14.7% mean weight loss after just 13 weeks
- No plateau observed at week 13
- A safety and tolerability profile dominated by mild to moderate AEs
- Balanced discontinuation rates vs placebo
These phase 2 data placed VK2735 among the most promising pipeline candidates in the GLP-1/GIP category.
The Science Behind VK2735: Why Dual Agonists Matter
GLP-1 receptor activation is already known to:
- Reduce appetite
- Improve insulin sensitivity
- Lower glucose
- Promote weight loss
Approved GLP-1 therapies include Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus.
Dual GLP-1/GIP agonists have generated even stronger weight-loss outcomes, as seen with tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound).
VK2735 belongs to the same class and aims to deliver:
- Greater metabolic benefits
- Enhanced weight-loss efficacy
- Improved tolerability
If successful, it could emerge as a best-in-class dual agonist in an increasingly competitive obesity drug market.
What’s Next for Viking Therapeutics?
With two active phase 3 programs—VANQUISH-1 and VANQUISH-2—and ongoing oral formulation development, Viking is positioning itself as a strong challenger in the rapidly expanding metabolic disease space.
The company continues to advance first-in-class and best-in-class therapies across metabolic and endocrine disorders, with multiple clinical milestones expected in the coming quarters.
