Viking Therapeutics Completes Enrollment for Phase 3 VANQUISH-1 Obesity Trial of VK2735

Viking Therapeutics Completes Enrollment for Phase 3 VANQUISH-1 Obesity Trial of VK2735

By, Admin 21 November 2025

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.

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