Viking Therapeutics Shares Rise Over 30% on Encouraging Weight-Loss Drug Trial Results
Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VKTX) saw its stock surge more than 36% following positive clinical trial results for its weight-loss drug candidate, VK2735. The biotech company reported that patients maintained up to 97% of their initial weight loss when switching from weekly dosing to every-other-week or monthly regimens over three months. These findings suggest a potential advantage in convenience and adherence compared to existing GLP-1-based treatments like Wegovy and Zepbound, which require more frequent injections. The trial involved approximately 180 patients who initially lost an average of 16% to 19% of their body weight over 21 weeks. Viking plans further studies, including oral formulations for maintenance dosing and late-stage trials expected by year-end. While the results are promising, they apply only to those who started treatment with VK2735, limiting direct comparisons with other drugs. The company is positioned in a rapidly growing weight-loss drug market dominated by Eli Lilly (LLY) and Novo Nordisk (NVO). If Viking can replicate these findings in larger trials, it could attract patients seeking less frequent dosing options.
