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Viking Therapeutics VKTX announced that it has completed enrolling study participants in the phase II VENTURE-Oral Dosing study, which is evaluating the safety and efficacy of the oral formulation of its experimental obesity drug VK2735. Data from this study is expected in the second half of 2025.
This study has enrolled around 280 adults who are either obese or overweight and have at least one weight-related co-morbid condition. These patients have been evenly randomized to one of the six dosing arms of the drug or placebo. The study’s primary endpoint is the percent change in body weight from baseline after 13 weeks of treatment.
In our opinion, this announcement marks a milestone for the company since the study initiation was declared in January. The rapid enrolment in the study suggests strong demand and interest in VK2735. This aligns with the market expansion for weight loss drugs, fueled by the success of Eli Lilly’s LLY Zepbound and Novo Nordisk’s NVO Wegovy. The quick recruitment also indicates high patient and physician enthusiasm, which could translate into significant commercial potential if the drug proves effective and safe.
The study initiation is supported by data from an early-stage study, which showed that patients who received oral VK2735 lost up to 8.2% of theirbody weight after 28 days of daily dosing compared with 1.4% in the placebo group. Based on a preliminary evaluation of these results, Viking believes that extending the treatment duration for the oral drug beyond 28 days may provide further reductions in body weight.
Viking also reiterated its plans to start a late-stage study on the subcutaneous version of VK2735 by the first half of this year.
VKTX Stock’s Performance
Year to date, the company’s shares have plunged 36% against the industry’s 1% growth.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Stiff Competition in the Obesity Space
The obesity market has garnered much interest lately, as both Lilly and Novo dominate this space with their respective obesity drugs. Per a research conducted by Goldman Sachs, the obesity market in the United States is expected to reach $100 billion by 2030. This is also evident from the fact that LLY and NVO have not only optimized their production capacities but are also developing multiple other novel obesity candidates at a rapid pace.
Anticipating the huge demand for obesity drugs, several companies, such as Roche RHHBY, Amgen, AbbVie and Merck, are developing their respective drugs and making rapid progress in the space.
Roche entered the obesity market after acquiring Carmot Therapeutics for $2.7 billion last year. Post this buyout, it added a differentiated portfolio of incretins to its pipeline, which includes CT-388, CT-996 and CT-868. A dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, CT-388, is being evaluated in a mid-stage study for treating obesity in patients with and without type 2 diabetes (T2D), injected subcutaneously once a week.