Viking’s dual GLP-1/GIP Receptor Agonist VK2735 shows 14.7% reduction in mean body weight from baseline at 13 weeks

Outcomes from Viking Therapeutics’ Phase 2 VENTURE clinical trial of VK2735 - a dual agonist of the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors – reveal that after 13 weekly subcutaneous doses, participants receiving VK2735 demonstrated statistically significant reductions in mean body weight from baseline, ranging up to 14.7% with no signs of plateau.

The outcomes highlights the previously reported positive results from the Phase 2 VENTURE study of VK2735 in patients with obesity, which showed that the trial successfully achieved its primary and secondary endpoints. VK2735 also demonstrated encouraging safety and tolerability in the VENTURE study, with the majority of observed adverse events (AEs) being reported as mild or moderate. Treatment and study discontinuation rates among VK2735 cohorts were well-balanced compared with placebo.

Viking is currently conducting two Phase 3 studies evaluating subcutaneous VK2735 (VANQUISH-1 and VANQUISH-2). These trials are randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-centre trials designed to assess the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous VK2735 dosed weekly for 78 weeks. The VANQUISH-1 study has completed enrolment of approximately 4,650 adults with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) or who are overweight (BMI ≥27 kg/m2) with at least one weight-related co-morbid condition. The VANQUISH-2 study is enrolling approximately 1,100 adults with type 2 diabetes who have obesity or are overweight. Patients in both trials are being randomized to one of four weekly treatment arms: VK2735 7.5 mg; VK2735 12.5 mg; VK2735 17.5 mg; and placebo.

Additionally, the company recently announced the completion of enrolment in an exploratory maintenance dosing study of VK2735. The Phase 1, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial is designed to evaluate various dosing regimens, following initial weight loss achieved with weekly VK2735 treatment. The trial enrolled approximately 180 adults with BMI ≥30 kg/m2 but who are otherwise healthy.

"We are happy to have the VENTURE Trial results published in the peer-reviewed journal of The Obesity Society, providing important visibility for these data across the medical community. The study data served to highlight the promise that VK2735 holds as a potentially best-in-class dual GLP-1/GIP agonist and were central to our designing of the ongoing VANQUISH Phase 3 program for VK2735," said Dr Brian Lian, chief executive officer of Viking. "The response among patients and clinicians for the VANQUISH studies has been positive, with VANQUISH-1 over-enrolled ahead of schedule and VANQUISH-2 expected to complete enrolment in the first quarter of 2026."

VK2375 is being developed in both oral and subcutaneous formulations for the potential treatment of various metabolic disorders such as obesity.

The findings were reported in the paper, ‘Weekly Subcutaneous VK2735, a GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Dual Agonist, for Weight Management: Phase 2, Randomized, 13-Week VENTURE Study,’ published in Obesity. To access this paper, please click here