Viking Thera moves toward Phase III trials in obesity

Viking Therapeutics (Nasdaq: VKTX) is set to advance its obesity drug VK2735, following promising results in recent clinical trials.

The San Diego-based biotech announced its plans to initiate a Phase III program in obesity by late 2024, after receiving positive feedback from the US Food and Drug Administration on its Phase II VENTURE trial.

The study, which evaluated a subcutaneous form of VK2735 in weekly doses, met its primary endpoint, showing statistically significant weight reductions up to 14.7% from baseline. The trial also achieved secondary endpoints, with 88% of patients reaching a weight loss of at least 10% compared to 4% in the placebo group.