Viking Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:VKTX) surged 11.63% after unveiling plans to advance its experimental oral obesity treatment, VK2735, into Phase 3 trials in the third quarter of this year.
The biotech firm said late-stage study data showed that once-daily dosing of the oral VK2735 tablet led to average weight loss of up to 12.2% after 13 weeks. Viking emphasized that having both oral and injectable versions of VK2735 sets it apart in the competitive obesity drug market, noting that “no other dual or triple agonist is currently available in both formulations.”
Wall Street reacted favorably to the update.
Raymond James pointed to the broader market opportunity, stating, “In our view, the sizable opportunity for the oral VK2735 program is highlighted by the recently announced, impressive early launch metrics (~50k scripts in the first three weeks) for Novo’s oral Wegovy, which reached the U.S. market in early January.”
Leerink also struck an optimistic tone, writing, “Overall, we remain encouraged by VKTX’s clinical execution and continue to see both fundamental and strategic value for the company’s potentially best-in-class portfolio of obesity and metabolic disease programs. We expect VKTX’s maintenance trial will provide optionality to leverage both ’2735 formulations to drive robust initial weight loss (i.e., subcutaneous induction) followed by a convenient, well-tolerated maintenance regimen (i.e., lower and/or less-frequently dosed subcutaneous or oral).”
Truist underscored the importance of the development in a client note, saying, “4Q25 update was notable for successful EOP2 mtg with plans to start Ph3 study of oral VK2735 in 3Q26. Given successful launch of Wegovy pill, which represents one of, if not the best drug launch in history, we think oppty of oral VK2735 is woefully underappreciated.”
The planned Phase 3 move marks a key milestone for Viking as it seeks to position VK2735 among next-generation obesity therapies.