Viking Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, has generated significant investor interest with its experimental obesity drug candidate, VK2735. The drug is a dual agonist targeting the GLP-1 and GIP receptors, similar to the mechanism of the already approved tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound).
In February 2024, the company announced positive topline results from its Phase 2 VENTURE trial for VK2735. After 13 weeks of treatment, patients receiving the drug achieved up to 14.7% mean weight reduction from baseline, compared to 1.7% for the placebo group. The treatment was generally well-tolerated, with the most common adverse events being gastrointestinal.
As of April 2026, Viking is advancing the program into longer-term Phase 2 trials. The competitive landscape for obesity drugs is intense, with established players like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly dominating the market. While the early data is promising, Viking Therapeutics remains a pre-revenue company. Its stock is highly speculative, and its ultimate success depends on further clinical results, regulatory approval, and the ability to compete in a crowded market, making it a high-risk investment.
