Viking Therapeutics Welcomes Neil Aubuchon as New Chief Commercial Officer

Viking Therapeutics Welcomes a New Leader

In a significant move for the future of metabolic disorder treatments, Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: VKTX), has announced that Neil Aubuchon has been appointed as the company's Chief Commercial Officer. This strategic appointment aims to enhance the company's commercial capabilities as it progresses in the development of innovative therapeutic solutions.

Neil Aubuchon brings over 20 years of profound experience in the biopharmaceutical sector. His previous roles have included leadership positions where he focused on global commercialization and marketing strategies. Particularly noted is his deep expertise in the cardiometabolic arena, an area where Viking has been making strides. With the ongoing clinical trials of VK2735, a promising GLP-1/GIP dual agonist for obesity treatments now in its Phase 3 trials, Aubuchon's experience is anticipated to be invaluable.

Brian Lian, the CEO of Viking, expressed confidence in Aubuchon's capabilities, stating that he will be pivotal in spearheading the commercialization strategy for VK2735, thus positioning Viking for commercial success. Lian highlighted the critical need to foster relationships with strategic partners as part of the growth strategy.

Prior to joining Viking Therapeutics, Aubuchon served as the Chief Commercial Officer at AbCellera. There, his responsibilities included formulating the company's commercial strategies. His previous tenure at Amgen involved leading global marketing efforts for various therapeutic areas, focusing on non-oncological fields, further showcasing his extensive industry knowledge.

Aubuchon’s journey in the biopharmaceutical industry also includes nearly 17 years at Eli Lilly, where he held multiple high-ranking roles including Chief Marketing Officer in both Australia and Japan, plus Vice President of Lilly Bio-Medicines in Japan amongst other impactful positions. This depth of experience is expected to enhance Viking's approach as it navigates the healthcare landscape.

Upon his appointment, Aubuchon remarked, “Novel metabolic therapeutics are revolutionizing healthcare, especially for individuals battling obesity. I’m thrilled to join the team and contribute to advancing Viking’s mission of delivering life-changing treatments.” His vision aligns seamlessly with the company's focus, especially concerning VK2735, which is seen as a leading candidate in its class.

Viking’s commitment to developing best-in-class therapies extends beyond what Aubuchon will handle. Notably, the company is also focused on VK2809, an oral thyroid hormone receptor beta agonist that targets lipid and metabolic abnormalities. It has shown significant promise in clinical studies, improving conditions for patients suffering from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and offering therapeutic avenues for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

As Viking Therapeutics strives to bolster its product pipeline and improve health outcomes for those battling metabolic disorders, the appointment of Neil Aubuchon as Chief Commercial Officer marks a pivotal step forward. His extensive experience and proven track record ultimately suggest a positive trajectory for the company's goals in the coming years. For continued updates on Viking's advancements, including the ongoing clinical trials of VK2735 and VK2809, interested parties can visit the company's website at Viking Therapeutics.