#United States #San Diego #Viking Therapeutics #Obesity Treatment #VK2735

Viking Therapeutics Announces Exciting Results of VK2735 Trial

Viking Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical firm, recently disclosed positive findings from their Phase 2 study, the VENTURE-Oral Dosing Trial, of VK2735—a new oral medication designed to address obesity. The trial enrolled a diverse group of adult participants, all of whom either had obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) or were overweight (BMI ≥27 kg/m²) with relevant co-morbid conditions. Conducted across multiple sites, the trial followed a rigorous double-blind, placebo-controlled format.

Key Findings of the Trial

The results showed that participants receiving VK2735 experienced impressive weight reductions, achieving up to 12.2% mean weight loss after 13 weeks. This translates to approximately 26.6 pounds, notably higher than the 1.3% mean weight loss (around 2.9 pounds) seen in the placebo group. All dosing concentrations of VK2735 above 15 mg led to statistically significant differences in weight metrics compared to placebo, beginning within the first week and continuing throughout the treatment period. Notably, up to 97% of subjects taking VK2735 reached at least a 5% weight reduction, in contrast to only 10% in the placebo group. Furthermore, up to 80% of VK2735 participants achieved 10% weight loss compared to a mere 5% in the placebo group.

Safety and Tolerability Assessment

In addition to efficacy, the study placed a strong emphasis on safety and tolerability. Results indicated that VK2735 was generally well-tolerated, with a low discontinuation rate compared to placebo (20% for VK2735 versus 13% for placebo due to adverse events). Most reported treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were categorized as mild or moderate. Gastrointestinal issues such as nausea appeared in 58% of VK2735 participants, though most were described as mild. Notably, rates of these adverse events decreased with repeated dosing, signifying that patients often adjusted well over time.

The study also featured an innovative maintenance dosing cohort, which suggested that weight loss gained in the higher dose can be preserved at lower ongoing doses. Participants who transitioned from 90 mg to 30 mg daily doses after four weeks demonstrated consistent weight loss, indicating the potential effectiveness of lower maintenance dosages for long-term management.

Future Implications

Brian Lian, CEO of Viking Therapeutics, expressed optimism regarding the findings, emphasizing the clear dose response and notable weight loss observed throughout the trial. He highlighted the progressive nature of the weight loss curves which hint at even greater results from extended treatments. Viking is eager to further investigate these findings in future studies focusing on maintaining weight loss with VK2735.

The promising outcomes from the Phase 2 VENTURE trial position VK2735 as a potential game-changer for the treatment of obesity, paving the way for its eventual FDA approval and wider availability for those struggling with weight management. As Viking Therapeutics continues to pursue this innovative treatment pathway, both healthcare professionals and patients are keenly watching for further developments in this area of metabolic research.

Conclusion

With the results from this trial, Viking Therapeutics is on the verge of advancing therapeutic options for obesity, a condition that poses significant health risks. The dual mechanism of VK2735, as a GLP-1 and GIP agonist, aligns with current trends in metabolic treatments, making it a notable player in this evolving field. The engagement from the medical community and ongoing efforts by Viking emphasize the growing importance of innovation in combating weight-related health challenges. As discussions continue, the results inspire hope for many affected by obesity.