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Viking Therapeutics Q1 2025 Financial Results and Corporate Update

On April 23, 2025, Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: VKTX), a pioneering biopharmaceutical company focused on innovative therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders, released its financial performance for the first quarter ending March 31, 2025. This report also highlighted significant developments in its clinical pipeline.

Financial Overview

Viking Therapeutics began 2025 with considerable momentum, building on the successes of 2024. CEO Brian Lian reported a continued increase in operational activities, especially in preparation for pivotal Phase 3 trials of VK2735, a potential treatment for obesity.

As of March 31, 2025, the company announced a strong cash position of $852 million, enabling it to sustain its ongoing clinical developments effectively. Research and development expenses amounted to $41.4 million, a significant increase compared to $24.1 million during the same period in the previous year. This rise was largely attributed to escalating costs associated with drug manufacturing and clinical studies.

Despite the higher expenditure, Viking reported a net loss of $45.6 million, which equals $0.41 per share, up from a loss of $27.4 million or $0.26 per share a year earlier. The company's robust financial standing reflects its commitment to advancing its promising therapies despite these losses.

Clinical Pipeline Progress

Viking Therapeutics is at a critical juncture with its key product, VK2735, a novel dual agonist intended for the treatment of obesity and other metabolic conditions. The anticipated initiation of Phase 3 trials for the subcutaneous version of VK2735 is expected in the second quarter of 2025. Initial results from Phase 2 trials have been encouraging, showing significant weight loss in participants. Specifically, subjects experienced weight reductions of up to 14.7% after 13 weekly doses, suggesting the product’s potential for substantial clinical benefit.

In conjunction with its injectable formulation, Viking has also fully enrolled patients in the Phase 2 VENTURE-Oral Dosing trial evaluating an oral version of VK2735, providing an alternative treatment method for patients preferring oral therapies. The trial focused on measuring safety, tolerability, and weight loss efficacy over a 13-week period, with results expected in the latter half of 2025.

Advancements in Collaborative Agreements

In a strategic move to bolster its manufacturing capabilities, Viking entered into an extensive collaboration agreement with CordenPharma. This multi-year partnership is designed to secure large-scale production of VK2735’s active pharmaceutical ingredients along with the fill/finish processes for both injectable and oral formulations. This collaboration is crucial for facilitating the product's future commercialization and ensures that Viking can meet demand as clinical trials progress.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Viking Therapeutics has set ambitious timelines for ongoing projects, including the filing of an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for its dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonist program, which aims to graphically tackle obesity treatment. This initiative highlights Viking’s dedication to being at the forefront of innovative solutions for weight management.

Viking will be participating in several key investor events throughout June 2025, including the William Blair Annual Growth Stock Conference and the Jefferies Global Healthcare Conference, where it will discuss further developments.

Conclusion

Viking Therapeutics continues to display resilience and innovation in a competitive biopharmaceutical landscape. With substantial financial backing and promising data from its clinical trials, the company is poised for significant advancements in the treatment of metabolic disorders. By aggressively pursuing its clinical programs and smart partnerships, Viking aims to enhance patient outcomes and solidify its position as a leader in therapeutic breakthroughs.