Is There a Future for Viking Therapeutics?

Core Insights - Viking Therapeutics has seen a recovery in stock price following the release of positive phase 2 clinical trial results for its lead drug candidate VK2735, an oral weight loss formulation [1][2] Company Overview - VK2735 is a GLP-1 and GIP agonist weight loss drug being tested in both subcutaneous and oral formulations, with the subcutaneous version currently in phase 3 trials for obesity and type 2 diabetes, expected to yield results in 2027 [2] - The company has a market capitalization of $4 billion, with a current stock price of $36.76, and a 52-week price range of $18.92 to $68.87 [3] Clinical Trial Insights - The oral formulation of VK2735 has shown excellent efficacy, safety, and tolerability in phase 1 trials, and phase 2 results also demonstrated efficacy [4] - Despite a 20% discontinuation rate in the oral VK2735 group during phase 2 trials, the placebo group had a 13% discontinuation rate, indicating potential challenges with the trial cohort [5] Future Prospects - Management has initiated a phase 1 trial to explore the use of VK2735 (oral) as a maintenance dose in combination with VK2735 (subcutaneous), with results expected in 2026, indicating ongoing development and potential commercialization of the oral formulation [6]