Viking Therapeutics(US:VKTX) Yahoo Finance·2026-01-20 20:25Core Insights - Investors in biotechnology company Viking Therapeutics experienced significant volatility in 2025, primarily influenced by clinical trial data perceptions [1] Company Overview - Viking Therapeutics' lead drug candidate is VK2735, a Dual GLP-1/GIP agonist aimed at treating diabetes and obesity, competing with established drugs like Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Eli Lilly's Zepbound [2] Drug Development - VK2735 is being developed in both subcutaneous and oral forms, with the oral version being particularly attractive due to patient preference for pills, ease of storage, and administration [3] 2025 Developments - In August 2025, the Phase 2 VENTURE trial results for oral VK2735 were disappointing, showing a 12.2% weight loss at 13 weeks but raising concerns over safety and tolerability, highlighted by a 20% discontinuation rate due to adverse events [4][5] Market Reaction - Following the initial negative results, Viking Therapeutics' stock began to recover as investors refocused on the company's potential, with optimism stemming from the possibility of overly high expectations for the VENTURE trial based on prior Phase 1 results [7] Trial Insights - The VENTURE trial's aggressive titration rate and short duration may have contributed to the high discontinuation rate, which was 20% in the treatment group compared to 13% in the placebo group, indicating potential challenges within the trial cohort [9] Future Prospects - Viking has completed patient enrollment for a trial testing the oral form of VK2735 as a maintenance dose following an initial subcutaneous dose, suggesting ongoing commitment to the drug's development [10]