Core Insights - Viking Therapeutics has completed patient enrollment in its exploratory maintenance dosing study for VK2735, a dual agonist targeting GLP-1 and GIP receptors, aimed at treating metabolic disorders like obesity [1][2]. Company Developments - The phase I maintenance dosing study for VK2735 involves around 180 healthy adults with a BMI of at least 30 kg/m², assessing long-term treatment options after initial weight loss [2][5]. - Participants will transition to various maintenance regimens, including weekly, biweekly, or monthly subcutaneous dosing, as well as daily or weekly oral dosing, to evaluate VK2735's safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics [3][5]. - Viking Therapeutics is also advancing two pivotal phase III studies, VANQUISH-1 and VANQUISH-2, which are designed to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of VK2735 over a 78-week treatment period [6][7]. Market Context - The obesity market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by successful products from competitors like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, which have optimized production and are developing more potent GLP-1-based candidates [12]. - Novo Nordisk recently received FDA approval for an oral weight-loss treatment, Wegovy, marking a significant milestone in the obesity treatment landscape [13]. - Viking Therapeutics is witnessing strong enrollment trends in its phase III obesity program, indicating high demand and interest in VK2735, which could lead to significant commercial potential if proven effective [8].