Biopharmaceutical company Viking Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ: VKTX) on Monday announced publication of results from its Phase 2 VENTURE trial evaluating VK2735, a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, in the peer-reviewed journal Obesity. Data show statistically significant weight loss of up to 14.7% from baseline after 13 weeks of treatment, with no plateau observed.

VENTURE met its primary and secondary endpoints, with participants receiving weekly subcutaneous VK2735 achieving meaningful reductions in mean body weight versus placebo. Safety and tolerability were encouraging, with most adverse events reported as mild to moderate and discontinuation rates comparable with placebo.

VK2735 is now advancing through the VANQUISH Phase 3 registrational programme in obesity. VANQUISH-1 has completed enrolment of approximately 4,650 adults with obesity or overweight with comorbidities, while VANQUISH-2 is enrolling around 1,100 adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity or overweight. Both trials are assessing multiple weekly dose levels over 78 weeks.

Viking Therapeutics said the published Phase 2 findings reinforce confidence in VK2735's clinical profile and support ongoing late-stage development of both subcutaneous and oral formulations targeting large and growing metabolic disease markets.