Viking Therapeutics Advances Weight-Loss Drug into Final Clinical Trials

Biopharmaceutical company Viking Therapeutics has moved its lead obesity treatment candidate into the final stage of clinical development, following the publication of robust mid-stage trial data. The firm is now conducting two major Phase 3 studies, with investor focus squarely on the progress of this regulatory pathway.

Foundation Built on Strong Mid-Stage Results

On January 12, 2026, the medical journal Obesity published detailed results from Viking’s Phase 2 VENTURE study of VK2735. The data demonstrated that patients achieved an average weight reduction of up to 14.7% after just 13 weeks of treatment. Notably, the weight-loss curve showed no signs of plateauing at that point, suggesting potential for greater efficacy with longer-term use.

VK2735 is a dual agonist targeting the GLP-1 and GIP receptors. The subcutaneous, once-weekly formulation used in the Phase 2 trial serves as the basis for the ongoing pivotal Phase 3 program.

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Dual Pivotal Studies Underway

The company is currently executing two critical Phase 3 trials, known as VANQUISH-1 and VANQUISH-2. Each study is designed to run for a duration of 78 weeks.

• The VANQUISH-1 trial has already completed patient enrollment, involving approximately 4,650 adults classified as overweight or obese.
• VANQUISH-2 is targeting enrollment of about 1,100 overweight or obese adults who also have Type 2 diabetes. Recruitment for this study is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2026.

In parallel, Viking is running an exploratory study investigating various maintenance dosing regimens. This trial, for which patient recruitment concluded on January 8, 2026, is testing monthly subcutaneous injections alongside weekly and daily oral formulations. These regimens are being evaluated following an initial weight-reduction phase.

A Competitive Landscape Awaits Final Data

The imminent completion of enrollment for the VANQUISH-2 study represents the next significant milestone for the program. However, the definitive efficacy and safety data required for a potential regulatory submission will only become available after the full 78-week study periods conclude. The market for obesity therapeutics is highly competitive, and VK2735’s ultimate commercial potential hinges squarely on the outcomes of these final Phase 3 trials.