Viking Therapeutics VK2735 Phase 3 Obesity Trials Fully Enrolled as Company Reports Q1 2026 Results

Key Takeaways

• Viking Therapeutics has fully enrolled both VANQUISH-1 and VANQUISH-2 Phase 3 trials for subcutaneous VK2735 in obesity treatment
• The company maintains a strong financial position with $603 million in cash and expects to initiate Phase 3 oral VK2735 trials in Q4 2026
• New amylin agonist VK3019 received IND approval with Phase 1 trials expected to begin in Q2 2026, expanding Viking’s obesity pipeline

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Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VKTX) reported significant progress in its obesity drug development program during its first quarter 2026 earnings call, announcing full enrollment of two pivotal Phase 3 trials for its lead candidate VK2735.

The San Diego-based biotechnology company confirmed that both VANQUISH-1 and VANQUISH-2 trials for subcutaneous VK2735 have completed patient enrollment, marking a critical milestone in the drug’s path toward potential FDA approval for obesity treatment. VK2735 is a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist designed to help patients achieve significant weight loss.

Strong Financial Position Supports Continued Development

Viking ended the quarter with $603 million in cash, providing substantial runway to advance its clinical programs. This strong financial position enables the company to pursue multiple development tracks simultaneously, including preparation for a Phase 3 trial of oral VK2735 expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.

The oral formulation represents a significant advancement in patient convenience compared to injectable obesity medications currently dominating the market. If successful, an oral version could provide Viking with a competitive advantage in the rapidly growing obesity treatment sector.

Pipeline Expansion with Novel Amylin Agonist

Beyond VK2735, Viking has filed an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for VK3019, a novel amylin agonist targeting obesity through a different mechanism of action. Phase 1 trials for VK3019 are expected to commence in the second quarter of 2026, potentially offering another pathway for addressing the global obesity epidemic.

The company also continues its VK2735 maintenance dosing study, with data expected in the third quarter of 2026. This study will provide crucial information about long-term treatment protocols and sustained weight management.

Market Impact and Competitive Landscape

The obesity treatment market has experienced explosive growth, driven by the success of GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy. Viking’s dual-mechanism approach with VK2735 could potentially offer enhanced efficacy or improved side effect profiles compared to existing treatments.

Full enrollment of the Phase 3 trials represents a significant de-risking event for investors, as it moves VK2735 closer to potential commercialization in a market projected to reach tens of billions of dollars annually.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When will VK2735 be available for patients with obesity?

VK2735 is currently in Phase 3 trials with full enrollment completed. If trials are successful, the earliest potential FDA approval would likely be in 2028-2029, pending regulatory review timelines.

How does VK2735 differ from existing obesity medications like Ozempic?

VK2735 is a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, potentially offering enhanced weight loss compared to single-mechanism drugs. Viking is also developing an oral formulation, which would be more convenient than current injectable options.

What does full enrollment in Phase 3 trials mean for Viking Therapeutics?

Full enrollment is a major milestone that reduces execution risk and moves VK2735 closer to potential FDA approval. It demonstrates Viking’s ability to conduct large-scale trials and positions the company for potential regulatory submission if results are positive.