Viking Therapeutics Reports Positive Obesity Drug Results

Viking Therapeutics' shares surged by approximately 25% following positive early-stage results for its oral obesity drug, VK2735, with patients losing an average of 8.2% of their body weight after 28 days on the 100 mg dose. This performance outstrips placebo results and positions VK2735 as a leading contender in the obesity treatment market, which is estimated to be worth $150 billion. The drug's favorable safety profile, with only mild side effects reported, further bolsters its appeal compared to injectable alternatives from competitors such as Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. Analysts have highlighted VK2735's potential as a 'best-in-class' obesity treatment, with no patients discontinuing the higher dose during the trial. Viking's stock has seen a dramatic rise, nearly quadrupling this year, reflecting strong investor interest in the drug's development. The results were prominently presented at the ObesityWeek conference, signaling a significant advancement for the company in the competitive obesity therapeutics landscape.