Viking declares positive data from Phase I oral obesity treatment trial

Viking Therapeutics has reported positive data from its Phase I multiple ascending dose (MAD) clinical trial of VK2735, an oral tablet under investigation for treating metabolic disorders, like obesity. VK2735 acts as a dual agonist of the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors.

This Phase I MAD study extends from the company’s initial Phase 1 single ascending dose (SAD)/MAD trial, which used subcutaneous administration of VK2735. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled oral segment enrolled healthy adults with a body mass index of at least 30kg/m², aiming to assess the oral therapy's safety and tolerability administered once daily for 28 days.

Results from the 28-day MAD study revealed promising signs of clinical activity with oral VK2735, showing dose-dependent reductions in mean body weight, up to 5.3% compared to up to 3.3% for the placebo. VK2735 demonstrated good tolerability, with all observed treatment-emergent adverse events being mild or moderate.