Viking advances four Phase 3 obesity trials, reports positive VK2735 maintenance data

Viking Therapeutics reported third quarter 2026 financial results and a pipeline update on October 28, 2026. The company said it had initiated the SUNRISE Phase 3 program with the oral tablet formulation of VK2735, representing the third and fourth registration trials underway, designed to closely mirror the ongoing VANQUISH Phase 3 program for the subcutaneous formulation.¹ The SUNRISE program includes SUNRISE-1 in adults with obesity and SUNRISE-2 in obese or overweight adults with type 2 diabetes, each a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial testing once-daily oral VK2735 for 68 weeks, targeting enrollment of 560 adults each, with doses of 27.5 mg, 35 mg, 55 mg, or placebo.¹

On the subcutaneous side, both VANQUISH studies continued to advance on track during the quarter, with completion expected in 2027.¹ VANQUISH extension studies are set to begin in the first quarter of 2027, allowing participants to continue treatment for up to an additional 52 weeks, with results expected in 2028.¹

Viking also disclosed positive results from Part 1 of a two-part maintenance dosing study, which showed VK2735 could achieve significant weight loss during induction and maintain a high percentage of that loss long-term using lower and less frequent dosing regimens.¹ Week 21 weight loss ranged from approximately 16% to 19% versus approximately 0% for placebo, with 98% of treated subjects achieving at least 5% weight loss.¹ Mean weight loss retained at Week 33 ranged from 83% to 97% with every-other-week dosing and 82% to 90% with monthly dosing, compared with 61% for placebo.¹ Part 2 of the maintenance study, evaluating oral and additional subcutaneous regimens, has begun, with results expected in 2027.¹

Separately, the Phase 1 single ascending dose study of amylin agonist VK3019 is nearing completion, with a multiple ascending dose study planned for the first quarter of 2027.¹

On financials, Viking closed concurrent upsized public offerings of common stock and convertible senior notes in September, generating approximately $575.0 million in gross proceeds, leaving the company with $960 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments at quarter end.¹ The company said these resources will support ongoing Phase 3 trials, earlier-stage programs, and commercial infrastructure as it prepares for a potential launch of VK2735.¹