Viking Therapeutics Achieves Key Enrollment Milestone in Obesity Treatment Trial

Viking Therapeutics has successfully completed patient enrollment ahead of schedule for its pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial, VANQUISH-1, marking a significant achievement for the biotechnology firm. The company exceeded its own recruitment targets, demonstrating substantial market interest in its obesity therapeutic candidate VK2735.

The VANQUISH-1 study enrolled approximately 4,650 adult participants with obesity or overweight conditions, surpassing the originally planned 4,500 volunteers. This accelerated recruitment timeline highlights the considerable demand for innovative treatment alternatives beyond currently available options.

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation will span 78 weeks and evaluate the dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist across three dosage levels:

• Weekly subcutaneous administration of VK2735 at 7.5mg, 12.5mg, and 17.5mg concentrations
• Inclusion of a 52-week extension phase for long-term treatment assessment
• Focus on adults with BMI ≥30 or overweight individuals with weight-related comorbidities

According to CEO Brian Lian, the rapid patient enrollment reflects considerable enthusiasm for novel obesity treatments. This pattern has remained consistent across all VK2735 clinical investigations.

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Parallel Development Activities Underway

While VANQUISH-1 recruitment concludes, Viking Therapeutics has simultaneously initiated patient screening for VANQUISH-2, a separate Phase 3 study targeting individuals with type 2 diabetes and obesity. The company anticipates completing enrollment for this trial by the first quarter of 2026. Additionally, Viking is developing both oral and subcutaneous formulations of VK2735.

The decision to advance to Phase 3 testing followed compelling Phase 2 results from the VENTURE study in 2024, where participants achieved up to 14.7% weight reduction after just 13 weeks of treatment. The therapy demonstrated continuous efficacy without plateau effects and maintained a favorable tolerability profile.

Competing in a Expanding Market

Goldman Sachs research projects the United States obesity treatment market will reach $100 billion by 2030. Currently, pharmaceutical giants Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk maintain dominance in this lucrative sector with their GLP-1-based therapies.

Viking Therapeutics aims to position itself as a formidable competitor through its dual GLP-1/GIP receptor targeting mechanism. This approach simultaneously engages both receptor pathways, potentially offering efficacy advantages compared to single-target treatments.

With cash reserves totaling $903 million as of December 2024, Viking maintains sufficient financial resources to support ongoing clinical development programs. Results from both VANQUISH trials are expected in 2027, representing crucial milestones toward potential regulatory approval and commercial launch.