Viking Therapeutics Faces Investor Scrutiny Following Mixed Obesity Drug Results

Viking Therapeutics shares encountered selling pressure as the market digested Phase II trial data for its oral obesity treatment candidate VK2735. While the study demonstrated impressive efficacy in weight reduction, investor confidence was shaken by notably high discontinuation rates linked to adverse side effects.

The trial revealed a significant dose-dependent response. Patients receiving the highest dosage of the oral GLP-1 drug achieved an average weight loss of 12.2% over a 13-week treatment period. However, this promising efficacy came with a substantial drawback: a high incidence of gastrointestinal side effects that led many participants to withdraw from the study.

Key findings from the clinical trial include:
* Top dosage cohort achieved 12.2% mean weight reduction in 13 weeks
* Elevated discontinuation rates primarily due to gastrointestinal complications
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