Viking Therapeutics’ VK2735 shows 17.7% weight loss in Phase 1 and maintains effect with less frequent dosing

Viking Therapeutics reported Phase 1 results for its injectable GLP-1/GIP dual agonist VK2735, showing an average 17.7% reduction in body weight after 21 weeks of weekly dosing in a placebo-controlled study of about 180 obese adults.

The trial also demonstrated that the weight-loss benefit was largely preserved when participants switched to a less frequent dosing schedule, meeting analysts’ expectations for a “maintenance trifecta” of efficacy, tolerability and convenient dosing.

Analysts at Truist and William Blair highlighted the data as the most impactful catalyst for Viking in 2026, noting the depth of weight loss, retention and safety profile. The positive readout sent Viking’s shares up more than 30% in after-hours trading and around 24% at the market open.