Viking Therapeutics Advances VK2735 Pipeline: Fully Enrolls Subcutaneous Phase 3 and Targets Q4 2026 Oral Phase 3 Initiation

Viking Therapeutics Advances VK2735 Pipeline: Fully Enrolls Subcutaneous Phase 3 and Targets Q4 2026 Oral Phase 3 Initiation

Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VKTX) continues to solidify its position as the premier clinical-stage challenger to the Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk duopoly. In its Q2 2026 corporate and financial update released on July 29, 2026, the company confirmed that its lead dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist candidate, VK2735, is advancing rapidly across multiple formulations and dosing regimens, hitting key clinical milestones on schedule.

Key Pipeline Milestones and Timelines

1. Subcutaneous VK2735 Phase 3 Trials Fully Enrolled: Viking's Phase 3 VANQUISH-1 and VANQUISH-2 clinical trials are now fully enrolled and proceeding as planned. The VANQUISH program is a registrational registration program evaluating weekly subcutaneous administration of VK2735. VANQUISH-1 is evaluating the drug in adults with obesity or overweight, while VANQUISH-2 is evaluating it in obese or overweight adults who also have type 2 diabetes.
2. Oral Phase 3 Trial Initiation Targeted for Q4 2026: Viking is preparing to initiate its Phase 3 clinical trial for the oral tablet formulation of VK2735 in the fourth quarter of 2026. This follows highly positive Phase 1 and Phase 2 data (such as the VENTURE-Oral study, which showed up to 12.2% weight loss after 28 days of daily dosing) and successful End-of-Phase-2 meetings with the FDA. If approved, oral VK2735 is positioned to become the first oral dual GLP-1/GIP agonist on the market.
3. Phase 1 Maintenance Dosing Data Expected in Q3 2026: Viking has fully enrolled its exploratory Phase 1 dose-ranging study designed to evaluate various VK2735 maintenance dosing regimens. The study is exploring whether patients who achieve initial weight loss through weekly subcutaneous VK2735 can maintain that weight loss using less frequent dosing, including bi-weekly or monthly subcutaneous injections, or daily/weekly oral tablets.¹ Top-line data from this maintenance study is expected in Q3 2026 (by September 30, 2026).
4. Expansion into Amylin Agonists (VK3019): During the second quarter of 2026, Viking expanded its metabolic portfolio by initiating a Phase 1 single ascending dose (SAD) study for VK3019, an investigational novel amylin receptor agonist, in healthy adults with a BMI of 27 or above. Amylin-based therapies represent a highly anticipated next-generation obesity class, challenging Novo Nordisk's cagrilintide and Zealand Pharma's petrelintide.

Brian Lian, Ph.D., CEO of Viking Therapeutics, stated in the Q2 2026 release:

"With respect to our lead compound, VK2735, Viking's Phase 3 VANQUISH-1 and -2 trials are fully enrolled and proceeding according to plan. During the period, the company continued to prepare for initiation of Phase 3 trials with the oral formulation of VK2735, expected to begin in the fourth quarter of this year. Also during the second quarter, Viking expanded its obesity portfolio with the initiation of a Phase 1 clinical trial of VK3019, an investigational amylin receptor agonist."

Strategic Outlook for Investors

Viking remains the most prominent independent biotech company in the obesity space. Its strong balance sheet provides the financial resources necessary to fund both the subcutaneous VANQUISH Phase 3 program and the upcoming oral Phase 3 trials through completion. The upcoming Q3 2026 maintenance dosing data will be a critical catalyst, as demonstrating that weight loss can be sustained with monthly injections or oral tablets would provide massive clinical flexibility and cost advantages over weekly injectables.