On September 22, Viking Therapeutics surged 34.37% in regular trading, trading at $40.59/share, with turnover of $698 million. The rally was driven by the company's announcement of positive topline data from its VK2735 maintenance study.

Viking Therapeutics disclosed that its GLP-1/GIP dual agonist VK2735 demonstrated superior weight maintenance under less frequent dosing regimens compared to placebo over a 12-week period. Participants randomized to biweekly dosing preserved up to 97% of mean weight loss achieved during the induction phase, while those on monthly dosing regimens maintained up to 90%. At the weekly 17.5 mg dose, VK2735 achieved a placebo-adjusted weight reduction of 22% by week 33. The drug also demonstrated an encouraging safety and tolerability profile. The company plans to explore oral dosing regimens in the next phase of the study.

Viking Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders. VK2735, its lead obesity candidate being developed in both injectable and oral formulations, is positioned to compete in the rapidly expanding weight-loss drug market. Management noted this milestone strengthens VK2735's competitive standing in the metabolic disease space.

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