Viking Therapeutics Garners Analyst Support For NASH And Metabolic Programs

On Tuesday, Viking Therapeutics, Inc. VKTX highlighted the final results from its VOYAGE Phase 2b trial of VK2809 in patients with biopsy-confirmed non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH, also referred to as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, MASH) at the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease.

Reduction in Liver Fat Content at 52 Weeks: Patients receiving VK2809 demonstrated statistically significant reductions in liver fat at Week 12, the primary endpoint.

• Patients receiving VK2809 demonstrated statistically significant reductions in liver fat content at Week 52, with the mean relative change from baseline ranging from 37% to 55%.
• The response rate in this study, defined as the proportion of patients experiencing reduction in liver fat ≥30%, ranged from 64% to 88% at Week 52, with all treatment arms demonstrating statistically significant improvement compared to placebo.

Also Read: Viking Therapeutics’ Reveals Early-Stage From Experimental Oral Obesity Drug Showing Weight Loss And Safety

Histologic Results at 52 Weeks

• On the secondary endpoint of NASH resolution with no worsening of fibrosis, VK2809-treated patients demonstrated NASH resolution ranging from 63% to 75%, compared with 29% for placebo.
• Across the combined VK2809 treatment groups, 69% achieved NASH resolution.
• On the secondary endpoint evaluating improvement in fibrosis with no worsening of NASH, VK2809-treated patients demonstrated improvement in fibrosis ranging from 44% to 57%, compared with 34% for placebo.
• Across the combined VK2809 treatment groups, 51% achieved improvement in fibrosis with no worsening of NASH.
• In proportion of patients experiencing both resolution of NASH and improvement in fibrosis, VK2809-treated patients demonstrated improvement ranging from 40% to 50%, compared with 20% for placebo.
• Across the combined VK2809 treatment groups, 44% achieved this endpoint.

Reduction in Plasma Lipids at Week 52

• Patients receiving VK2809 demonstrated placebo-adjusted reductions in LDL-C ranging from 20% to 25% and reductions in triglycerides and atherogenic proteins correlated with cardiovascular risk.

William Blair notes that VK2735 stands out as a promising candidate for big pharma due to its Phase 3 readiness, the potential for tablet formulation, and Viking’s amylin program, which is set to begin Phase I trials next year.

While relying on a potential acquisition as an investment strategy is risky, the chances are strong given Viking’s unique clinical strengths and the significant market potential for chronic metabolic conditions.

The analyst maintains the Outperform rating on Viking shares.

Price Action: VKTX stock is up 2.48% at $52.79 at last check Wednesday.

Image via Unsplash

Read Next:

• Nokia Wins Multi-Billion Dollar Deal To Power Airtel’s 4G And 5G Expansion In India