Viking Therapeutics' Initial VK2735 'Data Resoundingly Beat Expectations,' Analyst Says

Earlier today, Viking Therapeutics Inc VKTX announced the first-in-human single-ascending dose and multiple-ascending dose data of VK2735.
All cohorts showed up to 7.8% reductions in body weight from baseline and 6% reductions relative to placebo.
Statistically significant differences compared to placebo were maintained or improved 21 days after the last dose of VK2735 was administered.
William Blair acknowledges that the data were generated from a small sample size (six to seven patients per dose level and ten patients for placebo). The dose-response relationship strengthens the quality of the data.
The magnitude of the weight loss is similar to Amgen Inc's AMGN AMG133, which demonstrated roughly 6.0%-7.5% placebo-adjusted weight loss after four weeks.
Viking management stated that no plateauing was observed, which could expand dosing opportunities to maximize the therapeutic effect.
In parallel, the ability to examine longer titration intervals (typically four weeks) will likely lead to reduced incidence of nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal adverse events.
The analyst writes that the weight loss effect reaches a plateau with Novo Nordisk A/S's NVO Wegovy and Eli Lilly And Co's LLY Mounjaro at around the 1- to 1.5-year mark.
Price Action: VKTX shares are up 64.50% at $15.00 on the last check Tuesday.

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