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Viking Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company, has unveiled encouraging findings from a mid-stage clinical trial for its experimental weight loss drug, marking a significant stride in combating obesity. The drug, known as VK2734, demonstrated remarkable efficacy in reducing body weight among adults with obesity or overweight, according to the company’s recent announcement.
In the phase 2 trial, which involved 176 participants, individuals were randomly assigned to receive various doses of VK2734 or an inactive placebo over a period of 13 weeks. Notably, patients who received weekly injections of the drug experienced substantial weight loss, with some achieving a remarkable reduction of up to 14.7% of their baseline body weight on average.
Dr. Mir Ali, a distinguished bariatric surgeon and medical director, lauded the findings, stating that VK2734’s results parallel those of established weight loss medications like tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro). He emphasized the significance of Viking’s achievement in developing a drug with comparable efficacy, potentially expanding treatment options for individuals grappling with obesity-related health concerns.
Despite the promising outcomes, Viking’s drug is yet to navigate through larger phase 3 clinical trials, a crucial step mandated for regulatory approval by the FDA. These forthcoming trials will scrutinize the drug’s safety and effectiveness across a more diverse cohort, shedding further light on its potential impact on combating obesity.
While VK2734 belongs to a class of drugs known as dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists—mimicking the actions of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)—similar to Eli Lilly’s Zepbound and Mounjaro, its unique formulation holds promise for addressing the unmet needs of patients battling obesity.
However, the road to regulatory approval entails rigorous evaluation, necessitating comprehensive discussions with regulatory authorities such as the FDA to outline the next steps in the drug’s development. Viking’s commitment to advancing its drug pipeline is evident, with plans to present results from an early-stage clinical trial for an oral version of VK2734 by the end of this month.
Despite the promising efficacy of VK2734, concerns linger regarding potential side effects, predominantly gastrointestinal in nature, which were observed during the trial. Notwithstanding, the majority of adverse events reported were mild to moderate, underscoring the drug’s overall tolerability profile.
Viking’s breakthrough in weight loss therapeutics represents a beacon of hope for millions grappling with obesity worldwide. As the company navigates through subsequent clinical phases, the global medical community eagerly anticipates the potential of VK2734 to alleviate the burden of obesity and associated health risks, offering renewed hope for individuals striving for healthier outcomes.
