Viking Therapeutics Begins Human Trials for New Weight-Loss Candidate

The randomized, double-blind study will assess the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of the drug in healthy adults with a body mass index of 30 or higher. By focusing on dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonism, Viking aims to provide a new therapeutic mechanism that could be used independently or as a combination therapy alongside existing weight-loss treatments. Preclinical testing of these compounds in lean rats and diet-induced obese mice demonstrated significant reductions in food intake and body weight, with some subjects showing an 8% weight decrease within 72 hours.

CEO Brian Lian noted that the addition of calcitonin receptor activation may offer distinct metabolic advantages, such as improved insulin sensitivity and fasting glucose regulation, which are not always achieved through amylin receptor activation alone. This trial follows the FDA’s clearance of the company’s investigational new drug application. The development of VK3019 runs parallel to Viking’s ongoing Phase 3 VANQUISH program, which evaluates the injectable and oral versions of their lead candidate, VK2735.