Viking Therapeutics has initiated Part 2 of its VK2735 maintenance trial, evaluating oral and less-frequent subcutaneous dosing for obesity.
Written By: Malavatu Satvika, PharmD
Reviewed By: Pharmacally Editorial Team
Viking Therapeutics has announced the initiation of Part 2 of its exploratory maintenance dosing clinical trial of VK2735 in adults with obesity. The study will evaluate different oral and subcutaneous dosing regimens following an initial 21-week period of weekly subcutaneous treatment. The study is designed to explore approaches for maintaining weight loss achieved during the initial treatment period.
VK2735: An Investigational Dual GLP-1/GIP Agonist
VK2735 is an investigational dual agonist of the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors. Viking is developing VK2735 in both oral and subcutaneous formulations for the potential treatment of metabolic disorders, including obesity.
The newly initiated Part 2 will focus on maintenance dosing after the initial weekly subcutaneous treatment period. It will evaluate daily and weekly oral tablet regimens alongside additional less-frequent subcutaneous dosing schedules.
Part 2 Study Design and Maintenance Dosing
The maintenance dosing study is a Phase 1 (NCT07838740), randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving approximately 195 adults with obesity. Participants have a body mass index (BMI) of at least 30 kg/m² and are otherwise healthy.
The maintenance study is being conducted in two parts. Part 1 evaluated less-frequent subcutaneous maintenance regimens, while Part 2 expands the program to include oral maintenance dosing and additional subcutaneous schedules.
In Part 2, participants will initially receive weekly subcutaneous doses of VK2735 or placebo for 21 weeks. After Week 21, participants will transition to different maintenance dosing regimens for the remainder of the study.
The maintenance options include daily oral VK2735, weekly oral VK2735, monthly subcutaneous VK2735, every-other-week subcutaneous VK2735, or placebo. These regimens are being evaluated for their ability to maintain the weight loss achieved during the initial weekly treatment period.
Safety, Tolerability and Pharmacokinetic Assessment
The study will evaluate the safety and tolerability of VK2735 across the different maintenance dosing regimens. It will also assess the pharmacokinetic profile of VK2735 under the various dosing schedules.
Exploratory assessments will include changes in body weight from baseline and changes from Week 21 through the end of the study at Week 33. These assessments are intended to provide additional information on weight maintenance following the initial treatment period.
Part 2 Builds on Earlier Maintenance Findings
The initiation of Part 2 follows positive top-line results from Part 1 of the maintenance study. Part 1 evaluated less-frequent subcutaneous VK2735 dosing following the initial 21-week weekly treatment period, including monthly and every-other-week regimens.
Part 2 builds on this earlier evaluation by adding daily and weekly oral maintenance dosing together with additional subcutaneous dosing schedules. The broader maintenance program is intended to explore whether different dosing frequencies and formulations can support continued weight management after initial treatment.
VK2735 Phase 3 Program Continues in Parallel
Viking is also conducting two Phase 3 studies, VANQUISH-1 and VANQUISH-2, evaluating weekly subcutaneous VK2735 over 78 weeks.
VANQUISH-1 is evaluating adults without type 2 diabetes who have obesity or are overweight with at least one weight-related comorbid condition. VANQUISH-2 is evaluating adults with type 2 diabetes who have obesity or are overweight.
Both studies are randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled and are evaluating weekly VK2735 at doses of 7.5 mg, 12.5 mg and 17.5 mg compared with placebo.
Looking Ahead
The initiation of Part 2 expands the clinical evaluation of VK2735 as a potential maintenance treatment for obesity. The study will provide information on the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and exploratory body-weight changes associated with different oral and subcutaneous dosing regimens.
Viking expects to report results from Part 2 in 2027 as it continues the clinical development of VK2735 in both oral and subcutaneous formulations.
Reference
Viking Therapeutics. Viking Therapeutics Announces Initiation of VK2735 Oral Maintenance Dosing Clinical Trial in Patients with Obesity. October 6, 2026
A Phase 1 Study of VK2735 in Obese Adults Without Comorbidities, ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT07838740
About the Writer
Malavatu Satvika (Linkedin) is a Pharm.D professional and aspiring healthcare medical writer with clinical exposure and research experience. Her interests include medical writing, drug safety, pharmaceutical research, and evidence-based healthcare communication. She has contributed to two research publications in pharmaceutical journals and has gained practical experience in prescription review, patient counselling, medication review, adverse drug reaction monitoring, drug information services, literature review, and clinical documentation through regular hospital training.
She has completed certifications in clinical research, ICH-GCP E6(R3), data management for clinical research, and congenital hypothyroidism. With a strong foundation in pharmacy, clinical practice, and scientific research, she aims to translate complex medical and pharmaceutical information into accurate, clear, and evidence-based healthcare content. She is also preparing to pursue a PhD and further develop her expertise in medical writing and pharmaceutical research.