Viking Therapeutics Shares Surge 35% on Positive Obesity Drug Trial Results

Viking Therapeutics shares surged 35% on Wall Street following positive trial results for its VK2735 drug, targeting obesity and diabetes. Patients taking the weekly treatment lost 16%-19% of their body weight within 21 weeks.

In a follow-up study, patients switching to bi-weekly injections maintained up to 97% of their weight loss, while monthly dosing maintained up to 90%. Patients continuing weekly injections for 33 weeks achieved an average weight loss of approximately 22%.

The drug is currently in Phase 3 trials and is also being developed in an oral tablet form. The positive results strengthen Viking's position in the booming next-generation weight-loss drug market.