The randomized, double-blind study involves 195 healthy adults with a BMI of 30 or higher. Participants undergo an initial 21-week period of weekly subcutaneous doses of VK2735 or a placebo. Starting at week 21, the trial shifts to a maintenance phase where subjects are assigned to various regimens, including daily or weekly oral doses, monthly or every-other-week injections, or continued placebo. Researchers aim to track safety, tolerability, and body weight changes through week 33.

Brian Lian, CEO of Viking, emphasized that providing diverse administration options is essential for patient adherence. The company expects to release findings from this phase in 2027. This development runs alongside Viking’s two ongoing Phase 3 trials, VANQUISH-1 and VANQUISH-2, which are currently evaluating the efficacy of subcutaneous VK2735 in 5,500 total participants, including those with and without type 2 diabetes.