Viking Therapeutics

• Viking Therapeutics is advancing its oral dual GLP-1/GIP agonist VK2735 into Phase 2 clinical trials, marking a significant step in developing a potential new treatment option for obesity. • The upcoming Phase 2 trial readout for VK2735 represents a crucial milestone in the competitive obesity drug market, where oral formulations could offer advantages over injectable alternatives. • The development of VK2735 aligns with growing market demand for effective obesity treatments, with potential to impact Viking Therapeutics' market position in the metabolic disease space.

• Amgen executives defended MariTide's clinical profile at JPM25, highlighting its potential for less frequent dosing and comparable weight loss to existing drugs. • Merck anticipates a smooth transition after Keytruda's patent expiry in 2028, planning to introduce a subcutaneous version and leverage other pipeline assets. • Viking Therapeutics is seeking a global partnership to expand its presence in the obesity market, emphasizing long-term supply agreements for VK2735.

Viking Therapeutics has commenced a Phase 2 clinical trial for oral VK2735, a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist, to treat obesity.

Altimmune's pemvidutide, currently in Phase II trials for obesity and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, is projected to reach $1.21 billion in sales by 2030.

Merck & Co. has secured global rights outside China to Hansoh Pharma's preclinical oral GLP-1 receptor agonist for obesity treatment through a $112 million upfront payment.

• The GLP-1 agonists market is projected to experience substantial growth by 2034, driven by increased awareness and efficacy in managing diabetes and obesity. • Key players like Novo Nordisk, AstraZeneca, and Viking Therapeutics are developing innovative GLP-1 agonists, including oral formulations, to enhance patient adherence. • Emerging therapies such as VK2735, TERN-601, and ECC5004 are poised to transform the market with improved efficacy and novel mechanisms of action. • GLP-1 agonists are gaining traction beyond diabetes, showing promise in treating obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), expanding their therapeutic potential.

• Viking Therapeutics' VK2735, a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, demonstrated significant weight reduction in mid-stage trials, rivaling Eli Lilly's tirzepatide. • Summit Therapeutics' ivonescimab, a bispecific antibody targeting PD-1 and VEGF, outperformed Keytruda in a study involving lung cancer patients. • Analysts predict substantial stock increases for both companies in 2025, with Viking potentially rising by 166% and Summit by 68%. • Despite promising results, both companies face risks, including the need for successful phase 3 trials and the impact of market expectations on stock valuation.

• Viking Therapeutics' stock has surged nearly 200% this year, driven by the potential of its phase 2 assets in obesity and liver disease. • VK2735, a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist, shows promise in the anti-obesity market, potentially generating $21.6 billion in peak sales. • VK2809 targets metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), addressing a significant unmet need in liver disease. • Viking is also developing VK0214 for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD), a rare nervous system condition with no approved treatments.

• Viking Therapeutics' obesity pill demonstrated an average of 6.8% body weight loss over 28 days in early-stage trials, showing promising potential in weight management. • AstraZeneca's weight-loss pill showed a 5.8% weight reduction in diabetic patients, indicating efficacy in a specific population with differential outcomes. • The obesity drug market is projected to reach $130 billion by the end of the decade, intensifying competition among pharmaceutical giants like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. • Pharmaceutical companies are focusing on developing convenient oral medications with minimal side effects to capture a significant share of the expanding obesity treatment market.

• Viking Therapeutics' VK2735, a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist, shows significant weight loss in obese patients in Phase 2 VENTURE trial, with up to 14.7% reduction from baseline. • Oral VK2735 demonstrates encouraging safety and tolerability in Phase 1 trial, with up to 8.2% weight loss from baseline after 28 days of dosing. • Follow-up data from the VENTURE trial suggest durable weight loss maintenance with VK2735, supporting potential for less frequent, monthly dosing regimens. • Exploratory analysis indicates VK2735 may improve glycemic status, increasing the odds of prediabetic patients shifting to normoglycemic status.