Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) is adding another arrow to its obesity-treatment quiver. On Wednesday, the company announced it has kicked off a Phase 1 trial for VK3019, a drug that works differently from the GLP-1-based therapies dominating the weight-loss space. VK3019 is a dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonist, or DACRA, meaning it targets two receptors involved in appetite and metabolism.
The trial launch comes after the FDA cleared Viking's investigational new drug application for VK3019. The Phase 1 study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled single ascending dose trial in healthy adults with a body mass index of 30 or greater. The primary goal is to assess safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of single subcutaneous doses. But the company will also take an exploratory look at changes in body weight after just one dose.
Viking's move into amylin-based drugs is a strategic bet. While GLP-1 drugs like Novo Nordisk's Ozempic and Eli Lilly's Zepbound have dominated headlines, amylin receptor agonists offer a different mechanism that could complement or compete with existing treatments. Amylin is a hormone that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar, and calcitonin receptors are involved in bone metabolism and energy balance. By targeting both, Viking hopes to carve out a niche.
Preclinical data for VK3019 looked promising. In studies with lean rats and diet-induced obese mice, the compounds reduced food intake within the first 72 hours. After that, treated animals lost up to 8% of their body weight compared to controls. That's early-stage data, but it's enough to move into humans.
Meanwhile, Viking's lead obesity candidate, VK2735, is marching through Phase 3. VK2735 is a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist—the same class as Eli Lilly's tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound). The VANQUISH program includes two trials: VANQUISH-1 in adults with obesity and VANQUISH-2 in adults with obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Both are testing once-weekly subcutaneous injections over 78 weeks.
Viking is also working on an oral version of VK2735. If approved, it would be the first oral dual agonist on the market. The company plans to start a Phase 3 trial of the oral formulation in obesity and overweight patients later this year.
Beyond that, Viking is exploring alternative dosing strategies for VK2735 to support long-term weight maintenance. A Phase 1 study launched in October 2025 is testing various maintenance regimens, with results expected in the third quarter of 2026.
Investors seemed to like the news. Viking shares were up 0.83% in premarket trading Wednesday, sitting at $35.10.
With obesity drug demand showing no signs of slowing, Viking is positioning itself as a contender with both a late-stage GLP-1/GIP drug and an early-stage amylin-based candidate. The question is whether VK3019 can deliver in humans what it showed in rats—and whether Viking can navigate the crowded, competitive landscape.
