A groundbreaking injectable, tentatively named VK2735, has emerged as a potential game-changer in weight loss, boasting results five times faster than established medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, according to the remarkable findings of a recent clinical trial. Developed by California-based biotech firm Viking Therapeutics, the drug’s efficacy has ignited investor enthusiasm, propelling the company’s stock price up by 80% following the trial’s announcement on Tuesday.
Although VK2735 still awaits further clinical trials for FDA approval, anticipation is already mounting over its potential to revolutionize the weight loss landscape, potentially outshining existing injectable options. In the trial, participants receiving a high dosage of VK2735 once weekly over 13 weeks shed an average of 32 pounds, equivalent to 14.7% of their body weight—a stark contrast to the significantly longer timeframe required by Ozempic and Wegovy to achieve similar outcomes.
Like its counterparts, VK2735 operates by mimicking the effects of glucagon-like peptide 1, a hormone known for promoting satiety. However, VK2735 goes a step further by also mimicking glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, which slows down gut motility, potentially enhancing its effectiveness.
While some participants experienced common side effects such as vomiting and nausea, these were not severe enough to hinder the drug’s potential for commercialization. Viking Therapeutics is now advancing VK2735 to Phase 3 trials, aiming to validate its efficacy on a larger scale.
