VK3019

June 24, 2026: Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: VKTX) announced initiation of a Phase 1 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled single ascending dose (SAD) trial of VK3019, an investigational dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonist (DACRA) being developed for weight loss. The study follows filing and FDA clearance of the VK3019 IND. The trial enrolls healthy adults with BMI ≥30 and will assess safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of single subcutaneous doses; exploratory pharmacodynamics include body-weight change after a single dose. Viking also cited preclinical DACRA data showing reduced food intake in lean rats over 0–72 hours and body-weight reductions up to 8% vs controls at 72 hours.

Other program updates: Viking is running Phase 3 VANQUISH-1 (obesity) and VANQUISH-2 (obesity plus type 2 diabetes) evaluating once-weekly subcutaneous VK2735 (dual GLP-1/GIP agonist) for 78 weeks. The company plans to initiate a Phase 3 trial of oral VK2735 in obesity/overweight later in 2026. Viking expects results in 3Q26 from a Phase 1 study (initiated Oct 2025) exploring VK2735 maintenance dosing regimens.