Viking Therapeutics Launched Phase 3 Obesity Drug Trials

The company has initiated large-scale studies to test its experimental oral weight-loss drug, VK2735.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Weight Loss

Isometric editorial illustration of a complex crystalline molecular lattice structure, representing clinical drug research. — Viking Therapeutics has initiated Phase 3 clinical trials for its experimental oral weight-loss drug, VK2735, involving 1,120 participants across multicenter studies. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Viking Therapeutics has launched the Sunrise-1 and Sunrise-2 Phase 3 clinical trials to evaluate its experimental obesity drug, VK2735. These randomized, double-blind, multicenter studies involve 1,120 adult participants.

Why it matters

Viking is moving to advance its VK2735 program to compete with established obesity drug manufacturers like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. The company aims to capture a share of the global weight-loss drug market, which is projected to reach $114 billion in annual sales by 2030.

The study tests daily oral doses of 27.5 mg, 35 mg, and 55 mg against a placebo over a 68-week period. Previous Phase 2 results showed body weight reductions of up to 12.2% after 13 weeks of treatment.

The players

Viking Therapeutics

This clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focuses on the development of novel therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders.

Eli Lilly

This global pharmaceutical corporation is a major developer of weight-loss and diabetes treatments.

Novo Nordisk

This multinational pharmaceutical firm is a leading provider of GLP-1 receptor agonist medications for weight management.

The details

The experimental program requires participants to undergo testing for over a year to determine long-term body weight changes. Viking intends to use the capital from its recent financing rounds to support these studies alongside its existing Vanquish injectable trials.

Viking held $502 million in cash and investments as of June 30, 2026.
The company raised $548 million via stock and note offerings in September 2026.
Viking launched the Sunrise Phase 3 trials on October 14, 2026.

The Big Picture

Viking Therapeutics is attempting to carve out a competitive position within the expanding market for the GLP-1 weight-loss drug market. This move represents a strategic effort to challenge the dominance of established pharmaceutical firms currently leading the obesity treatment sector.

These clinical trials represent an early stage of development and do not provide immediate access to medication for the general public. Participants currently enrolled will provide the necessary data to determine if this oral treatment will eventually be a viable option compared to existing injectable therapies.

The takeaway

Viking Therapeutics is investing heavily to move its oral weight-loss solution into the final stages of clinical testing. Patients should continue to consult with medical professionals regarding currently approved treatment options for obesity.