VK2735 is an investigational dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist being developed in subcutaneous and oral formulations for obesity and related metabolic disorders. The program has reported positive phase 2 obesity data and ongoing oral phase 2 development. It is not approved for marketing.
Large-cap healthcare stocks such as Johnson & Johnson and CVS Health are viewed as defensive in a slowdown, with beta values of 0.33 and 0.46. Investors can also pursue higher-risk healthcare companies such as Grail and Viking Therapeutics, whose performance depends more on clinical and product milestones.
Pharmaceutical M&A is shifting toward late-stage clinical assets with proven human data, particularly in GLP-1 obesity drugs, oncology, and central nervous system disorders. Companies like Viking Therapeutics, Structure Therapeutics, and Revolution Medicines represent compelling acquisition targets with advanced clinical programs. This trend reflects industry prioritization of de-risked assets that can accelerate commercialization pathways.
ACT Capital Management invested $7.25 million in Viking Therapeutics as the company advances its obesity drug candidate VK2735 into Phase 3 trials. India's drug regulator warned pharmaceutical companies against direct or surrogate advertising of weight-loss medicines, while South Korean drugmakers target year-end commercialization of domestically developed obesity treatments.
Eli Lilly is developing multiple next-generation obesity treatments, including oral GLP-1 drug orforglipron expected to launch in Q2 2026, as competition intensifies in a market projected to reach $95 billion by 2030.
Viking Therapeutics has completed enrollment in its Phase 3 VANQUISH-1 trial for injectable VK2735 and plans to advance oral VK2735 into Phase 3, while also filing an IND for a new amylin agonist program targeting obesity.
Viking Therapeutics reported a full-year 2025 net loss of $359.64 million as it rapidly advanced its obesity candidate VK2735 into Phase 3 trials, with both injectable and oral formulations showing double-digit weight loss in earlier studies.
| NCT ID | Title | Status | Phase |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCT07104500 |
VK2735 for Weight Management Phase 3 |
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING | PHASE3 |
| NCT07104383 |
VK2735 for Weight Management Type 2 Diabetes Phase 3 (VANQUISH 2) |
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING | PHASE3 |
| NCT06828055 |
VK2735 for Weight Management Phase 2 (Venture Oral Dosing) |
COMPLETED | PHASE2 |
| NCT06068946 |
VK2735 for Weight Management Phase 2 |
COMPLETED | PHASE2 |
| NCT05203237 |
Phase 1 Study to Evaluate the Safety and Tolerability of VK2735 |
COMPLETED | PHASE1 |
