Viking Pharmaceuticals (VK2735) Advances to Phase 3 Obesity Trial in 3Q26; Shares Up Over 10%

Viking Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:VKPH) announced it will advance its oral obesity therapy VK2735 into Phase 3 trials in the third quarter of 2026, pending regulatory review. The decision follows positive results in pivotal trials and a strong finish to the fiscal year with a 10% intraday gain on February 12, 2026. The Phase 3 program, expected to begin in late 2026, will evaluate VK2735 across multiple sites in the U.S. and Europe. The therapy targets obesity and type 2 diabetes, areas of growing focus in the pharmaceutical sector. Viking aims to file a New Drug Application in 2027, contingent on trial outcomes and regulatory feedback.