Viking Therapeutics starts Phase 3 SUNRISE program for oral obesity drug VK2735
Viking Therapeutics announced the launch of two Phase 3 studies, SUNRISE‑1 and SUNRISE‑2, to evaluate its oral dual GLP‑1/GIP agonist VK2735 in obesity. Each trial will enroll 560 participants and treat them once daily for 68 weeks with one of three dose levels (27.5 mg, 35 mg, 55 mg) or placebo. The primary goal is to compare the percentage change in body weight versus placebo after the 68‑week period. The company also reported cash and short‑term investments of $502 million as of June 30 2026.
Why it matters
The initiation of these pivotal trials moves VK2735 closer to potential regulatory approval, which could add a new oral obesity therapy to the market and affect Viking’s revenue outlook. The company’s cash position suggests it can fund the program without immediate financing needs.
Key facts
- 1SUNRISE‑1 and SUNRISE‑2 each target enrollment of 560 adults. prnewswire.com
- 2Participants will receive once‑daily oral VK2735 at 27.5 mg, 35 mg, 55 mg, or placebo. prnewswire.com
- 3The studies will run for 68 weeks and the primary endpoint is the percent change in body weight from baseline versus placebo. rttnews.com
- 4SUNRISE‑1 enrolls adults with a BMI of at least 30, or at least 27 if overweight, who do not have type 2 diabetes and have a weight‑related comorbidity. rttnews.com
- 5SUNRISE‑2 enrolls adults with type 2 diabetes who are obese or overweight. rttnews.com
- 6Viking held cash, cash equivalents and short‑term investments of $502 million as of June 30 2026. rttnews.com
Summary written by AlphAI AI Desk from 5 of 5 sources. Not investment advice. Figures are as stated by the linked sources.