Viking's small extension study of weight-loss drug shows sustained weight loss; shares surge intraday

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Viking Therapeutics small-sample study shows weight-loss injection helps patients lose weight and maintain results, shares surge

BlockBeats news,September 23，Viking Therapeutics Inc. Shares rose sharply after the company announced that, in a small exploratory study, its dual-target obesity injection helped patients lose weight and maintain the reduction even after dosing frequency was reduced.

The company drew several conclusions from patient data in the study's extension group. The study was initially designed to determine the most effective dose of the drug, which controls weight through two different pathways. The result is good news for Viking, whose previous trials had suffered setbacks. The company said that during the main phase of the trial, patients receiving a moderate dose weekly achieved the best results, losing up to approximately 5 months later, 19%in weight. An exploratory group of 13 patients continued receiving a slightly lower dose for an additional 3 months, losing 22%in weight without reaching a plateau.

Viking said that when patients switched to a lower-frequency dosing regimen—once or twice per month—some were able to maintain 90%to 97%of their weight loss. Side effects were mostly mild and gradually diminished over time, with only one patient discontinuing treatment due to an adverse event. During low-frequency maintenance dosing, gastrointestinal side effects were comparable to those in the placebo group.

Viking shares rose as much as 36.6%intraday in New York, marking the largest intraday gain since 2024 year July, before giving back some of the gains.

Original link https://m.theblockbeats.info/flash/368505

Key points

Viking Therapeutics said in a small exploratory study that its dual-target obesity injection helped patients lose weight.
Patients receiving weekly treatment at a moderate dose lost up to approximately 5 months later, body weight by as much as 19%。
13 patients continued treatment at a slightly lower dose in the exploratory group 3 months later, body weight decreased by 22%。
After some patients switched to once- or twice-monthly dosing, they were able to maintain 90% to 97% weight loss.
Side effects were mostly mild and diminished over time, with only patient discontinuing treatment because of an adverse event.
Viking shares rose at one point during intraday trading 36.6%, before giving back some of their gains.

AI-assisted interpretation

The following is analysis, separate from reported facts. Verify important claims independently.

The study observed that some patients lost weight after using this injectable drug; after reducing the dosing frequency, some of the weight-loss effect was still maintained.

Why it matters to readers

If subsequent research validates the findings, less frequent dosing may be associated with maintaining weight loss; after the news was released, Viking's share price rose temporarily.

This was a small exploratory study and does not mean the drug has been broadly proven effective or suitable for everyone.

Risks and unknowns

The study was a small exploratory study, with only 13 patients in the expansion cohort.
The evidence does not describe the complete study design, control conditions, or long-term outcomes.
The evidence does not state the drug's name, regulatory status, or final approval outcome.
The share-price gain subsequently gave back part of its advance, and the subsequent trend cannot be confirmed from the evidence.

Viking's small extension study of weight-loss drug shows sustained weight loss; shares surge intraday

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