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Viking Therapeutics Reports Fourth Quarter and Year-End 2024 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update

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Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) reported its Q4 and full-year 2024 financial results, highlighting significant progress in its clinical pipeline. The company plans to initiate Phase 3 studies for its obesity treatment VK2735 in Q2 2025, following positive Phase 2 VENTURE study results showing up to 14.7% body weight reduction. A Phase 2 trial for an oral version of VK2735 is currently underway.

Financial highlights include a strong cash position of $903 million at year-end 2024. The company reported a Q4 net loss of $35.4 million ($0.32 per share) and full-year net loss of $110.0 million ($1.01 per share). R&D expenses increased to $101.6 million for 2024, up from $63.8 million in 2023.

Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) ha riportato i risultati finanziari del Q4 e dell'intero anno 2024, evidenziando progressi significativi nella sua pipeline clinica. L'azienda prevede di avviare studi di Fase 3 per il trattamento dell'obesità VK2735 nel Q2 2025, a seguito di risultati positivi dello studio di Fase 2 chiamato VENTURE, che mostrano una riduzione del peso corporeo fino al 14,7%. Un trial di Fase 2 per una versione orale di VK2735 è attualmente in corso.

I punti salienti finanziari includono una forte posizione di cassa di 903 milioni di dollari alla fine dell'anno 2024. L'azienda ha riportato una perdita netta di 35,4 milioni di dollari nel Q4 (0,32 dollari per azione) e una perdita netta annuale di 110,0 milioni di dollari (1,01 dollari per azione). Le spese per R&S sono aumentate a 101,6 milioni di dollari per il 2024, rispetto ai 63,8 milioni di dollari nel 2023.

Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) informó sus resultados financieros del cuarto trimestre y del año completo 2024, destacando un progreso significativo en su pipeline clínica. La compañía planea iniciar estudios de Fase 3 para su tratamiento de obesidad VK2735 en el segundo trimestre de 2025, tras resultados positivos del estudio de Fase 2 VENTURE, que mostraron una reducción del peso corporal de hasta el 14,7%. Actualmente se está llevando a cabo un ensayo de Fase 2 para una versión oral de VK2735.

Los aspectos financieros destacados incluyen una sólida posición de efectivo de 903 millones de dólares al cierre del año 2024. La compañía reportó una pérdida neta de 35,4 millones de dólares en el cuarto trimestre (0,32 dólares por acción) y una pérdida neta anual de 110,0 millones de dólares (1,01 dólares por acción). Los gastos de I+D aumentaron a 101,6 millones de dólares para 2024, frente a los 63,8 millones de dólares en 2023.

Viking Therapeutics (VKTX)는 2024년 4분기 및 전체 연도 재무 결과를 보고하며 임상 파이프라인의 상당한 발전을 강조했습니다. 이 회사는 2025년 2분기에 비만 치료 VK2735를 위한 3상 연구를 시작할 계획이며, 이는 체중 감소가 최대 14.7%에 달하는 긍정적인 2상 VENTURE 연구 결과에 따른 것입니다. VK2735의 경구 버전에 대한 2상 시험이 현재 진행 중입니다.

재무 하이라이트에는 2024년 연말에 9억 3백만 달러의 강력한 현금 보유고가 포함됩니다. 이 회사는 4분기에 3억 5천4백만 달러(주당 0.32 달러)의 순손실을 보고했으며, 연간 순손실은 1억 1천만 달러(주당 1.01 달러)입니다. R&D 비용은 2024년에 1억 1천6백만 달러로 증가했으며, 이는 2023년의 6천380만 달러에서 증가한 수치입니다.

Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) a annoncé ses résultats financiers du quatrième trimestre et de l'année 2024, mettant en avant des avancées significatives dans son pipeline clinique. La société prévoit de lancer des études de Phase 3 pour son traitement de l'obésité VK2735 au deuxième trimestre 2025, à la suite de résultats positifs de l'étude de Phase 2 VENTURE montrant une réduction de poids corporel allant jusqu'à 14,7 %. Un essai de Phase 2 pour une version orale de VK2735 est actuellement en cours.

Les faits saillants financiers incluent une solide position de trésorerie de 903 millions de dollars à la fin de l'année 2024. La société a reporté une perte nette de 35,4 millions de dollars au quatrième trimestre (0,32 dollar par action) et une perte nette annuelle de 110,0 millions de dollars (1,01 dollar par action). Les dépenses de R&D ont augmenté pour atteindre 101,6 millions de dollars pour 2024, contre 63,8 millions de dollars en 2023.

Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) berichtete über die finanziellen Ergebnisse für das vierte Quartal und das gesamte Jahr 2024 und hob dabei signifikante Fortschritte in seiner klinischen Pipeline hervor. Das Unternehmen plant, im zweiten Quartal 2025 mit Phase-3-Studien für die Behandlung von Adipositas VK2735 zu beginnen, nachdem positive Ergebnisse der Phase-2-Studie VENTURE einen Gewichtsverlust von bis zu 14,7% zeigten. Eine Phase-2-Studie für eine orale Version von VK2735 ist derzeit im Gange.

Die finanziellen Höhepunkte umfassen eine starke Liquidität von 903 Millionen Dollar zum Jahresende 2024. Das Unternehmen meldete einen Nettoverlust von 35,4 Millionen Dollar im vierten Quartal (0,32 Dollar pro Aktie) und einen Nettoverlust von 110,0 Millionen Dollar für das gesamte Jahr (1,01 Dollar pro Aktie). Die F&E-Ausgaben stiegen auf 101,6 Millionen Dollar für 2024, verglichen mit 63,8 Millionen Dollar im Jahr 2023.

Positive
  • Strong cash position of $903 million, up significantly from $362 million in 2023
  • Phase 2 VENTURE study showed impressive weight loss results up to 14.7%
  • Successful completion of End-of-Phase 2 FDA meeting for VK2735
  • Positive Phase 2b VOYAGE trial results in MASH with up to 75% resolution rates
Negative
  • Increased net loss to $110.0 million in 2024 from $85.9 million in 2023
  • Higher R&D expenses at $101.6 million, up from $63.8 million in 2023
  • Increased G&A expenses to $49.3 million from $37.0 million in 2023

Insights

Viking Therapeutics has positioned itself exceptionally well for 2025, demonstrating both financial strength and clinical advancement. The $903M cash position represents a substantial 149% increase from 2023, providing an estimated 3-4 year runway at current burn rates. This robust financial foundation is particularly important as the company prepares to initiate Phase 3 studies for VK2735 in obesity.

The financial metrics reveal strategic R&D acceleration, with Q4 R&D expenses increasing 51% year-over-year to $31.0M. This investment surge primarily supports manufacturing scale-up and clinical development, indicating preparation for late-stage trials. The 74% increase in G&A expenses to $15.3M reflects infrastructure building for potential commercialization.

Most notably, Viking's obesity program positions the company in a rapidly expanding market. The dual formulation strategy (subcutaneous and oral VK2735) could provide a significant competitive advantage, potentially offering patients a unique transition pathway. The impressive Phase 2 VENTURE results, showing up to 14.7% weight loss, suggest a best-in-class profile that could capture substantial market share.

The diversified pipeline, including MASH and X-ALD programs, provides multiple value drivers and risk mitigation. The VOYAGE trial results in MASH particularly stand out, with 63-75% resolution rates potentially positioning VK2809 as a leading candidate in this indication.

Conference call scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET today

  • Initiation of Phase 3 Studies for Subcutaneous VK2735 for Obesity Planned for 2Q25
  • Phase 2 VENTURE-Oral Dosing Trial Evaluating VK2735 in Obesity Underway
  • Strong Year-End Cash Position of $903 Million

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Viking Therapeutics, Inc. ("Viking") (NASDAQ: VKTX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders, today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2024, and provided an update on its clinical pipeline and other corporate developments.

Highlights from the Quarter and Year Ended December 31, 2024, and Other Recent Events:

"2024 was an exciting and extremely productive year for Viking," stated Brian Lian, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Viking.  "During the year, the company reported positive data from four different clinical trials, including results from the Phase 2 VENTURE study of subcutaneous VK2735 for obesity, the Phase 1 study of an oral tablet formulation of VK2735 for obesity, the Phase 2b VOYAGE study of VK2809 for the treatment of MASH and fibrosis, and the Phase 1b study of VK0214 for X-ALD.  Each of these studies successfully achieved their objectives with each in our view demonstrating best-in-class data.  During the year, the company also announced a new pipeline program focused on novel internally developed dual agonists of the amylin and calcitonin receptors.  In preclinical models, these compounds demonstrated impressive reductions in body weight and improvement in metabolic profiles.  We look forward to advancing this program into clinical development later this year.  On the corporate side, Viking completed the year with a strong balance sheet, with over $900 million in cash and equivalents, providing the resources to achieve important clinical goals, including the completion of Phase 3 trials for VK2735 in obesity." 

Pipeline and Recent Corporate Highlights

  • Initiation of Phase 3 Studies for Subcutaneous VK2735 for Obesity Planned for 2Q25. VK2735 is a wholly owned dual agonist of the glucagon like peptide-1, or GLP-1 receptor, and the glucose dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, or GIP receptor, for the potential treatment of obesity and other metabolic disorders.

    In early 2024, Viking announced positive top-line results from its Phase 2 VENTURE study of VK2735 in obesity. The VENTURE trial successfully achieved its primary and all secondary endpoints, with patients receiving VK2735 demonstrating clinically meaningful reductions in body weight compared with placebo. With respect to the primary endpoint after 13 weekly doses, patients receiving VK2735 demonstrated statistically significant reductions in mean body weight from baseline, ranging up to 14.7%, as well as statistically significant reductions in mean body weight relative to placebo, ranging up to 13.1%. Differences compared to placebo were statistically significant for all doses starting at Week 1 and were maintained through the course of the study. In addition, results from follow-up visits that occurred four and seven weeks after the last dose of VK2735 was administered showed that cohorts receiving VK2735 maintained the majority of their weight loss through the seven week follow-up visit after administration of the final dose.

    VK2735 also demonstrated encouraging safety and tolerability in the VENTURE study, with the majority of observed adverse events (AEs) being reported as mild or moderate. Treatment and study discontinuation rates among VK2735 cohorts were well-balanced compared with placebo. Of gastrointestinal (GI) related AEs, 95% were reported as mild or moderate. Across all cohorts in the VENTURE study, GI-related AEs were most prevalent during the first week of treatment, with observed rates generally declining through the remainder of the study. The results of the VENTURE study were presented at ObesityWeek®, the annual meeting of The Obesity Society, in November 2024.

    In the fourth quarter of 2024, the company completed an End-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA and received feedback on the proposed Phase 3 plans as well as the overall development program for VK2735. The company expects to initiate Phase 3 trials evaluating subcutaneous VK2735 in obesity in 2Q25.
     
  • Phase 2 VENTURE-Oral Dosing Trial Evaluating VK2735 in Obesity Underway. Concurrent with the development of a subcutaneous formulation, Viking is also developing an oral tablet formulation of VK2735, which the company believes could represent an attractive treatment option for patients who are hesitant to initiate injection-based therapy, or for those seeking to maintain the weight loss they have already achieved. A differentiating feature of the tablet formulation of VK2735 is that it offers the potential to transition patients from the subcutaneous formulation to an oral formulation which utilizes the same molecule. Viking believes this may reduce the risk of unexpected safety or tolerability challenges, and could be an appealing option for both patients and clinicians.

    During the first quarter of 2024, Viking reported the initial results from a Phase 1 multiple ascending dose trial evaluating oral VK2735. This trial was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 1 trial in healthy adults with a minimum BMI of 30 kg/m2, evaluating once-daily oral doses ranging from 2.5 mg to 100 mg. The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of VK2735 administered as an oral tablet once daily for 28 days. The secondary objective was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of orally administered VK2735 in healthy subjects. Exploratory pharmacodynamic measures included assessments of changes in body weight and other metrics.

    Viking presented the final Phase 1 study results in November at ObesityWeek 2024. The results showed that cohorts receiving VK2735 demonstrated dose-dependent reductions in mean body weight from baseline, ranging up to 8.2%. Persistent weight loss effects were observed at follow-up visits through Day 57, four weeks after the last dose of VK2735 was administered. Weight loss at Day 57 ranged up to 8.3% from baseline. An exploratory assessment of the proportion of subjects in each cohort achieving at least 5% weight loss after 28 days demonstrated that up to 100% of VK2735-treated subjects achieved ≥5% weight loss, compared with 0% for placebo. Based on a preliminary evaluation of weight loss trajectories at multiple dose levels, the company believes that continued treatment beyond 28 days may provide further reductions in body weight.

    Oral VK2735 also demonstrated encouraging safety and tolerability through 28 days of once-daily dosing at doses up to and including 100 mg. The majority of observed treatment emergent adverse events were mild or moderate, with the majority reported as mild. Similarly, all observed GI-related AEs were reported as mild or moderate, with the majority reported as mild.

    Based on these promising results, Viking recently announced the initiation of a 13-week Phase 2a trial to evaluate longer term dosing with the tablet formulation of VK2735 in obese subjects. This trial, called the VENTURE-Oral Dosing trial, is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter study designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and weight loss efficacy of VK2735 dosed as an oral tablet once daily for 13 weeks. The trial will enroll approximately 280 adults who are obese, or adults who are overweight with at least one weight-related co-morbid condition. Patients will be evenly randomized to one of six dosing arms or placebo. The primary endpoint of the study is the percent change in body weight from baseline after 13 weeks of treatment. Secondary and exploratory endpoints will evaluate a range of additional safety and efficacy measures. The company expects to report data from this study in 2H25.
     
  • Best-in-Class Data from Phase 2b VOYAGE Trial in MASH Highlighted in Oral Late Breaker Presentation at The Liver Meeting® 2024. VK2809 is an orally available, small molecule agonist of the thyroid hormone receptor that is selective for liver tissue, as well as the beta isoform of the receptor.

    In 2024, the company announced completion of the Phase 2b VOYAGE study, an international trial designed to assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of VK2809 in patients with biopsy-confirmed metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and fibrosis following 52 weeks of dosing. The primary endpoint of the study evaluated the change in liver fat from baseline to Week 12 in patients treated with VK2809 compared to patients receiving placebo. Secondary and exploratory endpoints assessed histologic changes, such as MASH resolution and fibrosis improvement, following 52 weeks of treatment.

    In 2023, the company reported that VOYAGE had successfully achieved its primary endpoint, with patients receiving VK2809 demonstrating statistically significant reductions in liver fat content from baseline to Week 12 as compared with placebo. The median relative change from baseline in liver fat among patients treated with VK2809 ranged from 38% to 55% after 12 weeks. In addition, up to 85% of patients receiving VK2809 experienced at least a 30% relative reduction in liver fat.

    In the second quarter of 2024, Viking announced the initial histology results from the VOYAGE study, demonstrating the successful achievement of the trial's secondary endpoints assessed by hepatic biopsy after 52 weeks of treatment. Patients receiving VK2809 demonstrated statistically significant improvements in MASH resolution rate, fibrosis stage, and the combination endpoint of MASH resolution and fibrosis improvement. On the endpoint of MASH resolution without worsening of fibrosis, VK2809-treated patients demonstrated resolution rates ranging from 63% to 75%, compared with 29% for placebo. On the secondary endpoint evaluating the proportion of patients demonstrating at least a one stage improvement in fibrosis with no worsening of MASH, the proportion of VK2809-treated patients achieving this endpoint ranged from 44% to 57%, compared with 34% for placebo. And, on the secondary endpoint evaluating the proportion of patients experiencing both the resolution of MASH and at least a one-stage improvement in fibrosis, the proportion of VK2809-treated patients achieving both measures ranged from 40% to 50%, compared with 20% for placebo.

    As observed in prior studies, patients receiving VK2809 in VOYAGE demonstrated statistically significant improvements in plasma lipids. Placebo-adjusted reductions in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) ranged from 20% to 25%, and reductions in triglycerides and atherogenic proteins such as apolipoprotein B, lipoprotein (a), and apolipoprotein C-III, were also significantly improved relative to placebo. These lipids have been correlated with cardiovascular risk, suggesting that treatment with VK2809 may offer a long-term cardio-protective benefit.

    VK2809 also demonstrated an encouraging safety and tolerability profile through 52 weeks of treatment, with minimal differences compared with the previously reported results from 12 weeks. The majority, 94%, of treatment related adverse events among patients receiving VK2809 were reported as mild or moderate. Discontinuations due to adverse events were low and balanced across placebo and treatment arms. VK2809 demonstrated excellent GI tolerability through 52 weeks of treatment, with similar rates of nausea, diarrhea, stool frequency, and vomiting among VK2809-treated patients as compared to placebo.

    In November 2024, the company reported final results from the VOYAGE study in an oral late breaker presentation at The Liver Meeting®, the annual meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease, or AASLD. The company believes these data affirm VK2809's best-in-class efficacy on both MASH resolution and fibrosis improvement, along with the potential for cardiovascular benefit through improvement in plasma lipids. The company is currently evaluating potential next steps with VK2809.
     
  • Phase 1b Study Evaluating VK0214 in X-ALD Demonstrates Improvement in Key Biomarker. VK0214 is a novel, orally available thyroid hormone receptor beta agonist that is being evaluated as a potential treatment for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD), a rare neurogenerative disease for which there are currently no pharmacologic treatment options. Like VK2809, VK0214 is also an orally available small molecule that is selective for the beta isoform of the thyroid hormone receptor.

    X-ALD is a debilitating metabolic disorder that is caused by genetic mutations that disable the function of a peroxisomal transporter of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs). As a result, patients are unable to efficiently metabolize these acids, and their accumulation is believed to contribute to the onset and progression of X-ALD. Activation of the thyroid hormone receptor beta has been shown to increase the expression of an important compensatory VLCFA transporter, leading to improved metabolism and clearance of these compounds.

    In the fourth quarter of 2024, Viking reported the results from a 28-day Phase 1b study of its small molecule drug candidate VK0214 in patients with X-ALD. The trial enrolled patients across three cohorts: placebo, and VK0214 doses of 20 mg and 40 mg daily. The primary objectives of the Phase 1b study were to evaluate the safety and tolerability of VK0214 in subjects with the adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN) form of X-ALD, which is the most common form of the disease. An exploratory objective was to evaluate the effects of VK0214 on plasma levels of VLCFAs in this population. The results of this study showed that treatment with VK0214 resulted in significant reductions in mean VLCFA levels at both the 20 mg and 40 mg doses, compared to placebo. Plasma levels of the important 26 carbon very long chain fatty acid, a diagnostic biomarker, were reduced by approximately 38% relative to placebo (p<0.05).

    In addition, subjects who received VK0214 experienced reductions in other important plasma lipids. Mean reductions relative to baseline and placebo were observed for LDL-C, apolipoprotein B, and lipoprotein (a) following 28 days of treatment. Importantly, VK0214 also demonstrated encouraging safety and tolerability, with treatment emergent adverse events generally reported as mild to moderate. The company plans to explore partnering opportunities for the further development of VK0214.

  • Dual Amylin and Calcitonin Receptor Agonist (DACRA) Program Ongoing; IND Planned for 2025. The amylin receptor plays an important role in food intake and metabolic control, making it an attractive potential target for therapeutic intervention in obesity. Viking is evaluating an internally developed dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonist (DACRA) program for the potential treatment of obesity.

    During the second quarter of 2024, Viking presented in vivo data from this program at the American Diabetes Association's (ADA's) Annual Scientific Sessions. The company's presentation highlighted the effects of treatment on body weight, food intake and metabolic profile in both healthy rats and in diet-induced obese mice. The results demonstrated that Viking's dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonists reduced food intake in lean rats in the period from 0 – 72 hours following a single subcutaneous dose.

    Based on these promising data, Viking is currently planning to file an IND application for this program later this year.

  • Upcoming Investor Events. Viking management will participate in the following upcoming investor events:
     
    Oppenheimer 35th Annual Healthcare Life Sciences Conference
    Virtual
    February 11 – 12, 2025

    Leerink Partners Global Healthcare Conference
    Miami Beach, FL
    March 10 – 12, 2025

    Jefferies Biotech on the Beach Summit
    Miami Beach, FL
    March 11 – 12, 2025

    24th Annual Needham Healthcare Conference
    Virtual
    April 7 – 10, 2025

Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2024 Financial Highlights

Fourth Quarter ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

Research and development expenses were $31.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to $20.5 million for the same period in 2023.  The increase was primarily due to increased expenses related to manufacturing for the company's drug candidates, salaries and benefits and stock-based compensation, partially offset by decreased expenses related to clinical studies and preclinical studies.

General and administrative expenses were $15.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to $8.8 million for the same period in 2023.  The increase was primarily due to increased expenses related to legal and patent services, stock-based compensation, salaries and benefits, insurance and professional fees.

For the three months ended December 31, 2024, Viking reported a net loss of $35.4 million, or $0.32 per share, compared to a net loss of $24.6 million, or $0.25 per share, in the corresponding period in 2023.  The increase in net loss for the three months ended December 31, 2024, was primarily due to the increase in research and development expenses and general and administrative expenses, noted previously, partially offset by increased interest income, compared to the same period in 2023.

Year Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

Research and development expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024, were $101.6 million compared to $63.8 million for the same period in 2023. The increase was primarily due to increased expenses related to manufacturing for the company's drug candidates, stock-based compensation and salaries and benefits, partially offset by a decrease in expenses related to clinical studies and preclinical studies.

General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024, were $49.3 million compared to $37.0 million for the same period in 2023. The increase was primarily due to increased expenses related to stock-based compensation, salaries and benefits, professional fees, insurance and services provided by third-party consultants, partially offset by decreased expenses related to legal and patent services.

For the year ended December 31, 2024, Viking reported a net loss of $110.0 million, or $1.01 per share, compared to a net loss of $85.9 million, or $0.91 per share, in the corresponding period in 2023. The increase in net loss for the year ended December 31, 2024, was primarily due to the increase in research and development expenses and general and administrative expenses, noted previously, partially offset by increased interest income, compared to the same period in 2023.

Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2024

At December 31, 2024, Viking held cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $903 million, compared to $362 million as of December 31, 2023. 

Conference Call

Management will host a conference call to discuss Viking's fourth quarter and full-year 2024 financial results today at 4:30 pm Eastern.  To participate in the conference call, please dial (844) 850-0543 from the U.S. or (412) 317-5199 from outside the U.S.  In addition, following the completion of the call, a telephone replay will be accessible until February 12, 2025, by dialing (877) 344-7529 from the U.S. or (412) 317-0088 from outside the U.S. and entering conference ID #6731266.  Those interested in listening to the conference call live via the internet may do so by visiting the Webcasts page of Viking's website at http://ir.vikingtherapeutics.com/webcasts.  An archive of the webcast will also be available on the Webcasts page of Viking's website for 30 days.

About Viking Therapeutics, Inc.

Viking Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel first-in-class or best-in-class therapies for the treatment of metabolic and endocrine disorders, with three compounds currently in clinical trials. Viking's research and development activities leverage its expertise in metabolism to develop innovative therapeutics designed to improve patients' lives. Viking's clinical programs include VK2735, a novel dual agonist of the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors for the potential treatment of various metabolic disorders. Data from a Phase 1 and a Phase 2 trial evaluating VK2735 (dosed subcutaneously) for metabolic disorders demonstrated an encouraging safety and tolerability profile as well as positive signs of clinical benefit. Concurrently, the company is evaluating an oral formulation of VK2735 in a Phase 2 trial. Viking is also developing VK2809, a novel, orally available, small molecule selective thyroid hormone receptor beta agonist for the treatment of lipid and metabolic disorders. The compound successfully achieved both the primary and secondary endpoints in a recently completed Phase 2b study for the treatment of biopsy-confirmed non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis. In a Phase 2a trial for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and elevated LDL-C, patients who received VK2809 demonstrated statistically significant reductions in LDL-C and liver fat content compared with patients who received placebo. The company's newest program is evaluating a series of internally developed dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonists (or DACRAs) for the treatment of obesity and other metabolic disorders. In the rare disease space, Viking is developing VK0214, a novel, orally available, small molecule selective thyroid hormone receptor beta agonist for the potential treatment of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD). In a Phase 1b clinical trial in patients with the adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN) form of X-ALD, VK0214 was shown to be safe and well-tolerated, while driving significant reductions in plasma levels of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) and other lipids, as compared to placebo.

For more information about Viking Therapeutics, please visit www.vikingtherapeutics.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding Viking Therapeutics, Inc., under the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements about Viking's expectations regarding its clinical and preclinical development programs, anticipated timing for reporting clinical data and cash resources.  Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely and reported results should not be considered as an indication of future performance.  These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: risks associated with the success, cost and timing of Viking's product candidate development activities and clinical trials, including those for VK2735, VK0214, VK2809, and the company's other incretin receptor agonists; risks that prior clinical and preclinical results may not be replicated; risks regarding regulatory requirements; and other risks that are described in Viking's most recent periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission including Viking's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, including the risk factors set forth in those filings.  These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof.  Viking disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements except as required by law.

 

Viking Therapeutics, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss
 

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)




Three Months Ended  
December 31,



Twelve Months Ended
December 31,




2024



2023



2024



2023


Revenues


$



$



$



$


Operating expenses:













Research and development



30,987




20,502




101,644




63,806


General and administrative



15,251




8,783




49,277




37,021


Total operating expenses



46,238




29,285




150,921




100,827


Loss from operations



(46,238)




(29,285)




(150,921)




(100,827)


Other income (expense):













Amortization of financing costs



(24)




(26)




(94)




(88)


Interest income, net



10,844




4,706




40,940




15,020


Realized gain on investments, net



1







112





Total other income, net



10,821




4,680




40,958




14,932


Net loss



(35,417)




(24,605)




(109,963)




(85,895)


Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:













Unrealized (loss) gain on securities



(2,252)




437




173




742


Foreign currency translation (loss) gain



(168)




79




(226)




(29)


Comprehensive loss


$

(37,837)



$

(24,089)



$

(110,362)



$

(85,182)


Basic and diluted net loss per share


$

(0.32)



$

(0.25)



$

(1.01)



$

(0.91)


Weighted-average shares used to compute
basic and diluted net loss per share



111,344




99,884




109,037




94,347


 

Viking Therapeutics, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets
 

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)






December 31,
2024



December 31,
2023


Assets







Current assets:







Cash and cash equivalents


$

26,676



$

55,516


Short-term investments – available-for-sale



875,936




306,563


Prepaid clinical trial and preclinical study costs



3,476




2,624


Prepaid expenses and other current assets



1,128




2,522


Total current assets



907,216




367,225


Right-of-use assets



1,003




1,126


Deferred financing costs



56




106


Deposits



46




33


Total assets


$

908,321



$

368,490


Liabilities and stockholders' equity







Current liabilities:







Accounts payable


$

9,813



$

7,512


Other accrued liabilities



17,111




11,299


Lease liability, current



489




324


Total current liabilities



27,413




19,135


Lease liability, net of current portion



630




936


Total long-term liabilities



630




936


Total liabilities



28,043




20,071


Commitments and contingencies







Stockholders' equity:







Preferred stock, $0.00001 par value: 10,000,000 shares authorized at
December 31, 2024 and 2023; no shares issued and outstanding at
December 31, 2024 and 2023







Common stock, $0.00001 par value: 300,000,000 shares authorized at
December 31, 2024 and 2023; 111,573,519 shares issued and
outstanding at December 31, 2024 and 100,113,770 shares issued and
outstanding at December 31, 2023



1




1


Treasury stock at cost, no shares at December 31, 2024 and 2,193,251
shares at December 31, 2023






(6,795)


Additional paid-in capital



1,368,972




733,546


Accumulated deficit



(487,907)




(377,944)


Accumulated other comprehensive loss



(788)




(389)


Total stockholders' equity



880,278




348,419


Total liabilities and stockholders' equity


$

908,321



$

368,490


 

 

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SOURCE Viking Therapeutics, Inc.

FAQ

What were the weight loss results from Viking's Phase 2 VENTURE study of VK2735?

The Phase 2 VENTURE study showed patients receiving VK2735 achieved up to 14.7% reduction in body weight from baseline and up to 13.1% reduction compared to placebo after 13 weekly doses.

When will Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) start Phase 3 trials for VK2735?

Viking Therapeutics plans to initiate Phase 3 trials for subcutaneous VK2735 in obesity during the second quarter of 2025.

What was Viking Therapeutics' (VKTX) cash position at the end of 2024?

Viking Therapeutics reported $903 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments as of December 31, 2024.

What was Viking Therapeutics' (VKTX) net loss for full-year 2024?

Viking Therapeutics reported a net loss of $110.0 million, or $1.01 per share, for the full year 2024.

What were the MASH resolution rates in Viking's Phase 2b VOYAGE trial?

In the Phase 2b VOYAGE trial, VK2809-treated patients demonstrated MASH resolution rates ranging from 63% to 75%, compared with 29% for placebo.

Viking Therapeutics, Inc

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3.71B
106.62M
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18.13%
Biotechnology
Pharmaceutical Preparations
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United States of America
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