Viking Therapeutics Outlines VK2735 Pipeline at Morgan Stanley

Viking Therapeutics is scaling manufacturing capacity and advancing dual subcutaneous and oral formulations of its lead obesity drug VK2735, with Phase III injectable data anticipated in the second half of 2027.

While the company works toward clinical readouts, shares of Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VKTX) traded at $30.23, rising 2.41% from a previous close of $29.52, according to Finnhub market data.

"From day one, we are going to have equal access to all of the big players," said Neil Aubuchon, Chief Commercial Officer, Viking Therapeutics, in a statement regarding market access at the Morgan Stanley Global Healthcare Conference.

Scaling Production Capacity for Launch

To support commercialization, Viking Therapeutics has secured manufacturing agreements to supply high-volume production across multiple delivery mechanisms. According to the Investing.com conference coverage, the company locked in capacity for at least 100 million vial and syringe units, 100 million auto-injector units, and 1 billion tablets.

These production milestones target the dual-format strategy for VK2735, which encompasses weekly subcutaneous injections and daily oral tablets. Executives noted that early formulation flexibility supports distinct patient preferences in the metabolic disease market.

Formulary Positioning and Market Access

Securing favorable reimbursement remains a primary hurdle for developers of novel GLP-1 and dual-agonist therapeutics. Aubuchon emphasized that the commercial strategy centers on securing broad initial coverage to minimize formulary blocks at launch.

"...and we expect little or no formulary restriction at launch," Aubuchon added during the presentation, outlining expectations for commercial payer negotiations.

What Is at Stake in the Obesity Market

The expansion of the VK2735 pipeline places Viking Therapeutics in competition with established metabolic drug makers such as Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. As demand for anti-obesity medications strains global supply chains, pharmaceutical developers are racing to secure large-scale manufacturing infrastructure ahead of regulatory approvals while differentiating their portfolios through oral and maintenance delivery options.