Ventyx Biosciences reported Phase 2 data showing its oral NLRP3 inhibitor VTX3232 produced rapid, large reductions in inflammatory biomarkers in patients with obesity and cardiovascular risk factors. The company said hsCRP fell sharply and other markers of inflammation and liver injury improved, prompting talks with potential partners and a sharp stock rally. In the randomized mid‑stage study the drug was safe and well tolerated as monotherapy or added to semaglutide; VTX3232 produced large early drops in hsCRP and reductions in IL‑6, Lp(a) and liver inflammation readouts. The data failed to show weight loss benefit as a monotherapy, but the cardiovascular biomarker signal attracted attention given the NLRP3 inflammasome’s role in cardiometabolic disease. Investors bid up Ventyx shares and analysts flagged partnership potential: an oral, once‑daily NLRP3 inhibitor could be attractive to big pharma if clinical endpoints are confirmed. The company will need larger, outcome‑driven trials to validate the biomarker signal and convert interest into licensing or acquisition offers.