Viking Therapeutics reported positive Phase 2 results for VK-2735, an oral dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist showing up to 12.2% weight loss after 13 weeks. However, significant gastrointestinal side effects forced high treatment discontinuation rates—38% at the highest dose—eliciting investor concern and triggering a sharp stock decline, with shares nearly halved. Despite meeting weight loss endpoints, the tolerability issues complicate commercial viability, but analysts note potential for lower-dose maintenance therapies. The developments reflect the complex therapeutic challenges in the obesity drug market.