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Viking’s Phase IIb NASH Data Provide Across-The-Board Success

 
• By Joseph Haas

Competing with Madrigal in the THRβ agonist class in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, Viking’s VK2809 reports stronger efficacy and better safety and tolerability than resmetirom at that stage.

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Viking's NASH candidate hits multiple targets in Phase IIb study • Source: Shutterstock

Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. will presumably hold a significant lead on the market for its THRβ agonist resmetirom (MDGL-3196), which it plans to file for US approval in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis this quarter, but Phase IIb data reported on 16 May for Viking Therapeutics, Inc.’s THRβ agonist, VK2809, led to analysts calling the drug a best-in-class candidate for NASH. VK2809 hit its primary endpoint of reduction from baseline in liver fat content (LFC) at 12 weeks compared to placebo in the VOYAGE study.

Madrigal is running second to Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in the race to bring the first NASH drug therapy to market. Intercept’s oral FXR agonist, obeticholic acid (OCA), has a...

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