Lilly’s Obesity Lead Challenged by Viking’s Q3 Data from 180-Patient Trial and Zealthy Insurance Expansion
LLY•Viking Therapeutics expects third-quarter data from a 180-patient maintenance study of its dual GLP-1/GIP obesity drug VK2735, testing injectable and oral dosing flexibility after initial weight loss. Zealthy expanded insurance coordination for GLP-1 weight-loss therapies including Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic and Mounjaro, streamlining prior-authorizations.
1. Viking’s Q3 Maintenance Study
Viking Therapeutics enrolled 180 obese volunteers in January 2026 for a two-phase maintenance trial of VK2735, administering weekly subcutaneous injections for initial weight loss followed by monthly or daily oral injections, weekly oral tablets, or placebo to assess long-term efficacy and tolerability.
2. Zealthy’s Expanded Insurance Coordination
Zealthy rolled out an enhanced support program for patients on GLP-1 weight-loss drugs Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic and Mounjaro, automating prior-authorization submissions, insurance verification and coverage determinations while noting payers retain final approval authority and cost structures.
3. Implications for Eli Lilly’s Obesity Franchise
As Eli Lilly’s injectable and oral obesity treatments hold strong market positions, renewed competition from Viking’s dual-track pipeline and broader payer support for GLP-1 therapies could pressure pricing dynamics and patient uptake in the second half of 2026.
