Viking Therapeutics, CordenPharma Strike Multi-Year Deal to Commercialize VK2735 for Obesity, Metabolic Disorders

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Viking Therapeutics has signed a long-term, $150 million strategic partnership with CordenPharma to support the development and commercialization of VK2735, its dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist for obesity and metabolic disorders. According to Viking, the collaboration will leverage CordenPharma’s expertise in peptide drug substance, sterile injectables, and oral solid dosage manufacturing to facilitate scalability and supply chain continuity.¹

"We are excited to enter into this agreement with one of the world's leading CDMOs in the peptide space," said Brian Lian, PhD, CEO of Viking Therapeutics. "We have a long history of working with CordenPharma and are happy to extend and strengthen our relationship with this agreement. CordenPharma's established presence in commercial peptide manufacturing gives us confidence in their ability to deliver supply commensurate with what we anticipate will be significant commercial demand. In addition, CordenPharma's ability to provide dedicated capacity across the supply chain, from (active pharmaceutical ingredient [API]) through finished commercial products, makes them a uniquely qualified partner to work with in bringing this important therapy to the market."

Under the terms of the deal, Viking has secured dedicated manufacturing capacity for VK2735’s API and final product supply. CordenPharma will handle the fill and finish processes, including an annual commitment to manufacture 100 million autoinjectors, vials, and syringe products for the subcutaneous (SC) formulation, as well as large-scale tablet production for the oral version. Viking will make prepayments between 2025 and 2028, credited against future orders.¹

The partnership follows recent positive clinical data readouts for VK2735. In November 2024, Viking announced results from the Phase II VENTURE trial and a Phase I multiple ascending dose study, both demonstrating promising weight loss efficacy in patients with obesity. The company plans to initiate Phase III development of the SC formulation of the drug in the second quarter of 2025.²

In addition to its pipeline progress, Viking recently announced its 2024 year-end financial results, reporting a net loss of $110 million. However, the company ended the year with $903 million in cash, cash equivalents, and investments, a significant increase from $362 million at the end of 2023.³

"We are proud to support Viking Therapeutics with a strong end-to-end offering for their complex modalities, from peptide drug substance to drug product, for VK2735," said Michael Quirmbach, president and CEO of CordenPharma Group. "Our global teams are excited to provide true integration of our expertise across the pharma supply chain to meet the increasing demand for GLP-1 peptide therapeutics and ultimately improve patient outcomes."⁴

References

1. Viking Therapeutics Signs Broad Manufacturing Agreement With CordenPharma to Support Commercialization of VK2735. PR Newswire. March 11, 2025. Accessed March 11, 2025. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/viking-therapeutics-signs-broad-manufacturing-agreement-with-cordenpharma-to-support-commercialization-of-vk2735-302397853.html

2. Viking Therapeutics Presents Positive Data from VK2735 for Reducing Body Weight Effectively and Safely. PharmExec. November 4, 2024. Accessed March 11, 2025. https://www.pharmexec.com/view/viking-therapeutics-presents-positive-data-vk2735-reducing-body-weight-effectively-safely

3. Viking Therapeutics Reports Fourth Quarter and Year-End 2024 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update. Viking. February 5, 2025. Accessed March 11, 2025. https://ir.vikingtherapeutics.com/2025-02-05-Viking-Therapeutics-Reports-Fourth-Quarter-and-Year-End-2024-Financial-Results-and-Provides-Corporate-Update

4. CordenPharma and Viking Therapeutics Sign Long-Term Strategic Partnership for Integrated Supply of GLP-1 Peptides, Injectables and Oral Formulations. PR Newswire. March 11, 2025. Accessed March 11, 2025. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cordenpharma-and-viking-therapeutics-sign-long-term-strategic-partnership-for-integrated-supply-of-glp-1-peptides-injectables-and-oral-formulations-302397601.html