Viking Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:VKTX) a clinical-stage biopharma firm focused on the advancement of novel treatments for endocrine and metabolic disorders, reported a deal with PoC Capital, LLC to support company’s preliminary clinical advancement of VK2809 in GSD Ia. The company intends to submit an Investigational New Drug application for VK2809 for the cure of GSD Ia and start a human proof-of-concept trial in 2H2017.
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Under the terms of the deal, PoC Capital will be accountable for compensating up to $1.8 million in costs linked with VK2809 clinical trials, comprising an intended proof-of-concept study in people with GSD Ia. In lieu, up to $1.8 million in VKTX shares will be released to PoC Capital. Viking’s deal with PoC Capital comes after the firm’s recent update of positive top-line report from a proof-of-concept trial of ‘VK2809’ in an in vivo plan of GSD Ia.
The study report performed under a sponsored research deal between Viking and Duke University, showed that treatment with VK2809 resulted in statistically notable declines in major metabolic markers of GSD Ia. Also, mean liver triglyceride content was lowered by over 60% in VK2809-cured animals relative to vehicle-cured control animals, while mean liver weight was lowered by over 30% versus controls.
Moreover, average liver weight as a part of total body weight dropped by almost 20% in treated versus control animals. The current trial is continuing to assess the impact of VK2809 on the disease markers. Detailed report will be presented at a suitable scientific conference.
Brian Lian, Ph.D., the CEO of Viking, reported that they are delighted to enter into this deal with PoC Capital as it will permit them to conduct the preliminary clinical work assessing VK2809 in GSD Ia in a capital effective manner. They consider GSD Ia as an interesting development prospect for VK2809, where they can leverage previous human data demonstrating the drug candidate’s strong effect on plasma triglycerides, and recent report showing promising efficacy in an animal plan of the disease.
