News Feature | May 28, 2014

Viking Licenses 5 Novel Therapeutics From Ligand Pharmaceuticals

By Estel Grace Masangkay

Viking Therapeutics announced that it has obtained an exclusive global license to five novel therapeutic programs from Ligand Pharmaceuticals. These include therapeutics for Type 2 diabetes and cancer cachexia, which Viking plans to advance into mid-to-late stage clinical trials.

The company will be responsible for the development of the licensed therapeutics. In addition, Viking will receive $2.5 million from Ligand as an investment to fund operating expenses.

Therapeutic candidates and programs covered by the license include:

  • FBPase inhibitor program VK0612 for Type 2 diabetes, set to enter Phase IIB clinical trial in patients with poorly-controlled T2D
  • Selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) program VK5211 for muscle wasting and treatment of cancer cachexia. The treatment is set to commence Phase II proof of concept clinical trial in patients with cancer cachexia
  • Thyroid hormone receptor-b (TRb) agonist program VK0214 for lipid disorders such as dyslipidemia and NASH. Viking is planning to lead the studies necessary for an IND filing for the drug
  • Erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) agonist program comprising orally available small molecule EPOR agonists for anemia. The company plans to hold further preclinical studies for a possible IND filing
  • Enterocyte-directed diacylglycerol acyltransferase-1 (DGAT-1) inhibitor program comprised of orally available small molecule inhibitors for dyslipidemia and obesity. Further preclinical studies are being planned in support of a possible IND filing

Brian Lian, president and CEO of Viking Therapeutics, said he believes the company has the expertise to propel the therapeutic programs with promising first- or best-in-class potential forward. “Each of the licensed programs has what we believe to be first-in-class or best-in-class characteristics and a differentiated therapeutic profile. Importantly, the portfolio fits well within Viking’s focus, as our team has an extensive history in diabetes and endocrine drug development, including two recent drug approvals. At all levels, from preclinical through pharmaceutical development, and including our CMO, we have well-aligned development expertise to bring these programs forward.”

John Higgins, president and CEO of Ligand Pharmaceuticals, said the company is on the lookout for investment opportunities to advance its research programs. “This is a creative transaction that establishes a bold portfolio of early- and mid-stage assets that have the potential to generate substantial news flow over the next 12 to 24 months and to be the basis for important new drugs in major therapeutic categories. A relationship such as this one with Viking gives Ligand the opportunity to entrust valuable internal programs to a dedicated team with the operational resources to take them to the next level.”