Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) said Tuesday its subcutaneous VK2735 showed "superior weight maintenance" under less frequent dosing regiments compared to placebo over a 12-week period in a clinical study.

Participants randomized to monthly dosing regimens preserved up to 90% of mean weight loss achieved during the induction period, the company said.

VK2735 also demonstrated an "encouraging safety and tolerability profile," Viking said.

The company said it plans to explore oral dosing regimens in part 2 of the study.

Shares of Viking Therapeutics were up more than 36% in premarket trading.