Viking Therapeutics announced its new Chief Commercial Officer, Neil Aubuchon, on Jan. 7, 2026. Viking is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in development of novel therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders.

“Today, novel metabolic therapeutics are revolutionizing healthcare, particularly as life-changing treatments for people with obesity,” Aubuchon said. “I am excited to join the team and continue Viking’s work to engage with stakeholders in the rapidly evolving healthcare environment to bring the company’s metabolic portfolio to patients.”

Leading Viking’s Commercial Strategy

Viking’s portfolio includes VK2735, its potentially best-in-class glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) dual agonist. VK2735 is currently in Phase III trials for obesity, according to Brian Lian, PhD, Viking’s Chief Executive Officer.

Lian said “[Aubuchon] is a perfect fit to lead our commercialization strategy for VK2735, including engagement with potential strategic partners, representing a key step in our preparation for commercial success.”

Aubuchon’s Officer Experience

In joining Viking as Chief Commercial Officer, Aubuchon assumes the same post he previously held with AbCellera. Before that, he was global marketing lead for the general medicine early portfolio at Amgen. In that position, he developed an integrated strategy for Amgen’s non-oncology therapeutic areas, and led commercial strategy for more than 10 programs.

Prior to his work at AbCellera and Amgen, Aubuchon spent almost 17 years with Eli Lilly and Company. At Lilly, Aubuchon was chief marketing officer in both Australia and Japan, vice president of Lilly Bio-Medicines in Japan, and head of strategy and operations for Lilly Bio-Medicines globally.

Oral GLP-1 Progress

In March 2025, Viking Therapeutics entered a manufacturing agreement with CordenPharma covering active pharmaceutical ingredient and final finished product supply for VK2735. At the time, VK2735 was in a Phase II trial, dosed as an oral tablet once daily for 13 weeks.

To date, one oral GLP-1 has gained approval for weight management. The FDA approved Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy in late December 2025.