VK2735
Viking Therapeutics' dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist in late-stage development for obesity, available in subcutaneous weekly (Phase 3) and oral daily (Phase 2) formulations — positioned as a direct competitor to tirzepatide.
What is VK2735?
VK2735 is Viking Therapeutics' investigational dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist developed for chronic weight management in adults with obesity. Pharmacologically it sits in the same class as tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) — both bind and activate GLP-1 and GIP receptors to produce additive insulinotropic, glucagonostatic, and central anorectic effects. Viking has developed both a once-weekly subcutaneous formulation (in Phase 3 VANQUISH program as of 2025–2026) and a once-daily oral formulation (in Phase 2 development), positioning VK2735 to compete with tirzepatide on efficacy while offering an additional oral pathway. Phase 2 VENTURE (SC, 13 weeks) demonstrated mean body weight reductions of 14.7% at the 15 mg dose versus 1.7% with placebo, with a tolerability profile broadly consistent with the GLP-1/GIP class.
What VK2735 Is Investigated For
VK2735 is Viking Therapeutics' Phase 3 dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist for obesity, positioned as a direct competitor to tirzepatide in the same therapeutic mechanism. The strongest evidence is the 2026 Phase 2 VENTURE trial (Obesity 2026): 13-week subcutaneous VK2735 produced dose-dependent body weight reductions of up to 14.7% at the 15 mg dose versus 1.7% with placebo — a notable efficacy signal at a shorter timeframe than tirzepatide's standard 72-week pivotal trials, suggesting comparable long-term effects in larger Phase 3 trials. The Phase 3 VANQUISH program (subcutaneous) is enrolling for FDA filing in 2026–2027. A parallel oral VK2735 program reached Phase 2 in 2025 with Phase 3 anticipated to follow. The honest caveats: long-term cardiovascular, renal, and weight-maintenance outcomes data is not yet available; head-to-head versus tirzepatide has not been conducted; and the competitive positioning vs. semaglutide, tirzepatide, retatrutide, and other emerging agents will depend on dose, formulation, and access factors as much as on raw efficacy.
History & Discovery
VK2735 emerged from Viking Therapeutics' peptide drug discovery program, with initial subcutaneous Phase 1 results reported in 2023 demonstrating dose-dependent weight loss in obese adults. The Phase 2 VENTURE trial (13-week SC) read out in 2025–2026 with substantial weight reduction supporting the dual GLP-1/GIP mechanism in this molecule. The Phase 3 VANQUISH program initiated in 2025–2026 with multiple pivotal trials anticipated to support FDA filing in 2026–2027. In parallel, Viking developed an oral VK2735 formulation that reached Phase 1 in 2024 and Phase 2 in 2025, with reported subjective and objective weight reductions in obese adults. The competitive positioning has been clear from the start: VK2735 is designed to compete directly with tirzepatide on the same dual-agonist mechanism, with the added oral option as a differentiation point. As of mid-2026, the molecule has not been FDA-approved, but the Phase 3 data is anticipated to support broad use in obesity management.
How It Works
VK2735 is a weekly (injectable) or daily (oral) drug that activates two gut hormone receptors at once — GLP-1 and GIP. This combination tells your body to release insulin when blood sugar is high, slows down stomach emptying so you feel full longer, and reduces appetite through brain signaling. The result is substantial weight loss similar to tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound).
VK2735 binds and activates both the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) — the same dual mechanism as tirzepatide. The integrated signaling produces glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppression of inappropriate glucagon release, slowed gastric emptying, and central anorectic effects through hypothalamic and brainstem GLP-1 receptor populations. The GIP component contributes additional insulinotropic effect beyond pure GLP-1 agonism and appears to contribute to the enhanced weight loss seen with dual agonists compared to GLP-1 monotherapy. The pharmacology is qualitatively similar to tirzepatide; specific receptor selectivity ratios and binding affinities for VK2735 have not been fully published. The subcutaneous VK2735 formulation has a half-life supporting once-weekly dosing through engineered modifications (lipidation or similar). The oral formulation uses bioavailability-enhancing approaches similar to oral semaglutide (SNAC-based) or alternative peptide-oral-delivery strategies.
Evidence Snapshot
Human Clinical Evidence
Strong for Phase 2; Phase 3 enrolling. VENTURE trial (Phase 2, Obesity 2026) demonstrated 14.7% body weight reduction at 13 weeks with 15 mg subcutaneous dosing.
Animal / Preclinical
Comprehensive. GLP-1/GIP dual agonist biology is well-characterized through extensive preclinical work with tirzepatide and related agents.
Mechanistic Rationale
Very strong. The GLP-1/GIP dual receptor agonist mechanism is one of the best-validated in obesity medicine through tirzepatide's clinical success.
Research Gaps & Open Questions
What the current literature has not yet settled about VK2735:
- 01Long-term cardiovascular outcomes — Phase 3 efficacy is anticipated but parallel-to-SELECT cardiovascular outcomes trial has not been completed.
- 02Renal outcomes — parallel-to-FLOW data for diabetic kidney disease is not yet available.
- 03Head-to-head efficacy vs. tirzepatide — direct comparison has not been performed.
- 04Long-term weight maintenance — Phase 2 data is at 13 weeks; sustained efficacy over years remains to be established.
- 05Oral VK2735 vs. injectable VK2735 — comparative pharmacology and clinical effects not yet directly compared.
- 06Real-world access and cost will depend on Viking's commercialization strategy following potential FDA approval.
Forms & Administration
Subcutaneous injection (once weekly, Phase 3) or oral tablet (once daily, Phase 2). Investigational. Not commercially available as of mid-2026 — anticipated FDA filing in 2026–2027 following Phase 3 VANQUISH readouts.
Dosing & Protocols
The ranges below reflect protocols commonly discussed in the literature and by clinicians — not a prescription. Actual dosing for any individual should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider who knows the patient.
Typical Range
Phase 3 dosing for subcutaneous VK2735 follows a dose escalation pattern similar to tirzepatide, with reported doses in Phase 2 trials of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg weekly. Final commercial dose range will be established post-Phase 3. Oral VK2735 Phase 2 dosing has used once-daily oral administration with specific doses pending publication.
Frequency
Subcutaneous: once weekly. Oral: once daily. Final commercial dosing regimens to be established post-regulatory review.
Timing Considerations
No specific timing requirements: can be administered at any time of day, with or without food, and is not tied to exercise timing. Consistency matters more than the specific clock — dose at roughly the same time each day (or same day each week, for weekly protocols) to keep exposure steady.
Cycle Length
Chronic indefinite therapy for obesity management, consistent with the GLP-1/GIP class. No cycling.
Protocol Notes
Dose escalation will follow a stepwise pattern similar to tirzepatide and semaglutide to minimize gastrointestinal tolerability issues, particularly nausea during initiation. Discontinuation typically leads to weight regain over months as with other GLP-1-based therapies. The oral VK2735 formulation, if approved, would offer a differentiation point versus injectable tirzepatide and would compete with oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) and oral orforglipron in the oral obesity drug space. Oral GLP-1/GIP dual agonist agents have not previously been on market.
VK2735 is investigational and not FDA-approved as of mid-2026. Weight management with GLP-1/GIP agonist therapy requires evaluation by a qualified clinician familiar with the class.
Timeline of Effects
Onset
Phase 2 trials documented weight reductions emerging within 4 weeks of treatment initiation, accumulating over the 13-week treatment period. Phase 3 trials will assess longer-term trajectory.
Peak Effect
Phase 2 13-week peak was approximately 14.7% body weight reduction at the 15 mg dose, with continuing reduction expected in Phase 3 trials extending to 48–72 weeks consistent with tirzepatide SURMOUNT design.
After Discontinuation
Weight regain expected over months following discontinuation, consistent with the GLP-1/GIP class. Specific characterization pending Phase 3 follow-up.
Common Questions
Who VK2735 Is NOT For
- •Pregnancy — limited safety data; not appropriate during conception or pregnancy.
- •Breastfeeding — limited data.
- •Pediatric use — Phase 3 program focuses on adults; pediatric data not established.
- •Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) — boxed warning anticipated for the class.
- •Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2) — same rationale.
- •Severe gastroparesis or significant gastrointestinal motility disorders — anticipated relative contraindication.
- •History of severe or recurrent pancreatitis — class precaution.
Drug & Supplement Interactions
Class-level interactions anticipated for VK2735 will mirror those of tirzepatide and semaglutide. Slowed gastric emptying may alter absorption of co-administered oral medications, particularly narrow-therapeutic-index agents. Concurrent use with insulin or sulfonylureas may require downward titration to reduce hypoglycemia risk. Other GLP-1 receptor agonists should not be co-administered. Specific interaction studies will inform labeling at approval.
Safety Profile
Common Side Effects
Cautions
- • Investigational — not FDA-approved as of mid-2026
- • Class precautions apply (pancreatitis, gallbladder, MTC boxed warning)
- • Long-term cardiovascular and renal outcomes not yet available
What We Don't Know
Long-term safety beyond Phase 2 trial duration is not yet characterized. Cardiovascular outcomes trial parallel to SELECT (semaglutide) has not been conducted.
Legal Status
United States
Investigational — not FDA-approved as of mid-2026. Phase 3 VANQUISH program ongoing. Anticipated FDA filing in 2026–2027.
International
Investigational across major regulators as of mid-2026.
Sports & Competition
Not specifically named on the WADA Prohibited List. The GLP-1/GIP class as a whole is not currently named; athletes in weight-class sports should verify with their governing body.
Regulatory status changes over time. Verify current local rules with a qualified professional.
Myths & Misconceptions
Myth
VK2735 is the same drug as tirzepatide.
Reality
Both are GLP-1/GIP dual receptor agonists, but they are distinct molecules with different chemistry, potentially different receptor binding affinities, and different formulation paths (VK2735 has both SC and oral; tirzepatide is SC only). Pharmacologically similar in class, but pharmacokinetically and chemically distinct.
Myth
Phase 2 VENTURE showed 14.7% weight loss in 13 weeks, so Phase 3 will show 30%+.
Reality
Linear extrapolation from short Phase 2 trials to long Phase 3 outcomes is unreliable. Weight loss typically plateaus over time as homeostatic responses adapt. Tirzepatide Phase 2 showed ~13–14% at 12 weeks and Phase 3 SURMOUNT-1 reached ~21% at 72 weeks. VK2735 Phase 3 outcomes should be expected in a similar range, not dramatically higher.
Myth
Oral VK2735 will replace injectable obesity drugs.
Reality
Oral GLP-1-class drugs have been available (Rybelsus oral semaglutide) without displacing injectable options, due to dosing complexity, absorption variability, and efficacy differences. Oral VK2735 will likely complement rather than replace injectable formulations.
Published Research
1 studyQuick Facts
- Class
- GLP-1 / GIP Dual Receptor Agonist
- Tier
- B
- Evidence
- Strong
- Safety
- Moderate Data
- Updated
- May 2026
- Citations
- 1PubMed
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Clinical Trials
View Clinical TrialsLinks to ClinicalTrials.gov for reference. Listing does not imply endorsement.