Metabolic/Weight

VK2735

Research Reagent · Laboratory Use Only

Quick Answer

What does research show about VK2735 for weight loss?

VK2735 is Viking Therapeutics' dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist peptide, available in both subcutaneous and oral tablet formulations. In the Phase 2 VENTURE trial (Obesity, 2026), weekly subcutaneous VK2735 produced up to 14.7% mean weight loss at 13 weeks versus placebo. The oral formulation achieved up to 12.2% weight loss at 13 weeks. Phase 3 VANQUISH-1 and VANQUISH-2 trials are ongoing with topline data expected in 2027.

PMID41508550↗DOI10.1002/oby.70106↗⟳ Reconstitution Calculator
Scientific AbstractPMID 41508550 · 2026

VK2735 is a dual glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist peptide developed by Viking Therapeutics, administered either by once-weekly subcutaneous injection or as a once-daily oral tablet. 7% from baseline at 13 weeks versus placebo, with a primarily gastrointestinal adverse event profile that decreased in frequency with continued dosing. 2% mean weight loss at 13 weeks with a strong dose response.

Viking initiated the Phase 3 VANQUISH program in mid-2025: VANQUISH-1 (NCT07104500) in adults with obesity or overweight completed enrollment of approximately 4,500 participants in November 2025, and VANQUISH-2 (NCT07104383) in adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity/overweight completed enrollment of approximately 1,000 participants in March 2026. Both are 78-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials assessing weight loss and safety, with topline Phase 3 data anticipated in 2027.

Source:10.1002/oby.70106
Mechanistic Research SummaryCurated from PubMed

This data is for laboratory research purposes only. Not for human or animal consumption.

What is VK2735?

VK2735 is a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist peptide developed by Viking Therapeutics, in development for obesity and type 2 diabetes. It is unique among leading candidates in this class for having both a once-weekly subcutaneous injectable formulation and a once-daily oral tablet formulation in active Phase 2/3 development, positioning it as a potential direct competitor to tirzepatide (Zepbound/Mounjaro).

Mechanism of Action

VK2735 activates both the GLP-1 receptor and the GIP receptor, combining appetite suppression, slowed gastric emptying, and glucose-dependent insulin secretion (GLP-1) with complementary insulinotropic and adipocyte-modulating effects (GIP). Fatty-acid conjugation extends its half-life to support once-weekly subcutaneous dosing; a separate oral tablet formulation uses an absorption-enhancing excipient platform.

Observed Clinical Results

  • Phase 2 VENTURE (subcutaneous) (Obesity, 2026; PMID 41508550): Up to 14.7% mean weight loss from baseline at 13 weeks across dose groups vs placebo; primary and secondary endpoints met.
  • Phase 2 VENTURE-Oral Dosing (NCT06828055): Up to 12.2% mean weight loss at 13 weeks with the oral tablet formulation, presented at ECO 2026.
  • Phase 3 VANQUISH-1 (NCT07104500): ~4,500 participants with obesity/overweight; enrollment completed November 2025; 78-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design.
  • Phase 3 VANQUISH-2 (NCT07104383): ~1,000 participants with type 2 diabetes and obesity/overweight; enrollment completed March 2026.

Regulatory Status

Investigational — no regulatory approval as of June 2026. Phase 3 VANQUISH program ongoing with topline data expected 2027. Not eligible for 503A compounding as an investigational peptide.

Clinical Research Parameters
4 trials1 human study

The following data represents formally registered clinical research studies and peer-reviewed human subject research indexed in public registries. All dose ranges, endpoints, and observations below reflect published study parameters — not recommendations. For research reference only.

Registered Clinical Trials
ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
NCT06068946 ↗
COMPLETEDPhase IIn=176

VK2735 for Weight Management (VENTURE)

VENTURE is a 13-week, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 study evaluating once-weekly subcutaneous VK2735 in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with at least one weight-related comorbidity. Enrollment was expanded from 125 to 176 participants due to strong interest. Published in Obesity (2026, PMID 41508550): all active doses significantly reduced body weight, with the highest dose achieving 14.7% mean weight loss from baseline at 13 weeks. Adverse events were primarily gastrointestinal and decreased in frequency with continued dosing.

Study Interventions
VK2735 (low dose), VK2735 (mid dose), VK2735 (high dose), Placebo
Primary Endpoints
Percent change in body weight from baseline at week 13; Safety and tolerability
Study Period
2023-09 → 2024-03
NCT06828055 ↗
COMPLETEDPhase IIn=280

VK2735 for Weight Management (VENTURE Oral Dosing)

VENTURE-Oral Dosing is a 13-week, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 trial of the once-daily oral tablet formulation of VK2735 in adults with obesity or overweight. Topline results announced August 2025 and presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO) 2026 showed up to 12.2% mean weight loss from baseline at 13 weeks with a strong dose response, supporting advancement of the oral formulation alongside the injectable.

Study Interventions
VK2735 oral tablet (multiple dose levels), Placebo
Primary Endpoints
Percent change in body weight from baseline at week 13; Safety and tolerability
Study Period
2024-11 → 2025-06
NCT07104500 ↗
ACTIVE NOT RECRUITINGPhase IIIn=4,500

VK2735 for Weight Management (VANQUISH-1)

VANQUISH-1 is a Phase 3, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre trial evaluating once-weekly subcutaneous VK2735 in approximately 4,500 adults with obesity or overweight and weight-related comorbidities, dosed for 78 weeks. Enrollment completed November 2025. Primary endpoint is percent change in body weight from baseline; secondary endpoints include physical function, mental health, and productivity measures. Topline data anticipated 2027.

Study Interventions
VK2735, Placebo
Primary Endpoints
Percent change in body weight from baseline at week 78
Study Period
2025-06 → 2027-06
NCT07104383 ↗
ACTIVE NOT RECRUITINGPhase IIIn=1,000

VK2735 for Weight Management in Type 2 Diabetes (VANQUISH-2)

VANQUISH-2 is a Phase 3, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluating once-weekly subcutaneous VK2735 for 78 weeks in approximately 1,000 adults with type 2 diabetes who have obesity or are overweight. Enrollment completed March 2026. Co-primary endpoints assess body weight and HbA1c change from baseline.

Study Interventions
VK2735, Placebo
Primary Endpoints
Percent change in body weight from baseline; Change in HbA1c from baseline
Study Period
2025-08 → 2027-08
Research Compliance Notice

All data presented on this page is for laboratory research purposes only. VK2735 is referenced here as a research reagent. This page does not constitute medical advice, clinical guidance, or endorsement of any compound for human or animal use. All referenced studies are available via PubMed (PMID: 41508550) and the DOI-linked journal publication. Researchers must consult applicable institutional and regulatory frameworks before conducting any protocols.

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