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    VK2735

    Medium Evidence

    An investigational oral and injectable GLP-1/GIP dual agonist showing 12.2% oral weight loss at 13 weeks at ECO 2026 and 14.7% injectable weight loss, with Phase 3 VANQUISH trials fully enrolled.

    AliasesViking 2735
    EvidenceMedium Evidence
    Last Updated 2026-05-25
    Reading Time 3 min

    What It Is

    VK2735 is a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist developed by Viking Therapeutics, available in both injectable and oral formulations. In the Phase 2 VENTURE trial (published in Obesity, January 2026), weekly subcutaneous VK2735 achieved up to 14.7% body weight loss from baseline after just 13 weeks with no plateau observed — one of the steepest weight-loss trajectories in the class. At ECO 2026 in Istanbul (May 12–15), Viking presented full 13-week data from the Phase 2 VENTURE-Oral Dosing trial: the highest oral dose achieved 12.2% mean weight loss (26.6 lbs) from baseline at Week 13, with up to 97% of treated participants achieving ≥5% weight loss versus 10% on placebo, and up to 80% achieving ≥10% versus 5% on placebo. Notably, an exploratory maintenance cohort showed that participants who rapidly titrated to 90 mg daily, then down-titrated to 30 mg daily, maintained their weight reduction — a key finding for long-term dosing strategy. Viking has completed enrollment for both Phase 3 studies: VANQUISH-1 (approximately 4,650 adults with obesity) and VANQUISH-2 (approximately 1,000 adults with T2D and obesity/overweight, enrollment completed March 2026). Both are 78-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. Participants in both VANQUISH studies have transitioned to an auto-injector device, and the maintenance dosing study has expanded from 4 to 8 dosing arms. Viking plans to initiate the oral VK2735 Phase 3 trial in Q4 2026, pending manufacturing scale-up. Results from the maintenance dosing study are expected Q3 2026. VK2735's rapid trajectory from Phase 2 to dual Phase 3 programs makes it one of the most closely watched obesity candidates behind retatrutide.

    Also known as: Viking 2735

    Regulatory Status

    Investigational — Phase 3

    VANQUISH-1 and VANQUISH-2 enrollment completed. ECO 2026 VENTURE-Oral poster showed 12.2% weight loss and maintenance data. Maintenance study expanded to 8 arms, results expected Q3 2026. Oral VK2735 Phase 3 planned Q4 2026.

    Effective: May 2026

    View FDA Source

    Why Researchers Study It

    VK2735 is notable for combining GLP-1 and GIP dual agonism in an oral formulation, potentially offering the efficacy advantages of dual agonism (similar to tirzepatide) without requiring injections. The rapid 13-week weight loss trajectory suggests potent activity, though tolerability optimization remains key for Phase 3.

    Proposed Mechanisms

    • Dual agonism of GLP-1 and GIP receptors for synergistic appetite suppression
    • GIP receptor activation enhances insulin sensitivity and may improve fat metabolism
    • GLP-1 receptor activation reduces appetite and slows gastric emptying
    • Oral formulation designed for once-daily dosing convenience

    Evidence Snapshot

    Medium Evidence
    Low
    Medium
    High
    Study Type Model Outcome Link
    Human (Phase 2, VENTURE-Oral) Once-daily oral VK2735 in adults with obesity, 13 weeks Up to 12.2% weight loss from baseline (10.9% placebo-adjusted); progressive loss with no plateau at 13 weeks Source
    Human (Phase 2, VENTURE) Injectable VK2735 in adults with obesity, published Obesity 2026 Significant weight loss with injectable formulation; results published in Obesity journal Source
    Human (Phase 3, VANQUISH-2) Subcutaneous VK2735 in adults with obesity, enrollment completed April 2026 Results expected Q3 2026 Source
    Phase 2 (VENTURE, published) Weekly SC VK2735 in adults with obesity, 13 weeks (N=175) Up to 14.7% body weight loss from baseline; 97% achieved ≥5% loss vs 10% placebo; 80% achieved ≥10% vs 5% placebo Source
    Human (Phase 2, VENTURE-Oral — ECO 2026 poster) Once-daily oral VK2735 in adults with obesity, 13 weeks (N=280); includes maintenance cohort 12.2% mean weight loss at highest dose; 97% achieved ≥5% loss vs 10% placebo; 80% achieved ≥10% vs 5% placebo. Maintenance cohort maintained weight loss after down-titration from 90 mg to 30 mg daily. Source

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    Safety & Cautions

    • Phase 3 trials ongoing; not yet approved in any jurisdiction
    • 28% discontinuation rate in oral Phase 2 trial due to adverse events — tolerability concerns
    • Gastrointestinal side effects are the primary adverse events
    • Long-term safety and efficacy data not yet available
    • Stock price volatility reflects uncertainty around oral tolerability

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    Citations

    1. [1] Viking Therapeutics — VENTURE-Oral Phase 2 top-line results PubMed
    2. [2] Viking Therapeutics — VENTURE Phase 2 published in Obesity, January 2026 PubMed
    3. [3] Viking Therapeutics — VANQUISH-2 Phase 3 enrollment completion, April 2026 PubMed
    4. [4] Weekly Subcutaneous VK2735, a GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Dual Agonist, for Weight Management: Phase 2 VENTURE Study — Obesity (Wiley). January 2026 PubMed
    5. [5] Viking Therapeutics Announces Completion of Enrollment in Phase 3 VANQUISH-2 Trial — PR Newswire. March 2026 PubMed
    6. [6] Viking Therapeutics — Two poster presentations at ECO 2026 (Istanbul). May 2026 PubMed
    7. [7] Viking outlines 52-week VANQUISH extension and plans oral VK2735 Phase III start in Q4 2026 — Seeking Alpha PubMed
    8. [8] Viking Therapeutics — VENTURE-Oral Phase 2 full data at ECO 2026. May 12, 2026 PubMed

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