VK2735 is a dual agonist of the GIP and GLP-1 receptors developed by Viking Therapeutics, with both subcutaneous weekly and oral daily formulations in clinical development [1].
VENTURE Phase 2 (Subcutaneous)
The 13-week VENTURE trial reported mean weight reduction of up to 14.7% from baseline in the highest dose cohort, versus 1.7% with placebo, published in Obesity in January 2026 [1]. The investigators saw no indication of a plateau at week 13, suggesting weight loss may continue with longer treatment [1].
VENTURE-Oral Phase 2
Oral VK2735 produced up to 12.2% mean weight reduction over 13 weeks in dose-ranging Phase 2 data presented at the European Congress on Obesity 2026. The oral version is a tablet formulation of the same peptide used in the weekly injection [1], rather than a separate small molecule, which Viking says would allow patients to move from injection to tablet using the same active agent.
VANQUISH Phase 3
The VANQUISH program comprises two registrational Phase 3 trials of subcutaneous VK2735:
- VANQUISH-1: Adults with obesity, or overweight with a weight-related condition, primary endpoint at 78 weeks
- VANQUISH-2: Adults with obesity or overweight and type 2 diabetes, primary endpoint at 78 weeks
Enrolment for VANQUISH-1 completed in November 2025 and for VANQUISH-2 in March 2026, with both studies expected to complete in 2027 (Viking, March 2026).
Comparative Positioning
VK2735 sits in the same mechanistic class as Tirzepatide (GIP and GLP-1 dual agonism). Researchers comparing the two compounds typically focus on receptor binding kinetics, downstream signalling bias, and body-mass trajectory differences in head-to-head preclinical work.
Research Availability
See the VK2735 research profile for receptor pharmacology, clinical-register status and citations, plus availability notifications. VK2735 is not currently distributed as a research-grade peptide. Comparative work in the dual incretin class is conducted with Tirzepatide, which remains the reference molecule for GIP/GLP-1 receptor research. Pair with Cagrilintide for amylin co-agonism work.
References
- [1] Bays HE, et al. "Weekly Subcutaneous VK2735, a GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Dual Agonist, for Weight Management: Phase 2, Randomized, 13-Week VENTURE Study." Obesity (Silver Spring). 2026;34(3):537-549. PubMed 41508550