VK2735 (Viking Therapeutics)
Viking Therapeutics' investigational dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist with both injectable and oral formulations.
At a glance
What it is: Viking Therapeutics' investigational dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist with both injectable and oral formulations..
Primary research applications:
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes (planned)
Editorial summary: VK2735 is one of the most-watched late-stage candidates in the dual GIP/GLP-1 incretin space. Phase 2 subcutaneous data has been favorable, and Viking Therapeutics is concurrently developing an oral formulation — positioning the program as a potential dual-route competitor to tirzepatide.
- Class / structure
- Synthetic peptide co-agonist; GIP and GLP-1 receptor activity
- Half-life
- Designed for once-weekly subcutaneous dosing; oral formulation in development
- First described
- Late 2010s (Viking Therapeutics)
- Regulatory status
- Investigational — Phase 2/3
What is VK2735?
VK2735 is an investigational synthetic peptide that activates both the GIP and GLP-1 receptors — mechanistically similar to tirzepatide.
Discovery and development
VK2735 was developed by Viking Therapeutics as a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist for obesity and metabolic disease. The program has progressed through Phase 1 and Phase 2 with both subcutaneous and oral formulations under concurrent development — a notable strategic distinction in a class otherwise dominated by injectable-only molecules.
Mechanism of action
Standard dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonism: GLP-1 contributes appetite suppression, slowed gastric emptying, and glucose-dependent insulin release; GIP contributes additional adipose-tissue and central appetite effects.
Pharmacokinetics
The subcutaneous formulation is dosed weekly. The oral formulation is in earlier-stage development with formulation work focused on small-molecule-style absorption.
What the research shows
The peer-reviewed literature on VK2735 is summarized below across two tiers: human research (the highest standard), and preclinical / emerging research (animal models and early-stage human work).
Claims and the evidence behind them
This table summarizes commonly discussed claims and how the published evidence weighs in. The aim is clarity — supported claims, claims that look promising but need more data, and claims that outrun the science.
| Claim | What the evidence shows | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Produces meaningful weight loss in Phase 2 (subcutaneous) | VENTURE | Promising |
| Has a viable oral formulation | Phase 1 oral data is supportive but earlier-stage | Promising |
| Is approved for any indication | Investigational; not approved | Unsupported |
Reported user experiences
How the research describes administration
Phase 2/3 trials use weekly subcutaneous injection (subcutaneous arm); oral formulation is administered orally in earlier-phase studies.
Editorial note
Administration details above describe how the peptide is given in published studies. We summarize this for educational completeness — these descriptions are not protocols, dosing recommendations, or instructions for personal use. Decisions about treatment require an appropriately licensed clinician.
Safety considerations and open questions
The takeaway
VK2735 is a credible next-generation incretin candidate with a distinctive dual-route development strategy. Its commercial significance will depend on the magnitude and durability of Phase 3 efficacy, the success of the oral formulation, and the competitive context that retatrutide, MariTide, and the broader pipeline define.
Frequently asked questions
How does VK2735 differ from tirzepatide?
Both are dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists. The molecular structures and pharmacokinetic profiles differ; comparative efficacy and tolerability will be characterized in Phase 3 trials.
Is the oral form of VK2735 the same molecule?
The oral formulation is the same active compound, formulated for oral absorption — a different formulation strategy from peptide injectable delivery. Phase 1 oral data has been encouraging but the program is at an earlier stage than the subcutaneous arm.
References
- Viking Therapeutics. VK2735 Phase 2 (VENTURE) topline results in obesity (corporate disclosure / preliminary release; peer-reviewed publication forthcoming). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=VK2735
- Min T, Bain SC. The Role of Tirzepatide, Dual GIP and GLP-1 Receptor Agonist, in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes: The SURPASS Clinical Trials. Diabetes Ther. 2021;12(1):143-157. (Class-level reference for dual GIP/GLP-1 agonism.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33325008/
- Coskun T, et al. LY3437943, a novel triple glucagon, GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Cell Metab. 2022;34(9):1234-1247.e9. (Class-level mechanism reference.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35921817/