VK2735
Also known as: Viking Dual GLP-1/GIP
Viking Therapeutics' once-weekly weight loss injection that, like tirzepatide, hits both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors. In a 13-week Phase 2 trial it produced 14.7% mean body weight loss — the steepest early loss curve recorded for any obesity drug — and Phase 3 VANQUISH trials began in 2026. An oral tablet version is also in earlier development. Viking is one of the only small biotech companies competing directly with Lilly and Novo Nordisk in the GLP-1 space.
Dosage
Fixed dose: 2.5-15 mg subcutaneous weekly (titrated; 15 mg gave maximum loss)
Dosages shown are for research reference only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Half-Life
Approximately 144-168 hours (6-7 days), supporting once-weekly dosing
Half-Life Calculator →Administration
Subcutaneous injection (once weekly); oral tablet formulation in earlier development
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Effects
Weight Loss
14.7% mean body weight loss at just 13 weeks in Phase 2 — the steepest early loss curve recorded.
Appetite Suppression
Dual GLP-1/GIP agonism activates two complementary central appetite circuits.
Glycemic Control
GIP receptor co-activation enhances insulin response beyond GLP-1 alone.
Oral Formulation
Parallel oral tablet formulation also in earlier-stage development.
Mechanism of Action
VK2735 is a once-weekly subcutaneous dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist with a structure optimised for high potency and a clean tolerability profile. Dual incretin receptor activation produces complementary effects on appetite, glucose handling, and energy expenditure: GLP-1 receptor agonism delivers central appetite suppression through hypothalamic arcuate-nucleus signalling, slows gastric emptying, and triggers glucose-dependent insulin secretion, while GIP receptor activation amplifies the insulin response, supports beta-cell function, and modulates adipose tissue lipid handling.
The molecule's pharmacokinetic profile delivers sustained receptor exposure across a one-week dosing interval, achieved through structural modifications that enable albumin binding and resistance to proteolytic degradation. In the Phase 2 VENTURE trial, the 15 mg dose produced 14.7% mean body weight loss at 13 weeks — the fastest early weight loss observed for any obesity drug, with the loss curve still descending steeply at trial end. This rapid trajectory suggests substantially greater total weight loss would be achievable with longer dosing, and Phase 3 VANQUISH trials launched in 2026 are testing 68-week treatment durations to characterise the full magnitude of effect.
Viking is also developing an oral tablet formulation of VK2735 in parallel, which entered Phase 1 in 2024-2025. If both formulations succeed, Viking would have one of the most flexible GLP-1/GIP product profiles on the market — though as a small biotech company it faces significant manufacturing and commercial scaling challenges relative to Lilly and Novo Nordisk.
Regulatory Status
Not yet FDA approved. Phase 3 VANQUISH trials enrolling in 2026 (Viking Therapeutics).
Risks & Safety
Common
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, decreased appetite, injection site reactions. Discontinuation rates in Phase 2 were broadly similar to other GLP-1/GIP dual agonists.
Serious
pancreatitis, gallstones, possible muscle mass loss.
Rare
thyroid C-cell tumour class warning, severe allergic reactions. Long-term safety being established in Phase 3.
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Research Papers
1Published: March 1, 2026
AI Summary
Viking Therapeutics' phase 2 VENTURE trial of weekly subcutaneous VK2735 reported 9-15% weight loss over just 13 weeks, depending on dose. The main side effects were gastrointestinal and tended to ease after dose escalation; this was a short trial without people with diabetes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is VK2735?
Viking Therapeutics' once-weekly weight loss injection that, like tirzepatide, hits both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors. In a 13-week Phase 2 trial it produced 14.7% mean body weight loss — the steepest early loss curve recorded for any obesity drug — and Phase 3 VANQUISH trials began in 2026. An oral tablet version is also in earlier development. Viking is one of the only small biotech companies competing directly with Lilly and Novo Nordisk in the GLP-1 space.
What is VK2735 used for?
Viking Therapeutics' once-weekly weight loss injection that, like tirzepatide, hits both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors. In a 13-week Phase 2 trial it produced 14.7% mean body weight loss — the steepest early loss curve recorded for any obesity drug — and Phase 3 VANQUISH trials began in 2026. An oral tablet version is also in earlier development. Viking is one of the only small biotech companies competing directly with Lilly and Novo Nordisk in the GLP-1 space.
What is the dosage for VK2735?
Phase 2 (subcutaneous): doses of 2.5, 5, 10, and 15 mg once weekly with stepwise escalation. The 15 mg arm produced the maximum weight loss of 14.7% at 13 weeks. Oral formulation in Phase 1: 30-100 mg daily, dose escalation ongoing.
What are the side effects of VK2735?
Common: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, decreased appetite, injection site reactions. Discontinuation rates in Phase 2 were broadly similar to other GLP-1/GIP dual agonists. Serious: pancreatitis, gallstones, possible muscle mass loss. Rare: thyroid C-cell tumour class warning, severe allergic reactions. Long-term safety being established in Phase 3.
How does VK2735 work?
VK2735 is a once-weekly subcutaneous dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist with a structure optimised for high potency and a clean tolerability profile. Dual incretin receptor activation produces complementary effects on appetite, glucose handling, and energy expenditure: GLP-1 receptor agonism delivers central appetite suppression through hypothalamic arcuate-nucleus signalling, slows gastric emptying, and triggers glucose-dependent insulin secretion, while GIP receptor activation amplifies the insulin response, supports beta-cell function, and modulates adipose tissue lipid handling. The molecule's pharmacokinetic profile delivers sustained receptor exposure across a one-week dosing interval, achieved through structural modifications that enable albumin binding and resistance to proteolytic degradation. In the Phase 2 VENTURE trial, the 15 mg dose produced 14.7% mean body weight loss at 13 weeks — the fastest early weight loss observed for any obesity drug, with the loss curve still descending steeply at trial end. This rapid trajectory suggests substantially greater total weight loss would be achievable with longer dosing, and Phase 3 VANQUISH trials launched in 2026 are testing 68-week treatment durations to characterise the full magnitude of effect. Viking is also developing an oral tablet formulation of VK2735 in parallel, which entered Phase 1 in 2024-2025. If both formulations succeed, Viking would have one of the most flexible GLP-1/GIP product profiles on the market — though as a small biotech company it faces significant manufacturing and commercial scaling challenges relative to Lilly and Novo Nordisk.
How is VK2735 administered?
VK2735 is administered via subcutaneous injection (once weekly); oral tablet formulation in earlier development.
What is the half-life of VK2735?
The half-life of VK2735 is Approximately 144-168 hours (6-7 days), supporting once-weekly dosing.
Is VK2735 legal?
Not yet FDA approved. Phase 3 VANQUISH trials enrolling in 2026 (Viking Therapeutics).
Sources. This profile is built from peer-reviewed papers indexed on PubMed, FDA-approved labelling where available, and published clinical guidelines. The 1 primary sources used are listed in the Research Papers section above, each linked to its PubMed entry. See our editorial standards for how we research and review peptide profiles.
Last reviewed. by the Peptide Reference Editorial Team. Spot an error? Email a correction.
Not medical advice. Information on this page is for educational and research reference only. Many peptides covered are not approved for human use. See our full medical disclaimer.
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