VK2735

Last Updated: August 2026

VK2735 is an investigational, long-acting dual agonist of the GLP-1 and GIP receptors developed by Viking Therapeutics — mechanistically the same twincretin lever as tirzepatide. It is being developed in both oral tablet and subcutaneous formulations using the same active agent, and is positioned as a potential first dual GLP-1/GIP agonist available in both routes. It is not approved and not commercially available — it exists only within clinical trials.

What is VK2735 and why does dual GLP-1/GIP agonism matter?

VK2735 activates both incretin receptors — GLP-1 and GIP — which in the tirzepatide precedent produces greater weight loss than GLP-1 alone. It binds GLP-1R and GIP-R with high affinity and carries a side chain that extends its half-life for weekly subcutaneous dosing (and a separate oral formulation).

What does the clinical evidence show?

In the 13-week Phase 2 VENTURE trial, weekly subcutaneous VK2735 produced mean weight loss of up to 14.7% from baseline with no signs of plateau, with the majority of adverse events mild or moderate and discontinuation rates well-balanced against placebo; the full results were published in the peer-reviewed journal Obesity in January 2026.1 source The once-daily oral tablet's 13-week Phase 2 (VENTURE-Oral: 280 adults, 15–120 mg) reached 12.2% mean weight loss at the top dose versus 1.3% on placebo (10.9% placebo-adjusted), with up to 80% of treated participants losing at least 10% versus 5% on placebo — company-reported topline, not yet peer-reviewed; the dataset has so far been presented at conferences (European Congress on Obesity 2026) rather than published. As of August 2026, both subcutaneous Phase 3 trials are fully enrolled and ongoing: VANQUISH-1 (obesity, ~4,500 participants, enrollment completed November 2025) and VANQUISH-2 (obesity with type 2 diabetes, ~1,000 participants, enrollment completed in the first quarter of 2026), each a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial dosing weekly for 78 weeks. Viking's July 2026 guidance puts the oral tablet's Phase 3 start in the fourth quarter of 2026, alongside an ongoing Phase 1 maintenance-dosing study (~180 adults, started October 2025). With 78-week treatment periods still running, Phase 3 data have not been reported and no marketing application had been filed as of August 2026.1 source Evidence level: Phase 2 complete (published); Phase 3 ongoing — not approved.

What are the known side effects and safety concerns?

Reported adverse events were predominantly the expected GLP-1-class gastrointestinal effects, generally mild-to-moderate and early. In the published subcutaneous Phase 2, treatment and study discontinuation rates in VK2735 arms were well-balanced against placebo.1 source In the oral VENTURE-Oral topline (company-reported, not yet peer-reviewed), tolerability was the weaker spot: 20% of VK2735-treated participants discontinued treatment for adverse events versus 13% on placebo, with nausea in 58% versus 48% and vomiting in 26% versus 10% — though 99% of gastrointestinal events were graded mild or moderate. As an investigational agent, its full safety profile awaits Phase 3. Evidence level: Phase 2.

What is the regulatory status, and why is verification critical here?

VK2735 is not approved by the FDA or any other regulator, anywhere, as of August 2026 — it exists only inside Viking Therapeutics' clinical-trial program, and no marketing application has been filed.1 source VK2735 is investigational and not available by any legitimate route — so any "VK2735" sold through research-chemical vendors is, by definition, not sourced from the developer and its identity and purity are entirely unverified. For pre-approval pipeline compounds, the core question isn't dosing — it's whether the vial contains the actual molecule at all. There is no reference product to compare a gray-market vial against; for an investigational compound, independent identity confirmation and net-content testing are the only meaningful buyer signals. See the risks of the grey-market peptide supply chain. See the legal status guide.

How does Peptigrity verify VK2735?

Peptigrity collects independent third-party Certificates of Analysis for VK2735 from shops' official channels and verifies each for authenticity before publishing. Because shops choose which COAs to publish, results reflect the batches shops have made public rather than every production batch — a selection bias we state openly. A community-funded Testing Grant to purchase and test vials anonymously is in development. Tests in the database come from independent labs such as Janoshik Analytical, Freedom Diagnostics, and Chromate. For an unapproved compound, independent identity confirmation is the only signal that matters — and no independent VK2735 lab tests are on file yet (verified August 2026). The trust score weights lab purity and reviews equally (50/50). Track new results at independent VK2735 lab tests. See how to read lab results.

This section is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. VK2735 is not approved by the FDA or equivalent regulators for human use. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any peptide or research compound. Peptigrity is an independent review platform and does not sell, endorse, or recommend specific products or vendors.