New Dual GIP/GLP-1 Drug VK2735 Shows Rapid Weight Loss in Phase 2 Trial | Research

The takeaway

Weekly injectable VK2735, a novel GIP/GLP-1 dual agonist, produced meaningful weight loss in just 13 weeks in adults with obesity in a phase 2 dose-ranging study.

Meaningful weight loss in 13 weeks
Multiple VK2735 dose levels showed significant weight reduction vs placebo in the VENTURE trial

What the researchers found

Weekly subcutaneous VK2735 produced significant dose-dependent weight reduction over 13 weeks, with active treatment groups showing meaningful weight loss compared to placebo.

Why it matters

More GIP/GLP-1 dual agonist options could increase competition, lower costs, and provide alternatives for patients who don't respond well to existing medications.

How the study worked

Phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study (VENTURE) of weekly subcutaneous VK2735 in adults with obesity/overweight and ≥1 comorbidity, conducted August 2023–February 2024.

What this study cannot tell us

Short 13-week duration — long-term efficacy and safety unknown. Excluded diabetes patients, limiting applicability. Phase 2 sample sizes are relatively small.

How to read the evidence

Phase 2 randomized controlled trial — strong design but small sample and short duration; phase 3 trials needed for confirmation.

When this study was published

Published in 2026; trial conducted August 2023–February 2024.

The bigger picture

VK2735 joins a growing pipeline of dual and triple receptor agonists competing with tirzepatide, potentially expanding access to this effective class of obesity medications.

Questions still open

How will VK2735 compare to tirzepatide in longer head-to-head trials?
What is the long-term safety profile of VK2735 at the highest effective doses?

Common questions

What is VK2735?

VK2735 is a new investigational weekly injection that targets both GIP and GLP-1 receptors (similar to tirzepatide) for weight management. It is being developed by Viking Therapeutics.

How does VK2735 compare to existing weight loss drugs?

Early results from the 13-week VENTURE trial are promising, but direct comparisons to tirzepatide or semaglutide will require longer head-to-head studies. VK2735 uses the same dual agonist approach as tirzepatide.

Read the original research

Weekly Subcutaneous VK2735, a GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Dual Agonist, for Weight Management: Phase 2, Randomized, 13-Week VENTURE Study.

Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.), 34(3), 537-549

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Bays, Harold E; Toth, Phillip; Alkhouri, Naim; Pullman, John; Freilich, Bradley; Neutel, Joel; Ji, Summer; Stubbe, Scott; Hedges, Parke; Lian, Brian. (2026). Weekly Subcutaneous VK2735, a GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Dual Agonist, for Weight Management: Phase 2, Randomized, 13-Week VENTURE Study.. Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.), 34(3), 537-549. https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.70106