Viking Therapeutics GLP-1/GIP Agonist
Evidence Grade E — Very limited evidence. 1 published studies. 4 registered clinical trials.
VK2735 is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist from the smaller biotech company Viking Therapeutics, with both injectable and oral formulations in development. The injectable version showed remarkably rapid weight loss in Phase II — 14.7% in just 13 weeks — a pace that suggests even greater results would be expected with longer treatment. Phase III trials are underway.
1 published studies: 1 human, 0 animal, 0 in-vitro, 0 reviews
VK2735 is in Phase II/III development (not yet approved). The VENTURE Phase II subcutaneous trial (176 patients, 13 weeks) showed 14.7% weight loss at the highest dose — a notably rapid rate for such a short treatment period. An oral tablet formulation is also in Phase II development.
VK2735's rapid weight loss in a short trial period is its most notable feature to date. Whether this trajectory is sustained in longer trials is a key question. The development of both injectable and oral formulations provides strategic flexibility. Phase III trials are planned.
VK2735 activates both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, mechanistically similar to tirzepatide. The combined receptor activation produces synergistic effects on appetite suppression, insulin secretion, and metabolic regulation. Specific details of the molecular design have not been disclosed.
Phase II subcutaneous results (176 patients, 13 weeks) showed 14.7% weight loss at the highest dose, with no apparent plateau — suggesting more would follow with continued treatment. An oral tablet formulation showed 12.2% at 13 weeks, also highly competitive. Phase III enrolment (VANQUISH-1, approximately 4,650 patients, 78 weeks) was completed ahead of schedule in November 2025, with results expected in 2027. The short 13-week Phase II treatment duration is both the source of excitement (impressive trajectory) and the main limitation (longer-term efficacy unconfirmed). Viking's small company size relative to competitors like Lilly and Novo Nordisk presents potential commercialisation challenges.
VK2735 for Weight Management Type 2 Diabetes Phase 3 (VANQUISH 2)
VK2735 for Weight Management Phase 3
VK2735 for Weight Management Phase 2 (Venture Oral Dosing)
VK2735 for Weight Management Phase 2
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Liraglutide is marketed as Victoza for type 2 diabetes (approved 2010) and Saxenda for weight management (approved 2014). The LEADER trial, involving over 9,300 patients followed for nearly four years, established that liraglutide reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events by 13% — a landmark finding that helped establish GLP-1 treatments as a class with heart benefits. Saxenda is also approved for adolescents aged 12 and older. While historically significant, liraglutide has been substantially surpassed by newer agents. In a direct comparison, semaglutide achieved 15.8% weight loss compared to liraglutide's 6.4%. Liraglutide remains relevant as a lower-intensity option and as a benchmark against which newer treatments are measured. It has over a decade of real-world safety data, making it one of the best-understood medications in this class.
Setmelanotide is marketed as Imcivree (Rhythm Pharmaceuticals; approved November 2020 for POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR deficiency; June 2022 for Bardet-Biedl syndrome; December 2024 expanded to patients aged 2 years and older). Genetic testing confirming an eligible mutation is required before treatment. In patients with POMC or PCSK1 deficiency, approximately 80% achieved at least 10% weight loss in clinical trials. In Bardet-Biedl syndrome, 32.3% achieved the same threshold. The most common side effects are injection-site reactions and skin darkening (due to the melanocortin pathway's connection to pigmentation). Setmelanotide exemplifies precision medicine — it is highly effective in the specific genetic populations it targets but is not indicated for common obesity.
HGH Fragment 176-191 has no marketing authorisation. A Phase IIa trial in obesity (approximately 300 patients) failed to demonstrate statistically significant weight loss at any dose tested. The clinical development programme was discontinued. The disconnect between animal data (which showed significant fat reduction in obese mice) and the failed human trial is the defining feature of this compound's development history. Products available through unregulated channels lack pharmaceutical quality assurance. The failed Phase II trial represents the highest level of clinical evidence available.
