VK2735 Oral Tablet and Injection Explained: Viking’s Dual-Action Weight Loss Drug
VK2735 is one of the most talked-about investigational weight loss drugs in development. Its developer, Viking Therapeutics, is testing it in two forms: a weekly injection and a daily pill. Interest in the VK2735 oral tablet has grown especially fast, because it could become the first pill of its kind. This guide explains both forms, what the trials have shown, and what it means for patients in Rochester, New York.
At Vital Health Medical Care in Pittsford, Dr. Sanin Syed, MD, follows new obesity medications so patients can separate real progress from hype. She is dual board-certified in obesity medicine and internal medicine, with more than 20 years in medicine. As with any investigational drug, the most useful question is how it affects your treatment choices today.
Quick Answer: What Is VK2735?
VK2735 is an investigational drug from Viking Therapeutics that activates two hormone receptors: GLP-1 and GIP. That is the same dual approach used by tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Zepbound. Viking is developing VK2735 as both a once-weekly injection and a once-daily tablet. Neither form is FDA-approved, and both were in phase 3 trials as of November 2026.
- How it works: activates GLP-1 and GIP receptors, similar to Zepbound
- Two forms: a weekly injection and a daily oral tablet
- Injection results: up to about 14.7% average weight loss after 13 weeks in phase 2
- Tablet results: up to about 12.2% average weight loss after 13 weeks in phase 2
- Status: phase 3 trials underway for both forms; not available in Rochester
VK2735 at a Glance: Injection vs Tablet
The table below summarizes both forms as of November 2026. The phase 2 trials were short, so longer phase 3 results will matter most.
| Feature | VK2735 Injection | VK2735 Tablet |
| How often | Once weekly | Once daily |
| Phase 2 trial | VENTURE, 13 weeks | VENTURE-Oral, 13 weeks |
| Phase 2 weight loss | Up to about 14.7% | Up to about 12.2% |
| Phase 3 program | VANQUISH-1 and VANQUISH-2, fully enrolled | SUNRISE-1 and SUNRISE-2, launched October 2026 |
| Main challenge | Digestive side effects | Higher dropout from side effects in phase 2 |
| FDA status | Not approved | Not approved |
How VK2735 Works
Specifically, VK2735 targets two gut hormone pathways. GLP-1 reduces appetite, increases fullness, and slows stomach emptying. GIP appears to work alongside GLP-1, and in combination the two may produce stronger weight loss than GLP-1 alone.
Importantly, this dual approach has already proven effective. Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Zepbound and Mounjaro, uses the same two pathways. VK2735 is a different molecule, but it aims for similar or better results. In addition, Viking hopes to offer it as a pill, which tirzepatide does not.
The VK2735 Injection: Phase 2 and Phase 3
In the phase 2 VENTURE trial, weekly VK2735 injections produced up to about 14.7% average weight loss in 13 weeks. Weight loss had not plateaued at the end of the trial, which suggests longer treatment could produce more. These results have since been published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Based on those findings, Viking launched the phase 3 VANQUISH program in June 2025. VANQUISH-1 enrolled about 4,500 adults with obesity. VANQUISH-2 enrolled about 1,000 adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Both trials were fully enrolled by early 2026, and no phase 3 results had been reported as of November 2026.
Maintenance Dosing Study
Meanwhile, Viking is also studying whether less frequent doses can maintain weight loss. In October 2026, it reported positive top-line results from a maintenance study testing monthly and every-other-week dosing. According to Viking, the results showed a credible maintenance effect. Extension studies are expected to begin in early 2027.
VK2735 Oral Tablet: What the Phase 2 Trial Showed
The VENTURE-Oral trial tested once-daily VK2735 tablets for 13 weeks. Participants on the higher doses lost up to about 12.2% of their body weight on average. That is a strong result for such a short trial. The full data were presented at the European Congress on Obesity in 2026.
However, tolerability was a concern. About 20% of people taking VK2735 tablets stopped because of side effects, compared with about 13% on placebo. Overall, about 28% of tablet participants stopped treatment, compared with about 18% on placebo. Most side effects were digestive, such as nausea and vomiting.
The SUNRISE Phase 3 Program
Viking met with the FDA after phase 2 and then designed a phase 3 program for the tablet. On October 14, 2026, it announced the launch of SUNRISE-1 and SUNRISE-2. These trials will run about 68 weeks and use lower starting doses with slower increases. Viking also improved the tablet design. Both changes aim to reduce the side effects that led to dropouts in phase 2.
If successful, the VK2735 tablet could become the first oral drug that activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. That would set it apart from today’s approved GLP-1 pills, which target GLP-1 alone.
Side Effects and Safety
As with other GLP-1-based medications, VK2735 most commonly causes digestive side effects. These include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, especially during dose increases. In phase 2, these effects were the main reason people stopped treatment, particularly with the tablet.
However, long-term safety is still being studied. The phase 3 trials, with thousands of participants, will provide far more information than the short phase 2 studies. Until then, firm conclusions about VK2735’s safety compared with approved drugs are premature.
When Could VK2735 Be Available?
So far, no approval date has been announced. The injection’s phase 3 trials are further along, so it would likely reach the FDA first. The tablet’s phase 3 trials only began in late 2026 and will take well over a year to complete. As a result, neither form is likely to be available in US pharmacies before 2028, and approval is not guaranteed.
Why You Should Not Buy VK2735 Online
Some websites sell products labeled as VK2735 as “research peptides” or “not for human consumption.” These products are not FDA-approved. Their contents, purity, and dose are not verified. The FDA has warned about unapproved versions of other investigational weight loss drugs sold the same way.
Using these products carries real risks, including contamination and incorrect dosing. The only safe way to access VK2735 before approval is through a registered clinical trial. Your physician can help you search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies recruiting in or near Rochester.
Pill or Injection: Which Might Matter More to You?
If both forms of VK2735 are approved, choosing between them would likely follow the same logic as today. A pill avoids needles and may suit people who travel often. On the other hand, a weekly injection removes the need to remember a daily dose. In addition, phase 2 data suggested the injection was somewhat better tolerated than the tablet.
That same decision already exists with approved medications. For example, the Wegovy pill and Wegovy injection contain the same drug in different forms. Foundayo offers a daily pill without food or water timing rules. Discussing these options now can help you understand your own preferences before any new drug arrives.
Where VK2735 Fits in the Weight Loss Pipeline
VK2735 is one of several investigational weight loss drugs in late-stage trials. Retatrutide, from Eli Lilly, activates three receptors and reported about 28% average weight loss in its phase 3 trial. MariTide, from Amgen, is being studied as a monthly injection. Mazdutide, which activates GLP-1 and glucagon receptors, is already approved in China. Each takes a different approach, and trial designs vary, so comparisons should be made cautiously.
How VK2735 Compares With Approved Options
Today, several FDA-approved medications already deliver strong results. In clinical trials, Zepbound produced about 20% average weight loss over 72 weeks. Wegovy HD produced about 19% to 21%. For people who prefer pills, the Wegovy pill and Foundayo are already approved.
Still, comparing VK2735’s 13-week results with these longer trials is not reliable. Weight loss usually continues for many months, so phase 3 results will give a much clearer picture. For now, VK2735 is a promising drug to watch rather than an option to wait for.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor About New Drugs Like VK2735
If VK2735 has caught your attention, consider bringing these questions to your next visit:
- Which approved medication, pill or injection, fits my routine today?
- If I prefer a pill, how do the Wegovy pill and Foundayo compare for me?
- How are digestive side effects managed during dose increases?
- Are there clinical trials I might qualify for near Rochester?
- How will we track fat loss and protect muscle during treatment?
These questions keep the focus on what you can do now while staying informed about the future.
What We See in Practice
Many patients ask about VK2735 after reading headlines about a new weight loss pill. In our experience, they are often pleased to learn that effective pills are already available. The most helpful conversation usually focuses on which option fits their daily routine. Some patients also ask about online “research” versions, often unaware of the risks. A clear plan with an approved medication usually serves them far better than waiting.
How Vital Health Medical Care Can Help
Vital Health Medical Care prescribes FDA-approved weight loss medications and keeps patients informed about new options. Every plan starts with a comprehensive consultation and a body composition scan. Dr. Syed then builds a plan that may include FDA-approved medication, nutrition counseling, culinary medicine, exercise planning, and behavioral coaching.
If VK2735 or another new drug becomes FDA-approved, the team can help you decide whether it fits your plan. Patients come from across the Rochester area, including Brighton, Penfield, Fairport, Webster, and Henrietta. No referral is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is VK2735?
VK2735 is an investigational weight loss drug from Viking Therapeutics. It activates GLP-1 and GIP receptors, similar to Zepbound. Viking is developing it as both a weekly injection and a daily tablet.
Is VK2735 in pill form FDA-approved?
No. As of November 2026, the VK2735 tablet is investigational. Viking launched its SUNRISE phase 3 program in October 2026.
How much weight do people lose on VK2735?
In 13-week phase 2 trials, the weekly injection produced up to about 14.7% average weight loss. The daily tablet produced up to about 12.2%. Longer phase 3 trials will show the full effect.
What are the side effects of VK2735?
The most common side effects were digestive, such as nausea and vomiting. In the tablet’s phase 2 trial, about 20% of participants stopped because of side effects. Phase 3 trials use lower starting doses to improve tolerability.
How is VK2735 different from Zepbound?
Both activate GLP-1 and GIP receptors. However, Zepbound is FDA-approved and available only as an injection. VK2735 is investigational and is being developed as both an injection and a pill.
When will VK2735 be available?
No date has been announced. The injection’s phase 3 trials are further along than the tablet’s. Neither form is likely to be available before 2028.
Is it safe to buy VK2735 online?
No. Products sold online as VK2735 are not FDA-approved, and their contents and doses are not verified. The only safe way to access it before approval is through a registered clinical trial.
Do I need a referral to see a weight loss doctor in Rochester?
No referral is needed at Vital Health Medical Care. You can call 585-662-5786 to schedule a consultation directly. The team will also help verify your insurance benefits before treatment begins.
A Promising Pill, Still Years Away
VK2735 could eventually offer a new dual-action option in both injection and pill form. Its phase 2 results are encouraging, but phase 3 trials must still confirm its benefits and address tolerability. Interest in the VK2735 oral tablet shows how much patients value convenient options. Fortunately, effective pills and injections are already available today.
If you want help choosing the right treatment today, Dr. Sanin Syed and her team at Vital Health Medical Care can help.
Meet Dr. Sanin Syed – Leading Medical Weight Loss Specialist in Rochester, NY
Dr. Sanin Syed, founder and CEO of Vital Health Medical Care, is a board-certified obesity and internal medicine specialist. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Syed is dedicated to helping her patients achieve lasting weight loss and a healthier lifestyle.
- Recognized Expertise: Dr. Syed’s knowledge has been featured on NPR’s Evan Dawson Show and in the Rochester Academy of Medicine.
- Commitment to Patient Health: She focuses on building sustainable health habits and lifestyle changes that support long-term success.
Our clinic, located at 10 Office Parkway, Suite 100, Pittsford, NY, provides a welcoming and professional setting for patients who are ready to make positive changes.
Why Choose Vital Health Medical Care?
Experienced Weight Loss Doctor
Dr. Sanin Syed is one of the leading weight loss doctors in New York, with over 20 years of experience in medicine and obesity management. She holds dual board certifications from the American Board of Obesity Medicine and the American Board of Internal Medicine, ensuring you receive the highest standard of care.
Personalized Care
At Vital Health Medical Care, we believe in a personalized approach to weight loss. Our programs are tailored to meet your unique needs, ensuring you receive the best possible care and support on your weight loss journey.
Comprehensive Support
We provide ongoing support throughout your weight loss journey, including regular monitoring and adjustments to your plan as needed. Our comprehensive approach ensures you have the resources and guidance necessary to achieve your weight loss goals.
Insurance Acceptance
We understand that managing healthcare costs is important. That’s why we accept a wide range of insurance plans to make our weight loss treatments accessible and affordable for everyone.
Nutritional Counseling
Our qualified nutritionists create personalized diet plans that fit your lifestyle and dietary preferences. We provide expert guidance on making healthy food choices that support your weight loss goals.
Physician Consultation
Our experienced physicians, led by Dr. Syed, will work with you to find the best medication and treatment plan for your needs. We utilize FDA-approved medications such as Wegovy and Zepbound to support your weight loss efforts.
Health Coaching
Our health coaches provide ongoing support and motivation, helping you stay on track with your weight loss goals. They offer practical advice and encouragement to help you overcome challenges and achieve lasting success.
Culinary Medicine
Learn how to prepare healthy, delicious meals that support your weight loss journey with guidance from our culinary medicine experts. We offer cooking classes and workshops to help you develop the skills needed to maintain a healthy diet.
Meal Replacement
We offer meal replacement options that are nutritious and convenient, helping you manage your calorie intake effectively. Our meal replacements are designed to support your weight loss goals while ensuring you receive essential nutrients.
Individualized Exercise Plan
Our fitness experts develop personalized exercise plans tailored to your fitness level and goals. We provide guidance on the best types of exercise for weight loss and overall health, ensuring you achieve optimal results.
Comprehensive Weight Loss Treatment in Rochester, New York
Vital Health Medical Care offers evidence-based weight loss treatments designed to help you succeed. We take a holistic approach, integrating medication, diet, exercise, and behavioral changes to ensure long-term success. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start your journey.