What Is VK2735?

1. What Is VK2735?

VK2735 is an investigational molecule being developed by Viking Therapeutics, a San Diego biotech. It is a dual agonist, meaning a single molecule designed to activate two receptors: the receptor for glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and the receptor for glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP).

That puts VK2735 in the same broad receptor class as tirzepatide, the dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist sold as Mounjaro and Zepbound. The headline difference is the route: Viking is studying VK2735 as both an injection and a pill.

For background on receptor language, see What Is a GLP-1? and GLP-1 vs GLP-2 vs GLP-3.

2. How Does VK2735 Work?

VK2735 activates two incretin pathways. GLP-1 receptor activity is associated with appetite suppression and slower gastric emptying; GIP receptor activity is the second incretin target also used by tirzepatide. Combining the two is the design rationale behind the “dual agonist” label.

See also What Is Semaglutide? for the single-pathway comparison.

3. Injectable vs Oral: Two Programs

VK2735 is unusual because Viking is advancing two formulations of the same molecule through separate clinical programs.

An oral dual agonist is the strategic prize here: the approved dual agonist tirzepatide is injectable only, so a daily pill version would be a meaningful differentiator if it reaches the market.

4. Is VK2735 FDA-Approved?

No. VK2735 is not FDA-approved as of June 2026. It has not been approved by any regulator, has no marketed product, and is available only through Viking Therapeutics clinical trials. Both Phase 3 injectable readouts were still pending at the time of writing.

• VK2735 is a research molecule.
• Viking is studying it in Phase 3 (injectable) and Phase 2 (oral).
• It is not an approved, FDA-labeled medication.

5. What Did the VENTURE Trials Show?

Viking has reported data on both formulations. These figures come from defined trial populations over fixed time windows and do not predict individual outcomes.

Subcutaneous VENTURE (Phase 2): In a roughly 176-participant study of adults with obesity or overweight plus a comorbidity, Viking reported up to about 14.7% mean weight loss from baseline over 13 weekly doses, with weight still trending downward at the end of treatment. These results were later published in the peer-reviewed journal Obesity.

Oral VENTURE-Oral Dosing (Phase 2, NCT06828055): In a roughly 280-participant study of adults with obesity or overweight plus a comorbidity, Viking reported a clear dose response over 13 weeks, with the highest tablet dose reaching about 12.2% mean weight loss from baseline.

6. The VANQUISH Phase 3 Program

The injectable form advanced into two Phase 3 trials. Both are randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies with 78-week dosing.

Enrollment finishing is a milestone, not a result. Topline efficacy and safety data from VANQUISH had not been reported as of June 2026.

7. VK2735 vs Tirzepatide vs Oral Semaglutide

VK2735 is easy to confuse with two well-known products. Here is how the receptor targets and routes line up.

• VK2735 vs tirzepatide: Same dual GLP-1/GIP class. Tirzepatide is FDA-approved and injectable only. VK2735 is investigational and studied as both injection and pill.
• VK2735 vs oral semaglutide (Rybelsus): Oral semaglutide is a single GLP-1 agonist. The VK2735 tablet is a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist. Oral semaglutide is approved; the VK2735 tablet is in Phase 2.

8. A Note on the Name “Bentglutide”

You may see VK2735 referred to as “bentglutide” in forums or secondhand articles. As of June 2026, that name is not confirmed in Viking’s own materials, regulatory filings, or peer-reviewed publications, and it should not be presented as the molecule’s official International Nonproprietary Name. The reliable identifier is simply VK2735.

• VK2735 is the molecule’s working name.
• Investigational describes its regulatory status.
• Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist is the accurate mechanism description.
• “Bentglutide” is unverified online shorthand.

9. What Is VK2735 FAQ

• What is VK2735 in simple terms?

  VK2735 is Viking Therapeutics' investigational molecule that activates two gut-hormone receptors at once: GLP-1 and GIP. It is the same broad receptor class as tirzepatide, and Viking is developing it as both a weekly injection and a daily pill.

• Is VK2735 FDA-approved?

  No. VK2735 is investigational and not approved by the FDA or any regulator as of June 2026. It is legally available only to participants in Viking Therapeutics clinical trials.

• What is the difference between injectable and oral VK2735?

  They are the same molecule in two formulations. The once-weekly subcutaneous injection is in the Phase 3 VANQUISH program. The once-daily oral tablet completed the Phase 2 VENTURE-Oral Dosing trial. The oral route is Viking's key strategic differentiator.

• How is VK2735 different from tirzepatide?

  Both are dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) is FDA-approved and injectable-only. VK2735 is investigational and is being developed in both injectable and oral forms.

• Is VK2735 the same as bentglutide?

  The name "bentglutide" circulates online, but it is not a confirmed International Nonproprietary Name (INN) for VK2735 in Viking, regulatory, or peer-reviewed sources. Treat it as unverified shorthand, not an official name.

10. Sources