VK2735: Comparing Viking’s Oral and Injectable Options

Viking Therapeutics is developing VK2735 in two forms, a weekly injection and a daily pill, and the practical difference comes down to convenience versus dosing frequency, since both use the same active drug and target the same pathways. Both formats produced double-digit weight loss in mid-stage trials, with the oral tablet reaching up to about 12% over a short 13-week study. VK2735 is investigational and not FDA approved. Here’s how the two options compare and how someone might choose.

The Same Drug, Two Delivery Methods

VK2735 is a dual agonist that activates the GLP-1 and GIP receptors, the same two targets as tirzepatide. What sets Viking’s program apart is that it’s pursuing both a subcutaneous injection (dosed weekly) and an oral tablet (dosed daily), using the identical active molecule. This is deliberate. Some patients prefer pills, others prefer less frequent injections, and offering both lets the drug fit different preferences. It also opens an interesting possibility: using the injection to drive initial weight loss, then switching to a low-dose pill to maintain it.

How the Two Formats Compare

Here’s the practical breakdown of the two options.

The injectable is further along, having entered a phase 3 registration program, while the oral version is moving into phase 3 after a successful mid-stage study.

What the Trials Showed

The injectable was studied in the VENTURE trial, with full results published in the journal Obesity in 2026, showing meaningful double-digit weight loss over a 13-week treatment period along with improvements in cardiometabolic measures. The oral tablet was tested in a separate phase 2 study, where the highest dose produced up to about 12.2% weight loss at 13 weeks, and notably the weight loss was still progressing (no plateau) at the end of the short trial. Because both studies ran only 13 weeks, the full-year results for either format aren’t known yet, and longer trials will show how much weight VK2735 ultimately delivers.

Choosing Between Them

The choice really comes down to lifestyle and preference. Consider a hypothetical patient who has a needle phobia and would simply never stick to weekly injections: for them, an effective daily pill removes the single biggest barrier to treatment. Another patient who doesn’t mind injections and wants the option of less frequent dosing might prefer the weekly shot. Because the drug is the same, the decision isn’t about effectiveness so much as which format a person will actually use consistently, and consistency is what drives real-world results. Viking has even begun studying a monthly injectable dosing option, which could add another layer of flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the VK2735 pill or injection better?

Neither is inherently “better,” since they use the same active drug. Both produced double-digit weight loss in short trials. The injection is dosed weekly and is further along in development, while the pill is dosed daily and offers needle-free convenience. The best choice depends on personal preference.

How much weight does VK2735 produce?

In 13-week mid-stage trials, both formats produced double-digit weight loss, with the oral tablet reaching up to about 12.2%. These were short studies, so the full-year weight loss for either version isn’t yet established.

Is VK2735 available in either form?

No. VK2735 is investigational and not FDA approved in either the oral or injectable form, available only through clinical trials. TrimRx does not offer it.

To focus on treatments available today, you can explore the options available to you now with a licensed provider.

This information is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. VK2735 is investigational and not FDA approved; details and timelines may change. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any medication. Individual results may vary.