Viking Therapeutics Registers Phase 3 Trials for Oral VK2735, Its GIP/GLP-1 Obesity Peptide

Viking Therapeutics has moved its oral obesity peptide VK2735 into Phase 3 testing, according to two trial records first posted on ClinicalTrials.gov on October 9, 2026. The records describe SUNRISE-1 (NCT07868835) and SUNRISE-2 (NCT07868939), a pair of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies evaluating an oral, once-daily formulation of VK2735 for weight management.

VK2735 is a synthetic peptide that agonizes both the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor, the same dual mechanism used by the already-approved drug tirzepatide. Viking Therapeutics has developed VK2735 in two forms: an injectable, once-weekly subcutaneous formulation and the oral, once-daily tablet formulation now entering Phase 3.

According to the registry records, SUNRISE-1 will enroll an estimated 560 adults who are obese (BMI of 30 kg/m2 or higher) or overweight with at least one weight-related comorbid condition, such as hypertension or obstructive sleep apnea, and who do not have type 2 diabetes. SUNRISE-2 will enroll a separate group of an estimated 560 adults with type 2 diabetes who are obese or overweight. Both trials will randomize participants to one of three oral VK2735 doses, 27.5 mg, 35 mg or 55 mg once daily, or matching placebo, with a primary endpoint of percentage change in body weight from baseline to week 68. As of the registry postings, both studies are listed as not yet recruiting and no study locations have been posted.

The oral Phase 3 program follows a completed Phase 2 dose-finding study of the oral formulation, VK2735 for Weight Management Phase 2 (Venture Oral Dosing, NCT06828055), which enrolled 280 participants and has not yet had its results posted on ClinicalTrials.gov. A Phase 2 trial of the subcutaneous formulation, the 13-week VENTURE study, was published in the journal Obesity in March 2026 and reported dose-dependent weight loss against placebo over that period. The subcutaneous formulation is further along in development, with two Phase 3 trials, VANQUISH-1 (NCT07104500, an estimated 4,500 participants) and VANQUISH-2 (NCT07104383, an estimated 1,100 participants), both listed on ClinicalTrials.gov as active but not currently recruiting.

VK2735 is not approved by the FDA, the European Medicines Agency, Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration or any other regulator for any indication, and no New Drug Application has been filed. The trial records describe planned study design only; no efficacy or safety results from either SUNRISE trial have been reported, and this article does not constitute treatment or dosing guidance.