The short answer
VK2735 produced substantial short-term weight loss. Longer studies must establish durability and safety.
What researchers tested
VENTURE randomized 176 adults with overweight or obesity, without diabetes, to weekly injections or placebo, with diet and activity guidance.
Percent of starting weight; model estimates exclude later post-stop measurements
Original visual based on the study.
| Group or measure | Result |
|---|---|
| VK2735 2.5 mg weekly | 9.1% |
| VK2735 5 mg weekly | 10.9% |
| VK2735 10 mg weekly | 12.9% |
| VK2735 15 mg weekly | 14.7% |
| Placebo | 1.7% |
The main finding
Estimated average weight loss at 13 weeks is shown above.
These are model estimates from 174 participants. Measurements more than nine days after stopping treatment were excluded; missing results required assumptions. These are not results regardless of stopping.
The trade-offs
Digestive side effects were common. At 15 mg, 7 of 35 participants stopped treatment because of adverse events.
Separately, the study reported one participant with serious dehydration and atrial fibrillation considered potentially treatment-related; the report does not consistently identify that participant’s dose. A death following head trauma was judged unrelated.
What this means
This short trial did not compare VK2735 with semaglutide or tirzepatide, or establish long-term superiority.
Sources
Bays and colleagues, Obesity, 2026. Viking Therapeutics funded medical writing and editorial support.