Mazdutide
An investigational GLP-1 and glucagon dual receptor agonist studied for obesity and type 2 diabetes, primarily in trials in China. Early data are encouraging, but it is not approved.
Quick take
- What it is: an investigational peptide that activates two receptors: GLP-1 and glucagon.
- What it is being studied for: obesity and type 2 diabetes.
- What we actually know: mid-stage human trials (largely conducted in China) report meaningful weight and glucose effects; pivotal data and approvals are still developing.
- Status: investigational — in clinical trials, not approved by the FDA.
What it is
Mazdutide is an investigational GLP-1 and glucagon dual receptor agonist — a peptide designed to activate both receptors with a single molecule. It is being studied for obesity and type 2 diabetes, with clinical development concentrated in China. It is not approved by the FDA.1
How it works
GLP-1 is an incretin hormone that stimulates insulin, slows gastric emptying and reduces appetite. Glucagon acts on the liver and on energy metabolism and may increase energy expenditure and reduce liver fat. Mazdutide combines both signals, with the theory that the glucagon component adds metabolic effects on top of the appetite and glucose benefits of GLP-1 activity.1,2 Whether this produces a durable net benefit at acceptable safety is still being established.
What the evidence shows
Animal studies
Preclinical work on GLP-1/glucagon dual agonism suggested potential for combined effects on body weight, glucose and liver fat, supporting progression to human trials.2
Human studies
Mid-stage human trials of mazdutide — largely conducted in China — have reported meaningful reductions in body weight and improvements in glucose, with additional interest in effects on liver fat.3 These data are encouraging but remain developing: larger, longer pivotal results and regulatory decisions are needed before firm conclusions about real-world benefit and safety.
Dosages reported in the literature
Informational only. Mazdutide is an investigational drug. The figures below describe doses used in studies; they are not a recommendation or a prescription. This compound is not FDA-approved and should only be received within a regulated clinical trial.
| Setting | Route | Reported range |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical trials (titrated) | Subcutaneous, weekly | Escalating doses studied across a range; set by trial protocol |
Because mazdutide is investigational in most regions, no dose here should be read as established as safe or effective for general use.
Safety & side effects
In trials, the most commonly reported side effects have been gastrointestinal — nausea, vomiting and diarrhea — typical of this drug class, often dose-related. Effects related to glucagon activity are also under study.3 Because long-term, real-world safety data are limited, the full risk profile is not yet known.
A practical concern in the unregulated market is product quality. “Research” mazdutide sold outside of clinical trials does not carry the quality, purity or dose assurances of an approved medicine.
Legal & regulatory status
Mazdutide is not approved by the FDA. Its development has progressed furthest in China, and regulatory status differs by country and changes over time. Any claim that it is “approved” should be checked against current, region-specific regulatory sources.1
References
- Ji L, Jiang H, Cheng Z, et al. A phase 2 randomised controlled trial of mazdutide in Chinese overweight adults or adults with obesity. Nat Commun. 2023;14(1):8289. [PMID 38092790, doi:10.1038/s41467-023-44067-4]
- Day JW, Ottaway N, Patterson JT, et al. A new glucagon and GLP-1 co-agonist eliminates obesity in rodents. Nat Chem Biol. 2009;5(10):749-757. [PMID 19597507, doi:10.1038/nchembio.209]
- Primary: Ji L, Jiang H, Cheng Z, et al. A phase 2 randomised controlled trial of mazdutide in Chinese overweight adults or adults with obesity. Nat Commun. 2023;14(1):8289 (PMID 38092790; DOI 10.1038/s41467-023-44067-4). Supporting (T2D): Yang W, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Mazdutide in Chinese Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase 2 Trial. Diabetes Care. 2024;47(1):160-168 (PMID 37943529; DOI 10.2337/dc23-1287). Supporting (phase 1b): Ji L, Gao L, Jiang H, et al. Safety and efficacy of a GLP-1 and glucagon receptor dual agonist mazdutide (IBI362) 9 mg and 10 mg in Chinese adults with overweight or obesity: a randomised, placebo-controlled, multiple-ascending-dose phase 1b trial. eClinicalMedicine. 2022;54:101691 (PMID 36247927; DOI 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101691). [PMID 38092790, PMID 37943529, PMID 36247927, doi:10.1038/s41467-023-44067-4]