Mazdutide

Abstract

The epidemics of metabolic disease, in the form of obesity and type 2 diabetes, are a growing public health concern. However, incretin-based therapeutics have transformed our ability to address these diseases. While this current generation of incretin analogues show weight regain upon cessation of treatment, the amount of which can depend on the treatment and patient, iterative advancements may improve weight loss durability in the long term. In this review, we discuss the development of glucagon like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists and GLP-1R/ glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) co-agonists, and how future generations will leverage this strategy. We focus our review on glucagon receptor (GCGR) agonism, which has recently been combined with both GLP-1R and GLP-1R/GIPR agonism to generate dual (e.g. survodutide, cotatutide, mazdutide, etc) and triple agonists (e.g. retatrutide, etc) for improved body weight loss via energy expenditure stimulation. We rely on largely pre-clinical evidence for action because clinical data is extremely limited for GCGR agonism. Herein, we review mechanisms by which glucagon receptor agonists act to increase energy expenditure. Finally, we discuss future improvements to incretin-based therapeutics, and how they can include strategies that target the GCGR. The purpose of this review is to discuss mechanisms by which GCGR agonism can reduce body weight and put them in the context of the combination with incretin receptor agonists. Mechanistic data has only currently been evaluated in preclinical rodent models and evidence for similar processes in humans is limited. We also provide perspectives about how treatments can improve for future advancement of obesity treatment.

Abstract

Mazdutide is a once-weekly glucagon and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor dual agonist developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D)1. Here we report on a randomized phase III trial assessing the efficacy and safety of mazdutide, compared with dulaglutide, in participants with T2D who were also treated with background oral anti-diabetic drugs. In this study, 731 participants with T2D were randomized 1:1:1 to receive 4 mg mazdutide, 6 mg mazdutide or 1.5 mg dulaglutide for 28 weeks. Both doses of mazdutide showed non-inferiority and superiority to the 1.5-mg dose of dulaglutide in terms of the mean change in the diagnostic marker glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) from baseline to week 28, with a least-squares mean treatment difference of -0.24% (P = 0.0032) for 4 mg mazdutide and -0.30% (P = 0.0003) for 6 mg mazdutide, relative to 1.5 mg dulaglutide. Significantly greater reductions in body weight were achieved with mazdutide than with dulaglutide, with a least-squares mean treatment difference of -3.78% for 4 mg mazdutide and -5.76% for 6 mg mazdutide (both P < 0.0001), relative to dulaglutide. Moreover, significantly more participants who received mazdutide 4 mg or 6 mg reached the composite end point of HbA1c < 7.0% with a body-weight reduction of at least 5% at week 28 (both P < 0.0001), compared with those who received dulaglutide. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events were diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. In summary, we found that in Chinese participants with T2D, 28 weeks of treatment with mazdutide (4 mg and 6 mg) provided reductions in HbA1c and body weight that were superior to those attained with 1.5 mg dulaglutide. Mazdutide was generally safe, although the incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events was higher for mazdutide than for dulaglutide.

Abstract

Despite advances in type 2 diabetes (T2D) management, unmet needs remain for therapies that effectively control hyperglycaemia while addressing comorbid metabolic disorders1,2. Here we assessed the efficacy and safety of the dual glucagon receptor (GCGR)/glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist mazdutide monotherapy versus placebo in Chinese adults with T2D controlled inadequately with diet and exercise alone. In this phase 3 trial, 320 participants (mean glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of 8.24%, body mass index of 28.2 kg m-2 and diabetes duration of 1.9 years) were randomized 1:1:1 to receive weekly subcutaneous injections of mazdutide (4 mg or 6 mg) or placebo for 24 weeks, followed by a 24-week extended mazdutide treatment. At week 24, mazdutide significantly reduced HbA1c versus placebo (primary endpoint): -1.57% with mazdutide 4 mg and -2.15% with mazdutide 6 mg, versus -0.14% with placebo, with treatment differences of -1.43% and -2.02% (both P < 0.0001). Weight loss from baseline at week 24 occurred with -5.61% (4 mg) and -7.81% (6 mg) versus -1.26% (placebo) (both P < 0.0001). Furthermore, more participants with mazdutide achieved HbA1c < 7.0%, weight loss ≥ 5% (all P < 0.0001) and composite endpoints (HbA1c < 7.0% and weight loss ≥ 5%) versus placebo (P = 0.0006 for 4 mg; P < 0.0001 for 6 mg) at week 24. The most common adverse events-diarrhoea, decreased appetite and nausea-were consistent with GLP-1R agonists. These results establish mazdutide monotherapy as an effective intervention providing clinically meaningful glycaemic control and weight reduction alongside a favourable safety profile in this population.

Abstract

Obesity has emerged as a pressing global health challenge, and therapies based on glucagon-like Peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have transformed its management. Currently, liraglutide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide are FDA-approved for obesity treatment, while other agents are used off-label. These drugs not only provide unprecedented efficacy and acceptable safety in weight reduction and glycemic control for patients with obesity and Type 2 diabetes but also hold promise in broader indications, including neurodegenerative disorders, fatty liver disease, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular conditions.

Abstract

Effective weight management and glycemic control are both important in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity. Despite the proven benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists, there is a persistent need for more effective weight management strategies in the treatment of T2D and obesity. Glucagon receptor-based co-agonists, such as mazdutide, represent a promising therapeutic class with the potential for enhanced weight loss compared to current standards of care. However, robust clinical evidence for these agents in populations with T2D and obesity is still lacking. The DREAMS-3 trial is designed to address this gap by directly comparing the efficacy and safety of mazdutide against semaglutide, a widely used GLP-1 receptor agonist, in Chinese adults with T2D and obesity. The results will provide crucial evidence to inform clinical decision-making for this large patient population.

Abstract

The approvals of semaglutide and tirzepatide have set new benchmarks in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Building on their success, novel GLP-1-based therapeutics are rapidly advancing. These next-generation agents engage not only GLP-1 receptors but also those for other gastro-entero-pancreatic hormones such as glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), glucagon, amylin, and peptide YY (PYY) to enhance energy uptake, storage, and expenditure through synergistic mechanisms. Both GIP receptor agonism and antagonism, particularly in combination with GLP-1 receptor agonism, have shown promise. Maridebart cafraglutide, combining GLP-1R agonism with GIPR antagonism, exemplifies this innovative approach. Glucagon co-agonists like survodutide and mazdutide have demonstrated significant weight loss and improved glycemic control. Amylin-based agents, including CagriSema (cagrilintide + semaglutide) and amycretin, enhance satiety and glycemic outcomes through complementary actions. Further innovation is seen in triple agonists such as retatrutide, which targets GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors to amplify metabolic effects. Meanwhile, the emergence of orally active small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonists like danuglipron and orforglipron, which are resistant to enzymatic degradation, marks a major advance in patient-friendly drug delivery. This review explores the mechanisms, clinical development, and therapeutic potential of these novel agents, excluding already approved drugs like liraglutide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide. We highlight how multi-receptor agonists and oral GLP-1-based therapies may reshape the future landscape of obesity and type 2 diabetes treatment by offering more effective and better-tolerated options.

Abstract

Mazdutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1/glucagon receptor (GLP - 1/GCGR) dual agonist, has shown marked efficacy in glycemic control, weight loss, and metabolic improvement in adults. However, data in adolescents remain limited. This report explores its therapeutic potential in an adolescent with obesity-related type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hyperuricemia (HUA).

Abstract

Mazdutide (Xinermei®) is a dual glucagon receptor (GcgR) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist being developed by Eli Lilly and Company along with Innovent Biologics for use in weight management in adults with obesity or overweight and for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D). In June 2025, mazdutide received its first approval, in China, for use (in combination with diet control and increased physical activity) in long-term body weight management in adults with a body-mass index (BMI) of ≥ 28 kg/m2 or with a BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2 together with one or more weight-related comorbidity. Subsequently, in September 2025, mazdutide also received approval in China for use in glycaemic control in adults with T2D. Additionally, mazdutide is under clinical evaluation for use in the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease, obstructive sleep apnoea and alcohol use disorder. This article summarises the milestones in the development of mazdutide leading to this first approval for long-term body weight management in adults with obesity or overweight.

Abstract

Glucagon is a pancreatic peptide hormone whose receptor (GCGR) is expressed in the liver, kidney, and, to a lesser extent, various other tissues. Glucagon is well known as the counterpart to insulin in glucose homeostasis. However, recent evidence has revealed other potential roles of glucagon, which include the regulation of amino acid metabolism via a liver-pancreatic alpha cell axis, stimulation of lipolysis and mitochondrial fat oxidation in the liver (and possibly in other tissues), reduction of caloric intake, and an increase in energy expenditure (at least in animal models). These advances in basic science-together with clinical trials that found GCGR antagonists increased body weight, hepatic fat, and serum lipids in people with type 2 diabetes-are driving the development of GCGR-based agonists for the treatment of obesity, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), and other cardio-kidney-metabolic diseases. Due to the hyperglycaemic effects of glucagon, these unimolecular compounds also incorporate moieties that activate the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor, which stimulates insulin secretion to lower blood glucose levels. In early clinical trials, several GCGR-based multi-agonists (mazdutide, survodutide [being developed by the sponsor of this review], retatrutide) demonstrated substantial efficacy for eliciting weight loss in people with obesity while improving liver health in those with MASLD. However, the physiological and molecular pathways modulated by chronic pharmacological activation of the GCGR in humans remain to be delineated, as do its potential risks. Thus, there is great interest in the ongoing phase 3 clinical trials of these compounds. As data for their safety and efficacy emerge, glucagon's role in energy regulation and lipid metabolism will become clearer, along with warranting a potential new therapeutic option for obesity and MASLD.

Abstract

Mazdutide, an agonist of glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucagon receptors, significantly reduced weight in early phase trials at doses up to 10 mg. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 1 trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of mazdutide up to 16 mg in adults with overweight or obesity.

Abstract

Background Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and glucagon receptor (GCGR) dual agonist, along with GLP-1R monoagonist, show promise in treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Liver fat and iron content are important surrogate markers for disease assessment. However, it remains unclear whether dual agonists provide superior therapeutic benefit over monoagonists for hepatic fat and iron regulation. Purpose To evaluate whether a GLP-1R/GCGR dual agonist offers greater therapeutic efficacy in reducing hepatic fat and iron content compared with a GLP-1R monoagonist in a high-fat diet mouse model using quantitative 9.4-T MRI. Materials and Methods Forty-two male mice were fed a high-fat diet for 13 weeks and then were treated subcutaneously with GLP-1R/GCGR dual agonist (mazdutide), GLP-1R monoagonist (semaglutide), or phosphate-buffered saline (control) every 3 days for 4 weeks. The control group included 14 age-matched male mice that received a standard chow diet and phosphate-buffered saline treatment. MRI scans and tissue samples were obtained at baseline and at 1 and 4 weeks after treatment. MRI-derived proton density fat fraction (PDFF), quantifying hepatic fat content, and R2*, quantifying hepatic iron content, were derived with a 9.4-T MRI scanner. Reductions in PDFF and R2* were compared among the groups using analysis of covariance and Student t tests. Correlations between imaging parameters and histologic analyses were evaluated using Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficients. Results After 4 weeks of treatment, mice treated with the dual agonist showed a greater reduction in PDFF from baseline values compared with mice treated with the monoagonist (median change, -5.59% [IQR, -6.80, -3.84] vs -3.30% [IQR, -3.80, -2.82]; P = .02). At 1 week after treatment, there was no evidence of a difference in PDFF reduction from baseline between the two groups (median change, -2.15% [IQR, -5.10, -1.69] vs -1.24% [IQR, -2.95, -0.78]; P = .19). Decreases in R2* values from baseline were also not significantly different between the groups at 1 week (median change, -53.86 Hz [IQR, -76.79, -43.19] vs -46.17 Hz [IQR, -68.01, -35.04]; P = .50) and 4 weeks (median change, -67.00 Hz [IQR, -79.33, -44.66] vs -57.18 Hz [IQR -78.51, -12.85]; P = .41) after treatment. Liver PDFF was positively correlated with hepatic triglyceride levels (r = 0.82; P < .001) and histologic steatosis scores (r = 0.81; P < .001), as well as R2* values (r = 0.69; P < .001). Conclusion Ultrahigh-field-strength MRI combined with histologic analyses demonstrated that the GLP-1R/GCGR dual agonist more effectively reduced hepatic fat accumulation compared with the GLP-1R monoagonist in a high-fat diet mouse model. MRI-derived liver PDFF and R2* values were correlated with histologic findings. Published under a CC BY 4.0 license. Supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Yin in this issue.

Abstract

The global rise in obesity and its associated health risks has driven the need for more effective pharmacological treatments. Glucagon receptor (GCGR)-based multi-agonist drugs are emerging as promising treatments for obesity, with several in advanced stages of clinical development. Agents like mazdutide, pemvidutide, survodutide and retatrutide have demonstrated the ability to trigger significant weight loss in earlier phase trials, often surpassing the amount of weight loss obtained with existing therapies. Their potential to address obesity-related comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease, positions them as important additions to future obesity treatment guidelines. As these GCGR-based multi-agonists advance through clinical trials, their impact on obesity management may be substantial, particularly for patients who have not achieved success with current medications or lifestyle interventions. Some are also being evaluated for cardiovascular outcomes, highlighting their relevance in populations at high risk with overweight and obesity. Key considerations as these drugs move forward in development to eventual approval include cost, access and long-term safety. This article is part of the Real-world evidence on the use of GLP1 receptor agonists Special Issue: https://www.drugsincontext.com/special_issues/real-world-evidence-on-the-use-of-glp1-receptor-agonists.

Abstract

Cognitive impairment and dementia are highly associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Recent studies have demonstrated that GLP-1 receptor agonists can improve cognitive function through brain activation in patients with T2DM, compared to other oral glucose-lowering drugs. Mazdutide, a dual agonist of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and the glucagon receptor (GCGR), has been shown to simultaneously reduce body weight, blood glucose levels, and other comorbidities associated with obesity in patients with T2DM. While its insulinotropic and glucose-lowering effects through the GLP-1 pathway are well-established, mazdutide may also enhance energy expenditure via activation of the GCGR pathway. However, its potential impact on cognitive function remains to be elucidated.

Abstract

Evidence suggests that incretin-based dual agonist pharmacotherapy is helpful in persons with obesity. Mazdutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucagon receptor dual agonist, may have efficacy in persons with overweight or obesity.

Abstract

Recent studies with peptide-based incretin therapies have focussed mainly on the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist semaglutide and the dual agonist tirzepatide that engages receptors for GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). Randomised clinical trials and 'real-world' studies have confirmed the marked glucose-lowering and weight-lowering efficacy of these agents across diverse populations. These include different ethnic groups, young and elderly individuals with and without diabetes and/or overweight or obesity. Recent studies have also confirmed protections against the development and progression of cardiovascular and renal diseases that are additive to the benefits conferred by improved control of blood glucose and body weight. Emerging evidence suggests that incretin therapies could additionally ameliorate fatty liver disease, chronic inflammation, sleep apnea and possibly degenerative bone disorders and cognitive decline. New incretin-based peptide therapies in development include a long-acting glucagon receptor agonist (LY3324954), dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonists (survodutide, pemvidutide, mazdutide, G49), triple GLP-1/GIP/glucagon receptor agonists (retatrutide, efocipegtrutide), a combination of semaglutide with the amylin analogue cagrilintide (CagriSema), a unimolecular GLP-1/amylin receptor dual agonist (amycretin), and a GIP receptor antibody with GLP-1 receptor agonism (MariTide). The creation of multi-targeting incretin-based synthetic peptides provides opportunities for improved management of type 2 diabetes and obesity as well as new therapeutic approaches to an expanding list of associated co-morbidities. The aim of the review is to acquaint the reader with developments in the field from 2023 to the present (February 2025).

Abstract

The rapid development of multi-receptor drugs targeting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) is driving significant advancements in the treatment of individuals with type 2 diabetes and obesity. This systematic review and network meta-analysis aims to compare the efficacy and safety of multi-receptor drugs in adults with overweight or obesity, with or without type 2 diabetes.

Abstract

The history of antiobesity pharmacotherapies is marked by disappointments, often entangled with societal pressure promoting weight loss and the prevailing conviction that excess body weight signifies a lack of willpower. However, categories of emerging pharmacotherapies generate hope to reduce obesity rates. This systematic review of phase 2 and phase 3 trials in adults with overweight/obesity investigates the effect of novel weight loss pharmacotherapies, compared to placebo/control or US Food and Drug Administration-approved weight loss medication, through searching Medline, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov (2012-2024). We identified 53 phase 3 and phase 2 trials, with 36 emerging antiobesity drugs or combinations thereof and 4 withdrawn or terminated trials. Oral semaglutide 50 mg is the only medication that has completed a phase 3 trial. There are 14 ongoing phase 3 trials on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (RAs) (ecnoglutide, orforglipron, and TG103), GLP-1 RA/amylin agonist (CagriSema), GLP-1/glucagon RAs (mazdutide and survodutide), GLP-1/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon RA (retatrutide), dapagliflozin, and the combination sibutramine/topiramate. Completed phase 2 trials on incretin-based therapies showed a mean percent weight loss of 7.4% to 24.2%. Almost half of the drugs undergoing phase 2 trials are incretin analogs. The obesity drug pipeline is expanding rapidly, with the most promising results reported with incretin analogs. Data on mortality and obesity-related complications, such as cardio-renal-metabolic events, are needed. Moreover, long-term follow-up data on the safety and efficacy of weight maintenance with novel obesity pharmacotherapies, along with studies focused on underrepresented populations, cost-effectiveness assessments, and drug availability, are needed to bridge the care gap for patients with obesity. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Obesity is the epidemic of the 21st century. Except for the newer injectable medications, drugs with suboptimal efficacy have been available in the clinician's armamentarium for weight management. However, emerging alternatives of novel agents and combinations populate the current obesity therapeutic pipeline. This systematic review identifies the state and mechanism of action of emerging pharmacotherapies undergoing or having completed phase 2 and phase 3 clinical trials. The information provided herein furthers the understanding of obesity management, implying direct clinical implications and stimulating research initiatives.