Mazdutide
Mazdutide is an investigational peptide-based drug studied for the treatment of obesity and metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a new class of metabolic therapies that simultaneously target multiple hormonal pathways involved in energy balance and glucose regulation.
Mazdutide peptide is being developed by Innovent Biologics in collaboration with Eli Lilly and Company.
The compound is also known by the development code IBI362 and is designed to activate both GLP-1 receptors and glucagon receptors, two key components of metabolic regulation.
Because of this dual mechanism, mazdutide peptide has attracted interest in research related to weight management, metabolic health, and endocrine regulation. Mazdutide is currently considered an investigational drug candidate and has not yet received full regulatory approval in most jurisdictions.
How Mazdutide peptide works
Mazdutide is a dual agonist of two important metabolic hormone receptors: the GLP-1 receptor and the glucagon receptor. Activation of these pathways may influence several biological processes involved in metabolism. Experimental and clinical studies suggest that mazdutide may:
stimulate GLP-1 receptor signaling, which can improve glucose control and reduce appetite
activate glucagon receptor pathways, which may increase energy expenditure
slow gastric emptying, contributing to improved glycemic regulation
influence hormonal systems involved in energy balance and body weight regulation
By targeting both pathways simultaneously, mazdutide aims to combine the metabolic benefits of GLP-1–based therapies with mechanisms that may enhance energy expenditure and fat metabolism.
Because of this multi-pathway mechanism, dual agonists such as mazdutide are considered part of a new generation of metabolic therapies under clinical development.
Clinical trials and evidence
Mazdutide has been evaluated in clinical trials involving patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Several studies have examined its effects on:
body weight reduction
glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes
markers of metabolic and cardiovascular health
Early and mid-stage clinical trials have reported:
significant weight loss among participants compared with placebo
improvements in blood glucose control and HbA1c levels
changes in metabolic markers associated with energy regulation
These findings have supported the continued development of mazdutide as a potential therapy for metabolic diseases.
However, as with other investigational drugs, large phase III clinical trials are required to further evaluate long-term safety and effectiveness before regulatory approval can be considered.
Possible side effects of Mazdutide:
Because mazdutide influences hormonal pathways involved in metabolism and digestion, the most commonly reported side effects in clinical studies have been gastrointestinal symptoms, similar to those observed with other incretin-based therapies. Reported side effects may include:
nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
decreased appetite
abdominal discomfort
These effects are often dose-dependent and may occur more frequently during the early stages of treatment.
As mazdutide is still undergoing clinical investigation, its complete safety profile continues to be evaluated in ongoing clinical trials.
References:
– A phase 2 randomised controlled trial of mazdutide in Chinese overweight adults or adults with obesity, Ji et al., 2023 – Nature Communications, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-44067-4.pdf
– Efficacy and Safety of Mazdutide in Chinese Patients With Type 2 Diabetes, Zhang et al., 2024 – Diabetes Care (ADA), https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/47/1/160/153858/Efficacy-and-Safety-of-Mazdutide-in-Chinese