← All Compounds
Incretin Peptide — Dual GLP-1 / Glucagon Receptor Agonist

Mazdutide Phase III

IBI362  |  LY3305677  |  Innovent Biologics / Eli Lilly  |  First-in-class GLP-1/GCG dual agonist  |  NMPA-approved (China)
Class
GLP-1 / Glucagon dual agonist
Targets
GLP-1R + GCGR
Structure
Oxyntomodulin-like analog, fatty-acid-modified
Half-life
Weekly dosing compatible
Route
SubQ once weekly
China NMPA
Obesity (Jun 2025); T2D (Sep 2025)
FDA Status
Not approved
Developer
Innovent Biologics / Eli Lilly
Pivotal Trial
GLORY-1 (NEJM 2025)
Cost & Access
China Rx; research-only US
TL;DR

China's first-in-class dual GLP-1/glucagon agonist. 15% weight loss at 32 weeks. NMPA-approved 2025.
What is it? A weekly subcutaneous GLP-1 and glucagon-receptor dual agonist (IBI362 / LY3305677) from Innovent Biologics and Eli Lilly. Oxyntomodulin-inspired, fatty-acid-modified for once-weekly dosing.
What does it do? GLP-1 activation brings the usual incretin effects: glucose-dependent insulin, appetite suppression, slowed gastric emptying. The glucagon arm adds hepatic lipid oxidation and thermogenesis. That is the differentiator vs GLP-1-only drugs.
Does the evidence hold up? GLORY-1 (NEJM 2025, PMID 40421736) showed ~15% weight loss at 32 weeks in 610 Chinese adults. DREAMS-1 and DREAMS-2 T2D Phase 3 trials published back-to-back in Nature 2025. First China-developed drug to hit Nature and NEJM simultaneously.
Who uses it? Chinese obesity and type 2 diabetes patients via NMPA prescription since 2025. Development ongoing for MASH, HFpEF, OSA, and fatty liver (GLORY-3 vs semaglutide underway).
Bottom line? China got there first. Global Phase 3 decides whether the West follows.

What It Is

Mazdutide is a first-in-class dual agonist peptide that activates both the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and the glucagon receptor (GCGR). It was developed by Eli Lilly under the code LY3305677 and is being developed and commercialized in greater China by Innovent Biologics (HKEX: 01801) under the code IBI362. Structurally, mazdutide is an oxyntomodulin-inspired peptide — oxyntomodulin is the endogenous proglucagon-derived peptide that naturally activates both GLP-1R and GCGR, and mazdutide was engineered to recapitulate that dual activity with improved pharmacokinetics for weekly subcutaneous dosing. The molecule carries a fatty-acid modification that enables albumin binding, extending plasma half-life to a once-weekly dosing interval.

The compound became a clinical milestone in 2025. On June 27, 2025, China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) approved mazdutide for chronic weight management in adults with overweight or obesity — the first NMPA approval of any dual GCG/GLP-1 receptor agonist globally. On September 19, 2025, NMPA extended approval to glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. As of April 2026, mazdutide holds two NMPA approvals covering the two major metabolic indications and is in Phase 3 development across several additional indications. It has not been submitted for US FDA approval, and no Eli Lilly global Phase 3 program is publicly registered.

Mazdutide's clinical program spans seven Phase 3 trials. GLORY-1 (Ji et al., NEJM June 12, 2025; PMID 40421736) — the pivotal obesity trial — randomized 610 Chinese adults with overweight (BMI ≥24 with comorbidity) or obesity (BMI ≥28) to mazdutide 4 mg, 6 mg, or placebo subcutaneously once weekly for 48 weeks. At week 32, the 6 mg arm produced ~14.4% mean weight loss (treatment-policy estimand) vs 0.3% placebo; the 4 mg arm produced ~11.1%. DREAMS-1 and DREAMS-2 — the pivotal T2D trials published back-to-back in Nature in late 2025 — evaluated mazdutide head-to-head against dulaglutide and against placebo in different Chinese T2D populations. The DREAMS-2 head-to-head against dulaglutide demonstrated superiority on the combined endpoint of HbA1c <7.0% and ≥10% weight loss at week 32 (48.0% vs 21.0%, p<0.0001).

The dual mechanism is what makes mazdutide distinctive. GLP-1 receptor activation is the core incretin pharmacology — shared with semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, and tirzepatide's GLP-1 component. The glucagon-receptor arm is the differentiator: glucagon's physiological role includes stimulating hepatic fatty-acid oxidation, increasing resting metabolic rate (thermogenesis), and mobilizing hepatic glycogen. In a dual agonist, the GLP-1 component offsets the glucose-raising effect of unopposed glucagon while the glucagon arm adds an energy-expenditure and hepatic-fat-burning component that pure GLP-1 agonists lack. This is particularly relevant for the obesity-plus-fatty-liver phenotype; the ongoing GLORY-3 head-to-head trial is specifically designed to compare mazdutide against semaglutide in Chinese adults with overweight / obesity and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).

Mechanism of Action

Mazdutide's pharmacology combines two distinct receptor systems into a balanced dual agonist. The ratio of GLP-1R to GCGR activity is engineered to deliver meaningful glucagon-mediated energy expenditure while keeping net glycemic control favorable.

What the Research Shows

Mazdutide has a rapidly-growing clinical dataset concentrated in Chinese populations. Phase 2 and Phase 3 results have been published in top journals through 2024–2025.

Evidence Framing

Mazdutide's evidence base is the strongest of any Chinese-developed metabolic drug to date — dual NMPA approvals, publications in NEJM and Nature, and multiple head-to-head Phase 3 comparisons. The main limitation for Western patients is that all pivotal trials to date have been conducted in Chinese populations. Global Phase 3 programs (particularly via Eli Lilly) would be required for FDA / EMA approval. Cross-population efficacy is expected but not yet demonstrated in large Western cohorts.

Human Data

Mazdutide's human dataset spans Phase 1 through Phase 3 programs in Chinese populations, and is expanding.

Dosing from the Literature

Approved Chinese labeled dosing derives directly from the GLORY-1 and DREAMS Phase 3 programs. Titration is mandatory to manage GI tolerability.

Indication / TrialMaintenance DoseTitrationNotes
Obesity (GLORY-1 / NMPA label)4 mg or 6 mg SubQ weeklyGradual titration (3 mg → 4.5 mg → 6 mg over 8+ weeks)NMPA-approved June 2025; weekly injection
Type 2 diabetes (DREAMS-1/2 / NMPA label)4 mg SubQ weekly (range 3–6 mg)Standard titration scheduleNMPA-approved September 2025
MAFLD investigational (GLORY-3)9 mg SubQ weekly (highest investigational dose)Gradual titration to 9 mgHead-to-head vs semaglutide; ongoing
Phase 2 obesity (Nature Comms)Up to 9 mg weeklyPhase 2 dose-finding73.3% liver fat reduction at 24 weeks on 9 mg arm
Dosing Disclaimer

Mazdutide is approved in China by prescription only. The doses above reflect the NMPA-approved labels derived from Chinese Phase 3 programs. Mazdutide is not approved by the US FDA or EMA as of April 2026, and no legitimate US clinical prescribing channel exists. Any cross-border use requires physician supervision under applicable local regulations.

Reconstitution & Storage

Mazdutide is supplied as a solution in pre-filled subcutaneous injection pens for Chinese prescription dispensing. Individual dose titration is handled by dial-up pen devices comparable to other weekly-dosed incretin class products.

FormatAvailable StrengthsStorage (Pre-use)Storage (In-use)
Multi-dose pre-filled pen3 mg, 4 mg, 6 mg weekly dose increments (label-dependent)2–8°C, protect from lightUp to ~28 days at room temperature below 30°C

→ Use the Kalios Dosing Calculator for weekly peptide dose tracking

Side Effects & Risks

Important

Mazdutide pairs GLP-1 agonism with glucagon-receptor activation. Expect GI side effects plus a glucagon-driven hepatic and cardiovascular signal. Bring this to your provider before importing from China.

Mazdutide's tolerability profile has been characterized across Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials. Most AEs reflect the GI-dominant incretin class with some glucagon-specific considerations.

Bloodwork & Monitoring

Commonly Stacked With

Metformin

Standard first-line oral T2D agent. Commonly combined with mazdutide in diabetes-focused protocols for additive glycemic effect without added hypoglycemia risk.

SGLT2 inhibitors (empagliflozin, dapagliflozin)

Glycemic lowering via glycosuria; complementary to mazdutide in T2D. Combined CV and renal protection in advanced metabolic disease.

Resistance training + adequate protein intake

Non-pharmacological adjunct critical for lean-mass preservation during rapid weight loss. Particularly relevant given glucagon-receptor activation may modestly affect amino acid metabolism; adequate protein intake is important.

Statin / antihypertensive

Standard CV risk factor management in patients with obesity or T2D. Mazdutide's independent metabolic effects are additive to standard secondary-prevention regimens.

Tirzepatide / Semaglutide — substitutes, not stack partners

These are alternative incretin-class options, not concurrent stack partners. Patients do not combine two incretin agonists — this creates additive GI toxicity without additive benefit. Choice among mazdutide, tirzepatide, and semaglutide depends on availability, patient phenotype, and insurance / regulatory access. Mazdutide may have specific advantages in MAFLD phenotype given glucagon-mediated hepatic lipid reduction.

→ Check compound compatibility in the Stack Builder

Regulatory Status

Current Status — April 2026

Mazdutide is approved by China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for two indications:

Chronic weight management in adults with overweight or obesity — approved June 27, 2025. First-in-class NMPA approval of a dual GCG/GLP-1 receptor agonist globally.

Glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes — approved September 19, 2025. Derived from the DREAMS-1 and DREAMS-2 Phase 3 programs.

Mazdutide is not approved by the US FDA or the European Medicines Agency (EMA). No NDA, MAA, or IND for a global Phase 3 program has been publicly disclosed as of April 2026, though Eli Lilly's partnership with Innovent Biologics positions the compound for potential global development depending on competitive strategy against the Lilly-developed tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound).

Active Phase 3 programs continue in MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis), heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), obstructive sleep apnea (GLORY-OSA), and MAFLD head-to-head vs semaglutide (GLORY-3). Phase 3 trials are ongoing for potential additional NMPA label expansions.

Mazdutide is not specifically named on the WADA Prohibited List as of April 2026. Athletes using mazdutide for medically-indicated obesity or T2D should consult their federation regarding therapeutic use exemptions. As an approved prescription medicine in China, TUE pathways are available in principle.

Mazdutide is not a Category 2 bulk drug substance and is not part of the HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. February 2026 peptide reclassification announcement. Its path to US clinical access requires formal FDA approval via NDA, which has not been filed.

Cost & Access

Mazdutide is available in China by prescription for obesity and T2D through NMPA-licensed retail and hospital pharmacy channels following the June and September 2025 approvals. Chinese commercial distribution is managed by Innovent Biologics.

Mazdutide is not approved for human use in the United States or the European Union. US compounding pharmacies cannot legally compound mazdutide — it has no FDA-approved reference product. Personal-use import of a Chinese prescription product to the United States exists in a regulatory gray area; direct-to-patient cross-border prescribing generally requires physician supervision in both jurisdictions.

Research-chemical channels list mazdutide at variable availability; users in this space should carefully verify identity via HPLC / mass spectrometry Certificates of Analysis and are cautioned that research-grade supply does not meet pharmaceutical-grade quality standards.

Mazdutide is not among the peptides under the HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. February 2026 Category 2 reclassification announcement. Its US pathway depends on Eli Lilly's global development strategy and competitive positioning against its own tirzepatide portfolio. Absent a formal global Phase 3 program and NDA, mazdutide will remain unavailable in the US through legitimate clinical channels for the foreseeable future.

Regulatory status as of April 2026. Access varies by provider, jurisdiction, and prescription status. Kalios does not sell compounds.

Related Compounds

People researching Mazdutide often also look at these:

Triple GLP-1 / GIP / glucagon agonist. The most potent obesity drug in Phase III, ~24% body weight reduction.

Dual GLP-1 / glucagon receptor agonist. Boehringer Ingelheim's competitor to retatrutide.

Dual GLP-1 / glucagon receptor agonist with emphasis on MASH (liver fat) alongside weight loss.

Oral small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist in Phase III for obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Next Steps

Key References

  1. Ji L, Jiang H, Bi Y, Li H, Tian J, Liu D, et al; GLORY-1 Investigators. Once-Weekly Mazdutide in Chinese Adults with Obesity or Overweight. N Engl J Med. 2025;392(22):2215-2225. PMID: 40421736. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2411528. (Pivotal GLORY-1 Phase 3 publication, May 2025.)
  2. Ji L, Qian L, et al; DREAMS-1 Investigators. Mazdutide in Chinese adults with untreated type 2 diabetes: DREAMS-1 Phase 3 trial. Nature. 2025. (Accelerated Article Preview publication, late 2025; part of back-to-back Nature release.)
  3. Ji L, et al; DREAMS-2 Investigators. Mazdutide versus dulaglutide in Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on oral medication: DREAMS-2 Phase 3 trial. Nature. 2025. (Back-to-back with DREAMS-1.)
  4. Ji L, Gao L, Jiang H, Yang J, Yu L, Wen J, 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: 36337827.
  5. Jiang H, Pang S, Zhang Y, Yu T, Liu M, Deng H, et al. A phase 1b randomised controlled trial of a glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucagon receptor dual agonist IBI362 (LY3305677) in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes. Nat Commun. 2022;13(1):3613. PMID: 35750890. (Phase 1b / dose-ascending in Chinese T2D.)
  6. Ambery P, Parker VE, Stumvoll M, Posch MG, Heise T, Plum-Moerschel L, et al. MEDI0382, a GLP-1 and glucagon receptor dual agonist, in obese or overweight patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomised, controlled, double-blind, ascending dose and phase 2a study. Lancet. 2018;391(10140):2607-2618. PMID: 29945726. (Foundational dual GLP-1/glucagon agonist class precedent.)
  7. Pocai A, Carrington PE, Adams JR, Wright M, Eiermann G, Zhu L, et al. Glucagon-like peptide 1/glucagon receptor dual agonism reverses obesity in mice. Diabetes. 2009;58(10):2258-2266. PMID: 19602537. (Preclinical proof-of-concept for the dual-agonist class.)
  8. Day JW, Ottaway N, Patterson JT, Gelfanov V, Smiley D, Gidda J, et al. A new glucagon and GLP-1 co-agonist eliminates obesity in rodents. Nat Chem Biol. 2009;5(10):749-757. PMID: 19597507. (Early dual GLP-1/glucagon agonist chemistry; conceptual foundation for the class.)
  9. Innovent Biologics press release. Innovent Announces Mazdutide, First Dual GCG/GLP-1 Receptor Agonist, Received Approval from China's NMPA for Chronic Weight Management. June 27, 2025.
  10. Innovent Biologics press release. Innovent Announces Mazdutide Received Approval from China's NMPA for Glycemic Control in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes. September 19, 2025.
  11. Innovent Biologics press release. Nature | Two Phase 3 Clinical Results of Mazdutide (GLP-1/GCG Dual Receptor Agonist) in Chinese Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Have Been Back-to-Back Published in Nature. November 2025.
  12. Sánchez-Garrido MA, Brandt SJ, Clemmensen C, Müller TD, DiMarchi RD, Tschöp MH. GLP-1/glucagon receptor co-agonism for treatment of obesity. Diabetologia. 2017;60(10):1851-1861. PMID: 28733905. (Class review.)
  13. Finan B, Müller TD, Clemmensen C, Perez-Tilve D, DiMarchi RD, Tschöp MH. Reappraisal of GIP Pharmacology for Metabolic Diseases. Trends Mol Med. 2016;22(5):359-376. PMID: 27038883. (Broader incretin dual-agonist class review.)
  14. Drucker DJ. Mechanisms of Action and Therapeutic Application of Glucagon-like Peptide-1. Cell Metab. 2018;27(4):740-756. PMID: 29617641. (GLP-1 mechanism framework.)
  15. BioSpace press release. Second Head-to-head Phase 3 Study of Mazdutide versus Semaglutide Completes First Participant Dosing in Adults in China with Overweight or Obesity Accompanied Fatty Liver Disease (GLORY-3). May 15, 2025.

Last updated: April 2026  |  Profile authored by Kalios Peptides research team