Weight loss
A dual-action weekly injection that curbs appetite while raising calorie burn — around 20% weight loss in late-stage trials.
Start here
Mazdutide is a once-weekly injectable drug candidate for weight loss and diabetes that targets two hormone receptors at once: GLP-1, which curbs appetite, and glucagon, which raises energy use 18. In Phase 3 trials it produced up to 20.1% body weight loss 78. It is still in development — a research compound, not yet FDA-approved.
Mazdutide works on two hormone systems at the same time. It copies GLP-1, a gut hormone that tells your brain you are full and helps the pancreas release insulin when blood sugar is high. It also switches on the body's glucagon system, which pushes the liver and fat tissue to burn more stored fat and use more energy 518. Curbing appetite on one side and raising energy burn on the other is why it produced more weight loss in trials than drugs that only copy GLP-1 518.
Mazdutide is a lab-made peptide that activates two receptors (docking sites on cells) at once: the glucagon receptor (GcgR) and the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R). Both are Gs-coupled GPCRs (receptors that raise an internal cell signal called cAMP and switch on PKA, a signaling enzyme). 5 GLP-1R activation in POMC neurons of the hypothalamus (brain cells that control hunger) lowers appetite and boosts the feeling of fullness. GcgR activation in hepatocytes and adipocytes (liver and fat cells) increases gluconeogenesis (making new sugar), lipolysis (breaking down fat), and fatty acid oxidation (burning fat), which raises metabolic rate and energy use. 518 Using both at once gives synergistic weight loss (more than either alone): the GLP-1 (a gut hormone that tells your brain you're full) pathway cuts appetite (~15-20% weight loss), and GcgR activation speeds up metabolism (~8-12% additional weight loss). In clinical trials the combined effect could exceed 20-25% weight loss. Both pathways also boost glucose-dependent insulin secretion (insulin release only when blood sugar is high), which helps blood sugar control.
Evidence check
Well studied in people
This has been through large human trials — the strongest kind of evidence. Scientists have tested it on many people and measured what actually happened.
Every numbered marker on this page links to one of the 18 sources at the bottom.
Weight Loss
Phase 3 trials demonstrate up to 20.1% body weight reduction, among the highest in the dual agonist class.
Blood Sugar Control
Statistically superior HbA1c (average blood sugar over about 3 months) reductions versus both semaglutide and dulaglutide in head-to-head comparisons.
Metabolic Health
The glucagon receptor component drives liver fat reduction and better blood fat levels beyond what GLP-1-only drugs achieve.
The most-asked question
Mazdutide is dose-escalated: the studies start everyone low and step the dose up on a schedule, so the right amount depends on the week you're on. The research-reported maintenance range is 4 mg, once daily.
First weeks, while the dose is slowly raised
1.5 mg
GLORY-1 Phase 3 starting dose; mazdutide was initiated at 1.5 mg once weekly and titrated (stepping the dose up gradually) stepwise toward the target maintenance dose to limit GI effects 6.
Steady ongoing dose (32-48 weeks in the trial)
4 mg
GLORY-1 Phase 3 maintenance dose; produced about 11-12% mean body-weight reduction. Approved in China at this strength for weight management 6.
Steady ongoing dose (32-48 weeks in the trial)
6 mg
GLORY-1 Phase 3 higher maintenance dose; produced about 13-15% mean body-weight reduction. Approved in China at this strength alongside the 4 mg dose 6.
The ceiling: 9 mg 712 (as determined by your healthcare provider based on individual response and tolerance)
Reconstitution, in plain words
Peptides usually arrive as a freeze-dried powder in a small vial. “Reconstitution” just means adding sterile water back in so you can measure a dose. Here's how it works for Mazdutide:
Add the recommended volume of bacteriostatic water to the Mazdutide vial. Gently swirl (do not shake) until the powder is fully dissolved. The resulting solution should be clear. Calculate your individual dose based on the concentration and your prescribed amount.
Your dose of Mazdutide is determined by your healthcare provider. Using an insulin syringe marked in units, draw up the exact amount prescribed. For example, if the reconstituted concentration is 1mg/mL and your dose is 0.5mg, draw up 0.5mL (50 units on an insulin syringe). Always double-check calculations before injection.
Three quick questions — your vial, your water, your dose — and it tells you the exact syringe mark. “Find dose amount” is preloaded with Mazdutide's recorded schedule.
Injection sites & technique
Subcutaneous (under the skin) injection (into the fatty tissue just under the skin)—allows for consistent absorption and can be self-administered at home after proper training
Timing
Administer Mazdutide at the same time each day (or on the same day each week for weekly injections). Many users prefer morning or evening administration. Pick a time you'll remember consistently.
Mazdutide injections can be given regardless of meal timing. However, if GI effects occur, administering on an empty stomach or with a light meal may help reduce discomfort.
Mazdutide should be used as directed by your healthcare provider. If combining with other medications or supplements, discuss potential interactions with your provider. Avoid combining with compounds that have overlapping mechanisms unless specifically guided by a medical professional.
The honest list
These show up most often. They usually fade as your body adjusts.
Most commonly reported adverse event, particularly during titration (stepping the dose up gradually). Typically transient and self-limiting within 2-4 weeks 712.
What to do Slow dose titration (stepping the dose up gradually), eat smaller meals, avoid high-fat foods, and stay hydrated.
Occurs in a significant proportion of patients, generally mild to moderate in intensity 710.
What to do Maintain adequate fluid intake, consider temporary dietary modification, and consult prescriber if persistent.
Pharmacological effect contributing to weight loss. 210 Considered therapeutic but may require nutritional monitoring.
What to do Ensure adequate protein and micronutrient intake despite reduced appetite. Consider dietitian consultation.
Worth knowing about, but most people never see these.
More frequent at higher doses (6-9 mg) and during dose escalation periods 712.
What to do Slow titration (stepping the dose up gradually) schedule, antiemetic medication if needed, and dose reduction if recurrent.
Local redness, itching, or hardening of the skin at the injection site, seen in some patients.
What to do Rotate injection sites between abdomen, thigh, and upper arm. Apply cold compress if needed.
Rare, but if any of these happen, stop and contact a medical professional.
Rare but serious complication reported with GLP-1 (a gut hormone that tells your brain you're full) class agents. Presents with severe persistent abdominal pain 17.
What to do Discontinue mazdutide immediately. Seek emergency medical care. Do not rechallenge after confirmed pancreatitis.
Rapid weight loss and increased biliary cholesterol mobilization from adipose tissue can precipitate gallstone formation and acute cholecystitis, particularly in genetically predisposed individuals 1617.
What to do Screen for gallbladder disease history before treatment; consider preventive ursodeoxycholic acid during rapid weight loss phases; monitor for right upper quadrant pain; educate on symptoms; ensure adequate fat intake (prevents bile stasis); surgical consultation if acute symptoms develop.
Combined GLP-1 (a gut hormone that tells your brain you're full) and glucagon receptor activation, plus effects on liver metabolism, can cause severe nausea, vomiting, belly pain, and stomach and gut distress, especially while the dose is going up, 714 and may need hospital care.
What to do Use slower titration (stepping the dose up gradually) schedule; take with food; avoid fatty meals; consider antiemetics; adequate hydration essential; slower dose escalation than tirzepatide may be necessary; monitor for dehydration complications.
Week by week
Is it right for you?
Mazdutide should only be started, adjusted, or discontinued under medical supervision. This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Never stop a prescribed treatment without consulting your healthcare provider first, as abrupt discontinuation may have consequences.
Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
May be used together under medical guidance.
May be used together under medical guidance.
May be used together under medical guidance.
Generally safe to take alongside Mazdutide. Space doses apart if taking oral formulations to ensure optimal absorption.
Helpful if experiencing any GI side effects that could lead to dehydration. Safe to combine.
Mazdutide is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on individuals seeking substantial weight loss exceeding 15% body weight. 67 Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Mazdutide is particularly well-suited for adults with type 2 diabetes who need stronger blood sugar management. 115 Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Mazdutide is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on patients with obesity-related metabolic comorbidities. 618 Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Mazdutide is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on those seeking dual-mechanism metabolic therapy. 45 Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Mazdutide (Innovent/Lilly GLP-1 (a gut hormone that tells your brain you're full) and glucagon dual agonist, a drug that activates both receptors) is approved in China for weight management and type 2 diabetes. 4 Its safety profile is dominated by stomach and gut side effects, mostly mild to moderate. 711 Nausea/vomiting occur in 40-50% of subjects at higher doses; 712 average weight loss of 12-18% was observed. 67 Pancreatitis risk monitoring is required; 910 calcitonin (a thyroid hormone used as a safety marker) was monitored, with no values of 20 ng/L or higher in phase 2. 9 Heart rate rises 5-9 bpm; 9 no serious cardiac safety signals. The development program focuses on improving tolerability.
Phase 1b and phase 2 data show HbA1c (average blood sugar over about 3 months) reductions (1.2-1.8%) 1310 and weight loss superior to GLP-1 (a gut hormone that tells your brain you're full) monotherapy (a GLP-1 drug alone). 115 Mechanism studies using indirect calorimetry (measuring calories burned from breath) show higher energy expenditure and fat burning. 518 Pancreatic MRI shows no structural abnormalities; serum lipase (a blood marker of pancreas injury) was monitored for pancreatitis risk. 910 On electrocardiograms in phase 2, heart findings were mild, symptom-free and temporary, most often sinus tachycardia (a fast heart rate) (2.8% with mazdutide vs 3.2% with placebo). 9
Keeping it good
Store Mazdutide in the refrigerator at 36-46°F (2-8°C) in its original packaging. Protect from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Check the expiration date before use. Some formulations may be stored at room temperature for limited periods—check your specific product labeling.
Once reconstituted, Mazdutide should be kept refrigerated at 36-46°F (2-8°C) and used within the timeframe specified on your product labeling (typically 14-28 days). Label the vial with the reconstitution date. Do not use if the solution appears cloudy, discolored, or contains particles.
Not our opinion — the published record
2026
In Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes, mazdutide 6 mg lowered HbA1c (a blood test of average blood sugar over about 3 months) by 2.15% and body weight by 7.81%, beating dulaglutide 1.5 mg. More participants reached their HbA1c targets while staying safe.
Guo L, et al.
2026
Mazdutide alone lowered HbA1c (a blood test of average blood sugar over about 3 months) by 2.15% and body weight by 7.81% compared with placebo in people with diabetes after 24 weeks. More than 70% reached both blood sugar control and meaningful weight loss.
Zhu D, et al.
2026
The DREAMS-3 trial compared mazdutide directly with semaglutide in Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity. In this first head-to-head trial, the goal was an HbA1c (average blood sugar test) below 7.0% with weight loss of at least 10% by week 32.
Luo Y, et al.
2025
This review covers the development and first regulatory approval of mazdutide. Mazdutide is a dual agonist (it activates two receptors, one for glucagon and one for GLP-1). It was first approved in China in June 2025 for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight, and its use was later widened to treat type 2 diabetes.
Shirley M, et al.
2026
This IUPHAR review looks at repurposing glucagon agonism (activating the glucagon receptor, a docking site for a hormone that raises blood sugar and burns energy) to treat metabolic disease. It gives background on how glucagon/GLP-1 dual agonists such as mazdutide work to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Elmendorf AJ, et al.
2025
Phase 3 trial: once-weekly mazdutide by injection under the skin, started at 1.5 mg and raised to a maintenance dose of 4 mg or 6 mg, produced about 11-12% and 13-15% average weight loss respectively over 32-48 weeks.
Ji L, et al. (New England Journal of Medicine)
2026
Phase 3 trial of 461 Chinese adults with obesity, randomly assigned 2:1 to once-weekly mazdutide 9 mg by injection under the skin or placebo for 60 weeks. Average body weight change at week 60 was -16.65% with mazdutide versus -1.50% with placebo. 84.3% versus 33.1% lost at least 5%. The most common adverse events (unwanted effects) were vomiting (53.1% vs 1.3%), nausea (46.9% vs 3.2%) and diarrhoea (39.4% vs 6.5%), mostly mild to moderate. 2.9% stopped because of adverse events.
Gao L, et al. (JAMA)
2025
GLORY-2 topline (first headline results): at week 60 the efficacy estimand (the analysis of people who took the drug as directed) showed an average weight loss of 18.55% with mazdutide 9 mg versus 3.02% with placebo, and 20.08% in participants without type 2 diabetes versus 2.81% with placebo. 44.0% of the mazdutide group lost 20% or more of body weight (48.7% among those without diabetes). Gastrointestinal (stomach and gut) adverse events were mostly mild to moderate and short-lived.
Innovent Biologics
2023
248 Chinese adults with overweight or obesity were randomly assigned to once-weekly mazdutide 3 mg, 4.5 mg, 6 mg or placebo for 24 weeks. Average body weight change was -6.7%, -10.4% and -11.3% respectively, versus +1.0% with placebo. The most common adverse events were diarrhoea, nausea and upper respiratory tract infection (a cold-type infection). Researchers monitored lipase and amylase (pancreas enzymes) and calcitonin (a thyroid hormone). Two participants had short-lived lipase rises above three times the upper limit of normal, and no one had a calcitonin of 20 ng/L or higher.
Ji L, et al. (Nature Communications)
If this isn't the right fit
Your questions
Mazdutide is a dual GLP-1 (a gut hormone that tells your brain you're full)/glucagon receptor agonist (a compound that switches a receptor on), while semaglutide targets only the GLP-1 receptor. 45 The extra glucagon receptor activation in mazdutide increases liver fat burning and calorie burning, which may mean more weight loss and liver fat reduction. 518 In the DREAMS-3 head-to-head trial, mazdutide showed statistically superior HbA1c (average blood sugar over about 3 months) reductions compared to semaglutide 1 mg 315.
As of early 2026, mazdutide is not FDA-approved. It received approval from China's NMPA in June 2025 for chronic weight management and in September 2025 for type 2 diabetes, marketed as Xinermei. Regulatory submissions in other markets are anticipated based on ongoing global clinical programs 4.
Yes. Mazdutide is approved in China for type 2 diabetes 4 and showed superior HbA1c (average blood sugar over about 3 months) reductions compared to both dulaglutide and semaglutide in Phase 3 DREAMS trials. 115 Its dual action controls blood sugar by boosting insulin release and reducing glucose output from the liver 5.
Dual GLP-1 (a gut hormone that tells your brain you're full)/glucagon receptor agonism combines the appetite suppression and blood sugar regulation of GLP-1 activation with the extra calorie burning, liver fat burning, and fat-metabolism boost of glucagon activation. This complementary action may produce greater weight loss and broader metabolic improvement than GLP-1-only drugs 518.
18 sources
Every numbered marker on this page points to one of these. Same sources, same numbering as the Mazdutide research profile on Peptide Initiative.
Want the deep science?
Every claim on this page traces back to the research database behind Peptide Initiative — studies, citations, clinical trial data, and the technical detail we deliberately left out here.
Open the research profileThis guide is education, not medical advice. Mazdutide is a research compound that is not FDA-approved for human use. Talk to a clinician before taking anything.
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