Mazdutide

GLP-1/glucagon dual agonist · Also known as IBI362, LY3305677, Oxyntomodulin analog

What is Mazdutide?

A dual GLP-1 and glucagon receptor agonist developed by Innovent Biologics. Approved in China for obesity, it combines the appetite suppression of GLP-1 drugs with the fat-burning effects of glucagon activation.

Mazdutide is a long-acting oxyntomodulin analog that activates both the GLP-1 receptor (reducing appetite, improving insulin sensitivity) and the glucagon receptor (increasing energy expenditure, promoting fat oxidation). In Phase 3 trials, it achieved up to 15.5% weight loss at 48 weeks.

Key takeaway: Mazdutide is a dual-acting GLP-1/glucagon agonist approved in China, potentially offering greater fat loss than GLP-1-only drugs by adding thermogenic glucagon signaling.

Benefits & evidence

Weight loss High confidence
Fat oxidation Moderate confidence
Blood sugar control Moderate confidence
Liver fat reduction Preliminary confidence

How it works

Mazdutide acts on two receptors simultaneously. GLP-1 receptor activation suppresses appetite via hypothalamic signaling, slows gastric emptying, and improves pancreatic beta-cell function.

Glucagon receptor activation increases hepatic glucose output in the short term, but more importantly promotes lipolysis and thermogenesis, increasing energy expenditure. The combination means patients lose more fat mass relative to lean mass compared to GLP-1-only drugs like semaglutide.

The glucagon component may also reduce liver fat accumulation, making mazdutide particularly interesting for metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).

Dosing information

Typical dosing protocol
Starting dose

3 mg weekly

4 weeks
Maintenance dose

6-9 mg weekly

Ongoing

Dose escalation over 4-8 weeks to minimize GI side effects. Approved in China at 6 mg and 9 mg doses.

Side effects

Most side effects tend to improve as your body adjusts.

Nausea Common
Diarrhea Common
Vomiting Moderate
Decreased appetite Common
Hypoglycemia (rare) Moderate