Mazdutide

What Is Mazdutide?

Mazdutide is a synthetic dual agonist of the GLP-1 receptor and the glucagon receptor, structurally based on the natural hormone oxyntomodulin and engineered for extended half-life through fatty-acid acylation, the same strategy used for semaglutide. Dual agonism is the distinguishing feature relative to GLP-1-only agonists. GLP-1 receptor activation delays gastric emptying, increases satiety via vagal and hypothalamic signalling, promotes glucose-dependent insulin release, and reduces glucagon during hyperglycaemia. Glucagon receptor activation adds increased hepatic lipid oxidation, a modest rise in basal metabolic rate, and improved hepatic insulin sensitivity.

The combination is mechanistically attractive because GLP-1 agonism reduces intake without directly raising energy expenditure, while glucagon agonism supplies the expenditure side at the cost of some glucose elevation that the GLP-1 arm counteracts. Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials report weight reductions approaching the tirzepatide range (10 to 18% of body weight over 24 to 48 weeks at the higher doses), with measurable improvements in hepatic steatosis markers and lipid panels. Mazdutide was developed by Eli Lilly and licensed to Innovent Biologics for China, where it received NMPA approval for obesity in 2025 under the brand name Xinerda. It is not approved in the US or EU.