A landmark Phase 3 clinical study of mazdutide, the world’s first dual glucagon (GCG)/glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, has been published in The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), signaling a pivotal advancement in the fight against obesity. The trial, known as GLORY-1, demonstrates the remarkable efficacy and safety of mazdutide in Chinese adults with overweight or obesity, offering a new hope for a condition that affects a significant portion of the global population, especially in China.
Conducted across multiple sites in China, the GLORY-1 study enrolled 610 participants with either obesity (BMI ≥ 28 kg/m²) or overweight (24 kg/m² ≤ BMI < 28 kg/m²) and at least one obesity-related comorbidity. Participants were randomized to receive once-weekly subcutaneous injections of mazdutide at either 4 mg, 6 mg, or placebo for 48 weeks. The results were striking:
- At 32 weeks, the mean percentage weight reduction from baseline was −10.97% in the 4 mg group and −13.38% in the 6 mg group, compared to −0.24% in the placebo group.
- By week 48, these reductions deepened further to −12.05% and −14.84% in the 4 mg and 6 mg groups, respectively.
- Impressively, over 80% of participants in the 6 mg group achieved a weight loss of ≥5%, while nearly 51% achieved a weight loss of ≥15%, a clinically meaningful threshold associated with significant health benefits.
Beyond weight loss, mazdutide showcased broad metabolic improvements, including reductions in waist circumference, blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, and liver fat content. Notably, among participants with liver fat content ≥10% at baseline, the 6 mg dose reduced liver fat by over 80% at week 48—a promising outcome for addressing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its complications.
Safety data from the trial underscored mazdutide’s favorable profile. The most commonly reported side effects—nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting—were generally mild or moderate. Importantly, there were no new cardiovascular safety concerns, with heart rate increases consistent across both active dose groups.
Experts have praised the study’s significance. Professors Vanita R. Aroda (Harvard Medical School) and Leigh Perreault (University of Colorado) highlighted how the trial underscores unique challenges in the Chinese population, where metabolic dysfunction and obesity-related risks manifest at younger ages and with distinct patterns compared to Western populations. They emphasize the need for tailored treatment strategies, combining pharmacologic interventions like mazdutide with robust public health policies to combat the obesity epidemic effectively.
This NEJM publication marks the first time a clinical trial of an innovative obesity therapy developed in China has been recognized by one of the world’s leading medical journals, a testament to China’s growing capabilities in cutting-edge drug development. For Innovent Biologics, the company behind mazdutide, this is a milestone moment in its journey as a global biopharmaceutical innovator. Dr. Lei Qian of Innovent noted that mazdutide’s success “provides robust, high-quality clinical evidence for treating overweight and obesity in Chinese adults and will undoubtedly influence future clinical guidelines, diagnostic criteria, and standards of care.”
Mazdutide is expected to receive regulatory approval in China later this year for weight management and glycemic control, offering a much-needed tool in the nation’s fight against obesity. Already recognized by FIERCE Pharma as one of 2025’s “Top 10 Most Anticipated Drugs,” mazdutide’s clinical impact may soon extend globally, as Innovent expands trials across different populations and indications, including type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and even heart failure.
The GLORY-1 study not only highlights the potential of dual GCG/GLP-1 receptor agonists like mazdutide but also sets a precedent for future research tailored to specific populations. As obesity rates continue to soar worldwide, this innovation could mark the beginning of a new era in obesity management—one that embraces precision medicine, global collaboration, and a renewed commitment to public health.
FAQ: What You Need to Know About Mazdutide
What is Mazdutide?
Mazdutide is co-developed and co-owned by Eli Lilly and Innovent Biologics. Eli Lilly holds the rights to develop and commercialize mazdutide globally, excluding China, where Innovent has exclusive rights. . It’s a dual GLP-1 and glucagon receptor agonist, designed to help people lose weight by regulating appetite, metabolism, and fat burning. Its mechanism is similar to other popular weight loss drugs but may offer unique benefits for patients with obesity in China and beyond.
How does Mazdutide work?
Mazdutide mimics the actions of two natural hormones in the body:
- GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1): reduces appetite, slows stomach emptying, and improves blood sugar control.
- Glucagon receptor agonist: boosts energy expenditure and fat burning.
Together, these effects promote significant weight loss.
How effective is Mazdutide?
In a phase 3 clinical trial, Mazdutide showed up to 15.4% average weight loss at 80 weeks, which is among the highest in the world for an obesity drug. Some patients lost even more—over 20% of their body weight.
Is Mazdutide available globally?
Currently, Mazdutide is under regulatory review in China. It has not yet been approved for global use, but its success in clinical trials has generated international interest.
How does Mazdutide compare to other obesity drugs like Wegovy or Mounjaro?
Mazdutide’s dual action targets both GLP-1 and glucagon receptors, which may lead to higher weight loss than GLP-1-only drugs like Wegovy (semaglutide). However, more data and head-to-head studies are needed for a clear comparison.
Is Mazdutide safe?
In clinical trials, side effects were manageable and mostly included nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, similar to other GLP-1-based therapies. Long-term safety data is still being collected.
1 thought on “China’s Breakthrough Obesity Drug Mazdutide Achieves Record Weight Loss in Global Study”