MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: Educational research guidelines only. Lyophilized peptides are investigational chemical compounds and are NOT approved for human consumption, diagnosis, or therapy. Consult a licensed physician before any research application.
Dapiglutide Dosage Chart, Schedule & Reconstitution Protocol
Quickstart Highlights
Dapiglutide (ZP 7570) is an investigational, first-in-class dual GLP-1/GLP-2 receptor agonist from Zealand Pharma being studied for obesity and its inflammation-related comorbidities (PMID 41768273). It is a 33-amino-acid peptide with a C18 fatty-acyl chain that extends its half-life to about five days, enabling once-weekly subcutaneous dosing. The GLP-1 arm suppresses appetite and slows gastric emptying to drive weight loss, while the GLP-2 arm improves intestinal barrier function and lowers gut-derived inflammation. Across the Phase 1b program, weekly doses were up-titrated to 13 mg and 26 mg targets, with the 26 mg arm achieving a mean 11.6% body-weight reduction at 28 weeks versus 0.2% with placebo; a lower-dose (4-6 mg) Phase 2a trial did not separate from placebo. Dapiglutide is not approved anywhere and development is currently paused, so this page is an educational reconstitution and dosing reference only.
Reconstitute: Add 1 mL bacteriostatic water → 30 mg/mL concentration.
Typical dose: 4-26 mg once weekly (investigational, titrated)
Easy measuring: At 30 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL = 0.3 mg (300 mcg) on a U-100 insulin syringe.
Storage: Lyophilized powder stored frozen at -20°C; reconstituted solution refrigerated at 2-8°C and protected from light; avoid freeze-thaw cycles.
Half-life: Approximately 123-129 hours (about 5 days), supporting once-weekly subcutaneous dosing.
Route: Subcutaneous injection, once weekly - the route used in all clinical trials.
Status: Investigational; not FDA/EMA approved. Development currently paused per Zealand Pharma. Research use only.
About Dapiglutide
Dapiglutide is a dual GLP-1/GLP-2 receptor agonist that, unlike many compounds catalogued here, is genuinely administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection in its clinical trials [2][3]. That means the reconstitution figures below map directly onto how the drug has actually been studied, rather than serving only as an educational conversion. It is investigational; the protocol shown is a research reference for laboratory use, not a prescription.\n\nThe investigational Dapiglutide dosage uses gradual weekly up-titration to limit gastrointestinal side effects. Across Zealand Pharma's Phase 1b program, weekly doses were escalated every two to four weeks toward targets of 13 mg and, in the 28-week extension, 26 mg, which produced a mean 11.6% body-weight reduction versus 0.2% with placebo [2][3]. A separate investigator-initiated Phase 2a trial tested lower 4 mg and 6 mg weekly doses over 12 weeks and did not reach statistical significance versus placebo [1]. Its long ~123-129 hour (about five-day) half-life supports stable once-weekly exposure [3].\n\nReconstituting a 30 mg vial with 1 mL of bacteriostatic water yields 30 mg/mL, so 6 mg measures 20 units, 13 mg measures about 43 units, and 26 mg measures about 87 units on a U-100 insulin syringe - every titration step lands on a measurable mark.\n\nFrequency: Inject once weekly subcutaneously, on the same day each week, with or without food [2][3].
Quick Protocol Navigation
Reconstitution Instruction & Mixing Step-by-Step
Lyophilized powder must be reconstituted carefully. Agitating peptide chains can shear disulfide bonds and render the peptide biologically inert.
Draw 1 mL of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
Inject it slowly down the inner wall of the 30 mg dapiglutide vial to avoid foaming the peptide.
Gently swirl or roll the vial until fully dissolved; do not shake.
Swab the stopper, then withdraw your dose into a U-100 insulin syringe (about 20 units for 6 mg, ~43 units for 13 mg at 30 mg/mL).
Inject subcutaneously into the abdomen, thigh or upper arm; rotate sites weekly and keep the reconstituted vial refrigerated at 2-8°C, protected from light.
Interactive Dapiglutide Syringe Calculator
Currently visualizing the 30 mg vial reconstituted with 1 mL bacteriostatic water. Adjust the target dose to dynamically render syringe units.
Reconstitution Calculation: 30mg dry powder in 1mL water yields 30.00 mg/mL. To evaluate a 250mcg dose, pull to 0.8 units (1 syringe ticks).
U-100 Syringe Representation
Educational reference visual. Assumes standard U-100 insulin syringe where 1.0 mL volume = 100 units.
Titration & Dose Escalation Schedules
| Phase | Dose per injection | Units (per injection) |
|---|---|---|
| Initiation (weeks 1-2) | 4000 mcg (4 mg) | 13 units (0.13 mL) |
| Escalation (weeks 3-6) | 6000 mcg (6 mg) | 20 units (0.20 mL) |
| Maintenance target (weeks 7-13) | 13000 mcg (13 mg) | 43 units (0.43 mL) |
| Maximum explored target (weeks 14+) | 26000 mcg (26 mg) | 87 units (0.87 mL) |
Administration guidelines: Refer to guidelines | 1 mL Reconstitution
Research Supplies Quantity Planner
Scientific mathematical planning of syringes, bacteriostatic water and dry vials needed for extended research blocks using the 30 mg vial.
Peptide Vials (Dapiglutide, 30 mg each):
- check8-week course titrating toward 13 mg/week: about 2-3 vials.
- check12-week course maintaining ~13 mg/week: about 4 vials.
- check16-week course escalating toward 26 mg/week: about 7 vials.
- checkOrder one extra vial as a buffer against reconstitution loss or a dropped vial.
Insulin Syringes (U-100):
- checkOne syringe per weekly subcutaneous injection (single use).
- check8-week course: about 10 syringes (8 doses plus spares).
- check12-week course: about 14 syringes.
- check16-week course: about 18 syringes.
Bacteriostatic Water (30 mL bottles): Use 1 mL per vial for reconstitution.
- checkOne 30 mL bottle reconstitutes far more than a full course (1 mL per 30 mg vial).
- check8-week course: about 2-3 mL used; 12-week: about 4 mL; 16-week: about 7 mL.
- checkA single 30 mL bottle is sufficient for all course lengths.
Alcohol Swabs: clean the vial stopper and injection site before each use.
- checkTwo swabs per injection (one for the vial top, one for the skin).
- check8-week course: about 20 swabs.
- check12-week course: about 30 swabs.
- check16-week course: about 40 swabs.
Mechanism of Action (MOA)
Dapiglutide (ZP 7570) is a 33-amino-acid synthetic peptide carrying an 18-carbon (C18) fatty-acyl side chain. The lipid tail promotes reversible binding to serum albumin, which shields the molecule from rapid peptidase degradation and renal clearance and extends its terminal half-life to roughly 123-129 hours - about five days - making it suitable for once-weekly subcutaneous administration [3][6]. It is a first-in-class dual agonist engineered to activate both the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and the GLP-2 receptor (GLP-2R), with roughly three-fold greater potency at GLP-1R than GLP-2R [5][6].\n\nThe two receptor arms address obesity through complementary mechanisms. The GLP-1R component reproduces the classic incretin and anorectic effects of GLP-1 analogues: it enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon, slows gastric emptying, and acts on hypothalamic and brainstem appetite circuits to reduce energy intake - the primary driver of weight loss [1][5]. The GLP-2R component is the differentiating feature. GLP-2 is an intestinotrophic hormone that enhances epithelial barrier function in the small intestine, increases mucosal mass and villus height, and reduces intestinal permeability; the rationale is that strengthening the gut barrier dampens the low-grade systemic inflammation and endotoxemia associated with obesity, potentially improving metabolic comorbidities beyond weight alone [1][5].\n\nPharmacokinetically, dapiglutide is given subcutaneously once weekly. Single- and multiple-ascending-dose work showed dose-proportional exposure and a half-life supporting weekly dosing, with steady state approached over several weeks of titration [3]. Because gastrointestinal tolerability is dose-limiting, clinical protocols escalate slowly: the Phase 1b multiple-ascending-dose trial up-titrated every second week in its 13-week part (to a 13 mg target held for five weeks) and every fourth week in its 28-week part (to a 26 mg target held for four weeks) [2][3]. Anti-drug antibodies were detected in about 14% of participants in the multiple-ascending-dose study, without an identified loss of effect [3].\n\nDownstream, sustained dual agonism produced dose-dependent weight loss: up to roughly 8.3% placebo-adjusted reduction after 13 weekly doses and a mean 11.6% reduction at 28 weeks on the 26 mg target, versus 0.2% with placebo [2][3]. At the much lower 4-6 mg doses used in the 12-week Phase 2a proof-of-concept trial, the body-weight difference versus placebo (about -2.1% at 6 mg) was not statistically significant, underscoring that meaningful weight effects in this program required the higher escalated doses [1].\n\nA mechanism-specific caution attaches to chronic GLP-2R activation: because GLP-2 is trophic to intestinal epithelium and rodent studies show exogenous GLP-2 can promote colonic adenoma growth, the long-term intestinal-neoplasia risk of prolonged dual agonism is an open question being weighed in development [5]. Dapiglutide remains investigational and is not approved for any use.
Clinical Trial Efficacy Highlights
- starIn Zealand Pharma's 28-week Phase 1b trial (Part 2), dapiglutide up-titrated every fourth week to a 26 mg weekly target produced a mean body-weight reduction of 11.6% versus 0.2% with placebo - the largest weight effect reported for the compound to date - with no severe or serious treatment-emergent adverse events recorded [2].
- starThe 13-week Phase 1b multiple-ascending-dose part (54 participants across three cohorts), with rapid up-titration every second week to a 13 mg target held for five weeks, achieved placebo-adjusted body-weight reductions of up to 8.3% after 13 weekly doses [3].
- starAn investigator-initiated 12-week Phase 2a proof-of-concept trial (NCT05788601; Nielsen et al., eClinicalMedicine 2026) randomised 54 adults with obesity (mean BMI 35.2 kg/m², mean weight 101.3 kg) to once-weekly 4 mg or 6 mg dapiglutide or placebo; the 6 mg arm showed only a -2.1% placebo-adjusted weight change that did not reach statistical significance [1][4].
- starEarly single- and multiple-dose Phase 1 work demonstrated dose-dependent body-weight loss of up to about 4.5% over four weeks, which supported progression of dapiglutide into the obesity development program [5].
- starThe drug's dual mechanism is designed to pair GLP-1R-driven appetite suppression with GLP-2R-mediated improvement in intestinal barrier function; the Phase 2a trial specifically incorporated assessments of gut permeability and inflammation alongside body weight [1][5].
- starAcross the Phase 1b program, dapiglutide was assessed as safe and well-tolerated up to the 26 mg weekly target, with gastrointestinal events (nausea, vomiting) the most common adverse effects and only two participants discontinuing for adverse events [2][3].
- starPharmacokinetic data support once-weekly dosing, with a terminal half-life of roughly 123-129 hours (about five days) reported in the multiple-ascending-dose study [3].
Side Effects & Tolerability Profile
Clinical subjects transiently report mild side effects. Slowly escalating the titration dose represents the single most effective intervention to limit side effects.
- warningGastrointestinal events were the most common adverse effects across all trials, with nausea and vomiting predominating and generally dose-related; they were mostly mild-to-moderate, and only two participants in the 28-week Phase 1b trial discontinued for adverse events [2][3].
- warningAnti-drug (anti-dapiglutide) antibodies were detected in approximately 14% of participants in the multiple-ascending-dose study; no clear loss of pharmacologic effect was attributed to them, but immunogenicity remains under evaluation [3].
- warningMild injection-site reactions (erythema, induration) were reported in a small number of participants; rotating subcutaneous sites between the abdomen, thigh and upper arm reduces incidence [2].
- warningChronic GLP-2 receptor agonism is intestinotrophic; because exogenous GLP-2 has promoted colonic adenoma growth in rodent models, the long-term risk of intestinal polyps or neoplasia with prolonged dosing is a recognized theoretical concern not yet resolved in humans [5].
- warningAs a GLP-1 receptor agonist, dapiglutide carries the class-associated cautions of the incretin family - heart-rate increase, gallbladder events, and a theoretical pancreatitis risk - although no severe or serious treatment-emergent events were reported in the 28-week trial [2].
- warningMarked appetite suppression can reduce food and fluid intake; adequate hydration and nutrition should be monitored, particularly during rapid up-titration toward the higher 13-26 mg targets.
- warningHypoglycemia risk is low with GLP-1 agonism alone but can increase if combined with insulin or sulfonylureas; dapiglutide has not been studied in such combinations.
- warningRegulatory and research status: dapiglutide is not approved by the FDA, EMA or any other authority and, per Zealand's most recent pipeline disclosure, active development has been paused; all use is investigational and for laboratory research only, not human therapeutic use [4][7].
Subcutaneous Injection Technique
Most research peptides require subcutaneous injection into fatty tissue. Never inject directly into a blood vessel or deep muscle tissue unless clinically detailed.
1. Site Selection
Common locations include the abdomen (2 inches from navel), outer upper arms, or thighs.
2. Sanitization
Thoroughly clean the selected site, stopper and vial top using 70% isopropyl alcohol prep swabs.
3. Angle & Push
Pinch the skin and insert the needle at a 45 to 90-degree angle. Depress plunger smoothly.
4. Site Rotation
Rotate injection sites continuously to avoid lipodystrophy or tissue scarring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical Dapiglutide dosage?expand_more
There is no approved or established therapeutic Dapiglutide dosage because the compound is investigational. In clinical trials it was given once weekly subcutaneously with gradual up-titration. Zealand Pharma's Phase 1b program escalated to weekly targets of 13 mg (held five weeks) and 26 mg (held four weeks), the latter producing a mean 11.6% weight loss, while a Phase 2a trial used lower 4 mg and 6 mg weekly doses that did not separate from placebo. The headline investigational range is roughly 4-26 mg once weekly, with meaningful weight effects seen only at the higher 13-26 mg targets.
Is Dapiglutide FDA approved?expand_more
No. Dapiglutide (ZP 7570) is not approved by the FDA, the EMA or any other regulatory agency for any indication. It is an investigational dual GLP-1/GLP-2 receptor agonist that completed Phase 1b and an early Phase 2a trial, and per Zealand Pharma's most recent pipeline disclosure active development has been paused. It is available only as a research chemical and must not be used for human therapeutic purposes.
How do you reconstitute Dapiglutide?expand_more
For this educational reference, draw 1 mL of bacteriostatic water and inject it slowly down the inner wall of a 30 mg vial, then swirl gently (do not shake) until fully dissolved. This yields a 30 mg/mL solution, so 6 mg measures 20 units and 26 mg measures about 87 units on a U-100 insulin syringe. Store the reconstituted vial refrigerated at 2-8°C, protected from light, and discard if the solution becomes cloudy or discolored.
What is the Dapiglutide half life?expand_more
Dapiglutide has a long terminal half-life of approximately 123-129 hours - about five days - reported in its multiple-ascending-dose study. This is driven by a C18 fatty-acyl chain that binds serum albumin and slows clearance, which is what allows once-weekly subcutaneous dosing and stable steady-state exposure after several weeks of consistent administration.
How is Dapiglutide different from semaglutide or tirzepatide?expand_more
Semaglutide is a pure GLP-1 receptor agonist and tirzepatide is a GLP-1/GIP dual agonist; dapiglutide is a first-in-class GLP-1/GLP-2 dual agonist. The novel element is GLP-2 receptor activation, which is intestinotrophic and aimed at strengthening the gut barrier and reducing obesity-associated low-grade inflammation rather than adding to appetite suppression. In trials its weight-loss magnitude (about 11.6% at 28 weeks on 26 mg) has so far been more modest than the leading approved incretin agents, and it remains investigational.
Related Guides & Tools
Step-by-step references for reconstituting, measuring, and storing Dapiglutide, plus the universal dosing calculator.
Academic References & Study Citations
Nielsen CK, Pálsson TG, Forman JL, et al. (2026) eClinicalMedicine 93:103801. 'Dapiglutide, a dual GLP-1 and GLP-2 receptor agonist, for obesity: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel-group, proof-of-concept trial.' PMID 41768273. View Scientific Paper →
Zealand Pharma A/S (18 June 2025). 'Positive topline results from 28-week Phase 1b trial with GLP-1/GLP-2 receptor dual agonist dapiglutide' - company press release reporting a mean 11.6% weight loss on the 26 mg weekly target. View Scientific Paper →
Zealand Pharma A/S (9 September 2024). 'Positive topline results from 13-week Phase 1b multiple ascending dose clinical trial with GLP-1/GLP-2 receptor dual agonist dapiglutide' - company press release (up to 8.3% placebo-adjusted weight loss; ~123-129 h half-life; 14.3% anti-drug antibodies). View Scientific Paper →
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05788601 - 'Dapiglutide for the Treatment of Obesity' (Phase 2a, investigator-initiated, once-weekly subcutaneous 4 mg or 6 mg vs placebo over 12 weeks). View Scientific Paper →
'Paradigm shift in obesity treatment: an extensive review of current pipeline agents' (2025), PMC11913498 - review discussing dapiglutide's dual GLP-1/GLP-2 mechanism, early Phase 1 weight loss, and GLP-2-related intestinal safety considerations. View Scientific Paper →
Dapiglutide - Wikipedia. Identity and chemistry: development code ZP 7570, 33-amino-acid main chain with C18 acyl modification, molecular formula C192H302N46O57 (MW ~4166.8 g/mol). View Scientific Paper →
Zealand Pharma - 'Dapiglutide (GLP-1/GLP-2 dual agonist)' research and development pipeline page; describes the dual-agonist rationale and current development status. View Scientific Paper →
Dapiglutide (ZP7570), GLP-1R/GLP-2R dual agonist - MedChemExpress reference/product page confirming compound identity and receptor targets. View Scientific Paper →