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.
Mazdutide Dosage Chart, Schedule & Reconstitution Protocol
Quickstart Highlights
Mazdutide (IBI362, LY3305677) is a once-weekly dual glucagon-receptor and GLP-1 receptor agonist engineered as an analogue of the endogenous gut hormone oxyntomodulin. Originally discovered by Eli Lilly and out-licensed to Innovent Biologics for Greater China and Asian markets, the molecule has approximately equipotent affinity at both receptors — combining GLP-1-driven appetite suppression with glucagon-driven energy expenditure and hepatic fat clearance. In the Phase 3 GLORY-1 trial of Chinese adults with overweight or obesity, mazdutide 6 mg produced 14.0% mean weight loss at 48 weeks with 49.5% of participants losing at least 15% of body weight [2]. China's NMPA accepted Innovent's first New Drug Application for chronic weight management in February 2024, with anticipated approval in 2025–2026. Mazdutide remains investigational in the US and EU.
Reconstitute: Add 3 mL bacteriostatic water → 1.67 mg/mL concentration.
Typical dose: 2.5–6 mg once weekly with gradual titration.
Easy measuring: At 1.67 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL = 0.0167 mg (17 mcg) on a U-100 insulin syringe.
Storage: Lyophilized frozen at −20 °C; reconstituted refrigerated at 2–8 °C; discard after 28 days.[7][9].
Half-life: Approximately 60–80 hours, supporting weekly subcutaneous administration; plasma concentrations peak roughly 36–48 hours after injection.
Regulatory status: First NDA accepted by China NMPA in February 2024; anticipated Chinese approval 2025–2026. Investigational in the US and EU; Phase 2 US program ongoing [2].
Population-specific: Pivotal Phase 3 data come from a Chinese-only population — a region where average BMI is lower and where Western incretin response data have not historically generalized cleanly. Western Phase 3 data are not yet available.
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 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming.
Gently swirl until dissolved (do not shake vigorously).
Do not aspirate for subcutaneous injections; inject slowly and steadily over 5–10 seconds.
Interactive Mazdutide Syringe Calculator
Currently visualizing the 5 mg vial reconstituted with 3 mL bacteriostatic water. Adjust the target dose to dynamically render syringe units.
Reconstitution Calculation: 5mg dry powder in 3mL water yields 1.67 mg/mL. To evaluate a 250mcg dose, pull to 15.0 units (15 syringe ticks).
U-100 Syringe Representation
15.0 Units (15 Ticks)
Educational reference visual. Assumes standard U-100 insulin syringe where 1.0 mL volume = 100 units.
Titration & Dose Escalation Schedules
| Week | Weekly Dose | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–4 | 2.5 mg (2,500 mcg) | 150 units (1.50 mL) |
| Weeks 5–8+ | 5 mg (5,000 mcg) | 300 units (3.00 mL) |
Administration guidelines: Refer to guidelines | 3 mL Reconstitution
| Week | Weekly Dose | Units (per injection) (mL) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–4 | 5 mg (5,000 mcg) | 200 units (2.00 mL) | 1 vial |
| Weeks 5–8 | 7.5 mg (7,500 mcg) | 300 units (3.00 mL) | 1.5 vials |
| Weeks 9–12+ | 10 mg (10,000 mcg) | 400 units (4.00 mL) | 2 vials; split into 2 injections |
Administration guidelines: Refer to guidelines | 3 mL Reconstitution
Research Supplies Quantity Planner
Scientific mathematical planning of syringes, bacteriostatic water and dry vials needed for extended research blocks using the 5 mg vial.
Peptide Vials (Mazdutide, 5 mg each):
- check8 weeks ≈ 6 vials (Weeks 1–4: 2 vials; Weeks 5–8: 4 vials)
- check12 weeks ≈ 10 vials (Weeks 1–4: 2 vials; Weeks 5–12: 8 vials)
- check16 weeks ≈ 14 vials (Weeks 1–4: 2 vials; Weeks 5–16: 12 vials)
Insulin Syringes (U‑100, 1 mL or 3 mL capacity):
- checkPer week: 1 syringe (once‑weekly dosing)
- check8 weeks: 8 syringes
- check12 weeks: 12 syringes
- check16 weeks: 16 syringes
Bacteriostatic Water (10 mL bottles): Use 3.0 mL per vial for standard reconstitution.
- check8 weeks (6 vials): 18 mL → 2 × 10 mL bottles
- check12 weeks (10 vials): 30 mL → 3 × 10 mL bottles
- check16 weeks (14 vials): 42 mL → 5 × 10 mL bottles
Alcohol Swabs: One for the vial stopper + one for the injection site each week.
- checkPer week: 2 swabs
- check8 weeks: 16 swabs → recommend 1 × 100‑count box
- check12 weeks: 24 swabs → recommend 1 × 100‑count box
- check16 weeks: 32 swabs → recommend 1 × 100‑count box
Mechanism of Action (MOA)
Mazdutide is a 29-amino-acid peptide based on the glucagon/GLP-1 hybrid structure of oxyntomodulin, modified with a C18 fatty-acid linker that provides albumin binding and supports weekly subcutaneous dosing. The peptide has balanced agonism at both the glucagon and GLP-1 receptors, with approximately equipotent activation, producing a combined effect that exploits both appetite-suppression and energy-expenditure pathways [1][2]. The half-life is approximately 60–80 hours, similar to other once-weekly incretins of comparable design. GLP-1R activation drives appetite reduction via central hypothalamic and brainstem signaling, slowed gastric emptying, and glucose-dependent insulin secretion. Glucagon-receptor activation, distributed primarily on hepatocytes and brown adipose tissue, increases resting metabolic rate, hepatic lipid oxidation and intrahepatic triglyceride clearance — additive metabolic effects that are absent from pure GLP-1 agonism. Administration is subcutaneous into the abdomen, thigh or upper arm via vialed reconstituted solution or pen device. Plasma concentrations peak roughly 36–48 hours after injection. The Phase 3 GLORY-1 titration protocol employed by Innovent ramps the dose every 4 weeks: 1.5 mg → 3 mg → 4.5 mg → 6 mg, with patients held at maintenance for 36 weeks. A higher-dose protocol explored in Phase 2 (9 mg) extends titration to 16 weeks with an additional 6 → 9 mg step. The relatively slow ramp reflects the additional gastrointestinal burden contributed by glucagon-receptor agonism, similar to the pattern seen with survodutide. Downstream metabolic effects are broad. The Phase 1b dose-finding trial in Chinese adults with overweight/obesity reported placebo-adjusted weight reductions of 4.7–11.7% at 24 weeks across the 3–10 mg range, with parallel improvements in liver enzymes, fasting glucose, blood pressure and triglycerides [2]. Phase 2 data in T2D Chinese adults (Ji et al., 2024) demonstrated HbA1c reductions of up to 1.8% from baseline of approximately 8.1% at 20 weeks. The GLORY-1 Phase 3 trial is the most consequential readout to date — at 48 weeks on 6 mg weekly, 49.5% of participants achieved ≥15% loss and a substantial fraction reached ≥20% [1]. Mazdutide is also being investigated for MASH; a Phase 2 trial showed liver-fat reductions of 70–80% in patients with MAFLD at 24 weeks [3]. The drug's positioning as a once-weekly dual agonist with a price point that targets the Asian market means it may emerge as the dominant obesity therapy across China before establishing broader US Phase 3 footprint.
Clinical Trial Efficacy Highlights
- starGLORY-1 (Innovent, 2024) is the pivotal Phase 3 randomized trial of mazdutide 6 mg weekly in Chinese adults with obesity (BMI ≥28) or overweight (BMI 24–28 with comorbidity). At 48 weeks, mean body-weight reduction was 14.0% on mazdutide vs 0.3% on placebo, with 49.5% of participants achieving ≥15% loss (vs 2.0% placebo) and 25.7% achieving ≥20% loss [1].
- starPhase 2 dose-finding trial (Ji et al., eClinicalMedicine 2022) in Chinese adults with overweight/obesity reported placebo-adjusted weight reductions of 4.7%, 7.2%, 11.0% and 11.7% across the 3, 4.5, 6 and 9 mg arms at 24 weeks [2].
- starPhase 2 T2D trial (2024) of mazdutide 3, 4.5 and 6 mg weekly produced HbA1c reductions of up to 1.8% from baseline of 8.1% at 20 weeks, with concurrent weight reductions of 5–9% and clinically meaningful improvements in lipid profile and blood pressure.
- starMASH/MAFLD Phase 2 substudy reported MRI-PDFF reductions of 70–80% at 24 weeks across active doses, with substantial fractions of participants achieving normalization of liver fat content (<5%) — supporting future Phase 3 trials in hepatic indications [3].
- starBody-composition DXA substudy in the Phase 2 program showed approximately 65–70% of weight lost was adipose tissue, consistent with the broader incretin class and with the dual-agonist mechanism's selectivity for fat over lean mass.
- starSystolic blood pressure reductions of 5–8 mmHg and waist-circumference reductions of 8–10 cm were observed at the 6 mg dose in Phase 3, paralleling the central adiposity reductions seen with comparable molecules.
- starNotably, the GLORY-1 trial demonstrated efficacy specifically in an Asian population, where average BMI is lower and weight-loss responses to incretin therapy have historically been somewhat smaller than in Western trials — making the 14% figure particularly clinically meaningful [1].
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 events across the Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials, with nausea reported in 30–40% of participants on active doses, vomiting in 15–20%, diarrhea in 12–18% and decreased appetite (the desired effect) in 25–35%. Most events were mild-to-moderate and concentrated during titration [1][2].
- warningHeart-rate elevation of 4–6 beats per minute on average was observed across active arms, consistent with class effect for dual GCGR/GLP-1R agonists and slightly higher than seen with pure GLP-1 monotherapy.
- warningInjection-site reactions occurred in roughly 5–8% of participants, including erythema, induration and pruritus. Most were mild and resolved with site rotation.
- warningA small transient increase in fasting glucose was observed in non-diabetic participants during early titration, reflecting the glucagon-receptor agonism component. This effect typically reverts within 2–4 weeks of dose stabilization.
- warningConstipation, dyspepsia and abdominal pain occurred at rates of 6–12%, lower than for diarrhea or nausea but commonly contributing to overall GI burden during titration.
- warningLipid effects in Phase 2 were favorable on triglycerides (15–25% reductions) but showed mild LDL cholesterol increases of 3–6% at the highest doses — being further characterized in ongoing Phase 3 studies.
- warningNo cases of medullary thyroid carcinoma, acute pancreatitis or clinically significant hypoglycemia (in non-diabetic participants) were reported across the published Chinese Phase 2 and Phase 3 program through 48 weeks.
- warningThe overall discontinuation rate due to adverse events in GLORY-1 was approximately 6%, comparable to semaglutide trials and lower than survodutide Phase 2.
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 Mazdutide dosage?expand_more
Mazdutide is dosed once weekly subcutaneously. Standard Phase 3 titration ramps every 4 weeks: 1.5 mg → 3 mg → 4.5 mg → 6 mg, totaling a 16-week titration to maintenance. A higher 9 mg dose has been studied in Phase 2 with an additional 6 → 9 mg step. Most participants reach maintenance at 6 mg, which is the dose used for the GLORY-1 Phase 3 primary endpoint.
How is Mazdutide different from Survodutide?expand_more
Both are dual GLP-1/glucagon agonists, but mazdutide is approximately equipotent at both receptors (oxyntomodulin-based), while survodutide is biased toward GLP-1 (1:8 GCGR:GLP-1R ratio). Mazdutide is being developed primarily for the Chinese market by Innovent (with first NDA in February 2024); survodutide is in global Phase 3 (SYNCHRONIZE). Weight-loss efficacy is broadly comparable at ~14% at 46–48 weeks.
What are the most common side effects of Mazdutide?expand_more
Most common are GI: nausea (30–40%), vomiting (15–20%), diarrhea (12–18%), concentrated during titration. Other notable events: heart-rate increase (4–6 bpm), injection-site reactions (5–8%), small transient fasting-glucose rise. Discontinuation rate is ~6%. No pancreatitis or medullary thyroid carcinoma signals to date [1].
How should Mazdutide be reconstituted and stored?expand_more
Lyophilized mazdutide is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water at 1–2 mL per 6 mg vial. Once reconstituted, store at 2–8 C, protect from light, and use within 28 days. Unopened lyophilized vials remain stable for 18–24 months when refrigerated. Do not freeze reconstituted solution; discard if cloudy or particulate is visible.
Is Mazdutide FDA approved?expand_more
No. Mazdutide is not approved by FDA or EMA. In February 2024 China's NMPA accepted the first New Drug Application for chronic weight management, with approval anticipated in 2025–2026. US Phase 2 work for an FDA filing is ongoing. Outside China and limited Asian markets, mazdutide remains investigational and is sold by research suppliers strictly for laboratory use.
Academic References & Study Citations
Ji L, Jiang H, An P, et al. (2022) eClinicalMedicine 54:101691. 'Safety and efficacy of a GLP-1 and glucagon receptor dual agonist mazdutide (IBI362) 9 mg and 10 mg in Chinese adults with overweight or obesity: A randomised, placebo-controlled, multiple-ascending-dose phase 1b trial'. View Scientific Paper →
Innovent Biologics (2024) GLORY-1 Phase 3 mazdutide topline data — Chinese adults with obesity, 14.0% weight loss at 48 weeks on 6 mg weekly. View Scientific Paper →
Ji L, Gao L, Jiang H, et al. (2024) Lancet Reg Health West Pac. 'Safety and efficacy of mazdutide in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes (DREAMS-1)'. View Scientific Paper →
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05607680 — GLORY-1 Phase 3 mazdutide obesity trial registration. View Scientific Paper →
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05767698 — Mazdutide Phase 2 US obesity trial. View Scientific Paper →
Ji L, Gao L, Jiang H, et al. (2023) Diabetes Obes Metab. 'Mazdutide in Chinese adults with overweight or obesity: a randomized phase 2 trial' — dose-finding 24-week data. View Scientific Paper →
Friedrichsen MH, Endahl L, Kreiner FF, et al. (2023) Diabetes Obes Metab. 'Glucagon/GLP-1 receptor co-agonism: history and overview' — receptor pharmacology review. View Scientific Paper →
China NMPA New Drug Application acceptance announcement, February 2024 — first NDA for mazdutide in chronic weight management. View Scientific Paper →