In a significant milestone for China’s pharmaceutical research, the clinical study results of the domestically – developed weight – loss drug Mazdutide have been published in the international top – tier medical journal The New England Journal of Medicine. This achievement marks international recognition of China’s innovation in the field of endocrine metabolism.
Mazdutide, a glucagon (GCG)/glucagon – like peptide – 1 (GLP – 1) dual – receptor agonist for weight loss and blood sugar reduction, has demonstrated remarkable efficacy. Led by a Chinese research team, the phase III clinical study (GLORY – 1) enrolled 610 Chinese subjects who were either obese or overweight and had at least one obesity – related complication. The participants were randomly assigned to receive 4 mg or 6 mg of Mazdutide or a placebo, administered via subcutaneous injection once a week for 48 weeks.
The research, headed by Professor Ji Linong from the Department of Endocrinology at Peking University People’s Hospital, showed outstanding results. By the 48th week, the proportions of subjects with a weight loss of ≥15% in the 4mg, 6mg Mazdutide groups and the placebo group were 37.0%, 50.6%, and 2.1% respectively. Moreover, Mazdutide not only significantly reduced weight but also improved multiple cardiovascular and metabolic indicators such as waist circumference, blood pressure, blood lipids, uric acid, and transaminase levels. It also notably decreased the liver fat content in overweight or obese subjects.
The safety profile of Mazdutide was also reassuring. The overall adverse events in the Mazdutide group were similar to previous studies and other GLP – 1 receptor agonist drugs. The most common treatment – related adverse events, such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, were mostly mild or moderate.
The publication of these results in The New England Journal of Medicine has drawn high praise. Professor Xiao Ruiping, the deputy editor – in – chief of the journal, stated that this study validates the efficacy and safety of the world’s first GCG/GLP – 1 dual – receptor agonist for overweight or obesity management. It indicates that China’s clinical research on innovative weight – loss drugs independently developed has entered the international leading ranks.
This success comes at a time when obesity has become a major global health concern. In China, the overweight and obese population has been increasing, and in 2019, deaths caused by overweight and obesity accounted for 11.1% of chronic non – communicable disease – related deaths. In response, the National Health Commission and other departments incorporated the “Healthy Weight Management Action” into the key special projects of the “Healthy China Initiative” in 2024, aiming to initially curb the upward trend of overweight and obesity by 2030.
Mazdutide is expected to be launched in the domestic market this year, with indications for both weight loss and blood sugar reduction. If approved, it will become the first domestic GCG/GLP – 1 dual – target innovative drug. The drug’s development not only represents China’s advancement in the field of weight – loss drug research but also provides a new “Chinese solution” for global obesity treatment, potentially rewriting the clinical treatment pathways for overweight and obesity at home and abroad.
Looking ahead, as China’s pharmaceutical industry continues to enhance its innovation capabilities, more domestic innovative drugs are expected to emerge, making greater contributions to global health management. While Mazdutide offers a new medical option for weight management, experts also emphasize that drug therapy is only one part of obesity prevention and control. A comprehensive public health prevention and treatment system, combined with a healthy lifestyle, remains crucial for effectively addressing the global obesity burden.
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