Albiglutide (Tanzeum)

FDA-approved context Weight Loss & Metabolism 3 sources

Albiglutide is a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist originally developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It works by mimicking the incretin hormone GLP-1, which stimulates insulin release and suppresses glucagon secretion, leading to improved blood sugar control. Although it received FDA approval and demonstrated cardiovascular benefits, it was later discontinued by the manufacturer for commercial reasons rather than safety concerns.

01Dosing reference

Amount

30 mg to 50 mg

Frequency

Once weekly

Cycle

Continuous use for chronic management of type 2 diabetes

Reference figures, not a recommendationThese values reflect amounts described in the literature and vendor documentation this database indexes. Use the reconstitution calculator to convert them into syringe units.

02Mechanism of action

GLP-1 Receptor Activation

Albiglutide binds to and activates the GLP-1 receptor, a cell-surface receptor found on pancreatic beta cells and other tissues.

Insulin Secretion and Glucagon Suppression

Activation of the receptor stimulates glucose-dependent insulin secretion and inhibits inappropriate glucagon secretion.

Glycemic Control and Gastric Emptying

These actions lower fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels, while also slowing gastric emptying to promote satiety.

03Human evidence

Significant reductions in HbA1c levels compared to placebo and some active comparators in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Demonstrated across multiple Phase 3 clinical trials (Harmony program) involving thousands of patients.

Reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Shown in the Harmony Outcomes cardiovascular outcomes trial, highlighting its cardiovascular safety and potential benefit.

04Preclinical evidence

Enhanced glucose-dependent insulin secretion and preservation of beta-cell mass.

Observed in rodent models of type 2 diabetes, demonstrating its fundamental incretin-mimetic properties.

Delayed gastric emptying and reduced food intake.

Animal studies showed that albiglutide administration led to decreased appetite and subsequent weight loss.

05What is known vs. unknown

Reasonably established

Albiglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist with a half-life of 4 to 7 days, allowing for once-weekly dosing.
It effectively lowers HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes.
The Harmony Outcomes trial demonstrated that albiglutide significantly reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events.
It was approved by the FDA in 2014 under the brand name Tanzeum but was discontinued in 2018 for commercial reasons.

Unknowns & limits

Long-term effects beyond the duration of the clinical trials remain less documented due to its market discontinuation.
Its comparative efficacy for weight loss against newer, more potent GLP-1/GIP agonists like tirzepatide is limited in direct head-to-head studies.

06Safety & regulatory context

Regulatory statusAlbiglutide was FDA-approved in 2014 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Common side effects included upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, nausea, and injection site reactions. Like other GLP-1 receptor agonists, it carried a boxed warning for the potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors, based on findings in rodents, and was contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma. In 2018, GlaxoSmithKline discontinued the manufacturing and sale of Tanzeum globally for commercial reasons, not due to safety or efficacy issues.

07Compared with Semaglutide

Albiglutide (Tanzeum) vs. Semaglutide

Key difference

While both are once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonists, semaglutide generally demonstrates greater efficacy in both HbA1c reduction and weight loss compared to albiglutide.

When researchers discuss each

Albiglutide is often discussed in the context of cardiovascular outcomes trials and the history of GLP-1 development, whereas semaglutide is discussed as a current frontline therapy for diabetes and obesity.

08Glossary

GLP-1 Receptor Agonist

A class of medications that mimic the action of the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1 to increase insulin secretion and lower blood sugar.

Incretin

A group of metabolic hormones that stimulate a decrease in blood glucose levels by increasing the amount of insulin released from the pancreas.

HbA1c

A blood test that measures average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months.

09Knowledge check

Q1What was the primary reason for the discontinuation of Albiglutide (Tanzeum)?

Q2How frequently was Albiglutide typically administered?

Q3Which documented limitation in the dossier most affects confidence about albiglutide's effects beyond the duration of its clinical trials?

Q4According to the dossier's comparison with semaglutide, which statement best reflects their relative clinical profiles?

Q5Which regulatory or safety statement about albiglutide is supported by the dossier?

10Sources

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Research and educational use onlyNothing on this site is medical advice, a prescription, or a recommendation for human use. Compounds documented here are research chemicals. Consult a qualified clinician before making any health decision.