AZD9550: An Investigational Dual GLP-1R/GCGR Agonist for Metabolic Diseases

1. Executive Summary

AZD9550 is an investigational therapeutic agent under development by AstraZeneca, characterized by its dual agonism at the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and the glucagon receptor (GCGR).[1] This compound is strategically positioned within AstraZeneca's Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM) pipeline and is being evaluated for the treatment of complex metabolic disorders, primarily obesity and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), now increasingly referred to as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).[1] Potential utility in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is also implicitly under investigation, given the study populations.[1] AZD9550 is administered via subcutaneous (SC) or intravenous (IV) routes, with the SC route being the focus for therapeutic delivery in later-phase trials.[2] Currently, the drug is advancing through Phase I/II and Phase IIb clinical trials.[1] A key aspect of its development strategy involves evaluating its efficacy and safety both as a monotherapy and in combination with AZD6234, a long-acting amylin analogue also developed by AstraZeneca, particularly for obesity management.[9] The simultaneous targeting of obesity and NASH/MASH underscores a therapeutic approach aimed at addressing the interconnected pathophysiology common to these prevalent metabolic conditions, leveraging the compound's dual mechanism of action to potentially achieve broader metabolic benefits than single-pathway agents.

2. Introduction to AZD9550

2.1. Identification and Development

The investigational drug AZD9550, also referred to as AZD 9550, is a novel compound originated and developed by the global biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca.[1] It represents a focused effort within AstraZeneca's extensive research and development pipeline, specifically targeting metabolic diseases.[4]