Chinese researchers have achieved a significant milestone in obesity treatment with the successful Phase III clinical trial of Mazdutide, the world's first GCG/GLP-1 dual receptor agonist targeting weight management. The results, recently published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine, represent a breakthrough for China-developed weight-loss drugs entering the global forefront.
Novel Dual-Target Mechanism
Mazdutide distinguishes itself from conventional GLP-1 receptor agonists by incorporating a glucagon (GCG) target, opening a new therapeutic avenue for obesity treatment. According to Ji Linong, lead researcher and head of the endocrinology department at Peking University People's Hospital, GCG is secreted by pancreatic alpha cells, and its receptor activation enhances fat oxidation and energy expenditure, with particular potential in improving liver fat metabolism.
"By combining both GCG and GLP-1 targets, the drug addresses obesity through a dual mechanism of appetite suppression and metabolic acceleration, offering a more comprehensive solution to complex conditions such as visceral fat accumulation and insulin resistance — areas where single-target therapies fall short," Ji explained.
Comprehensive Clinical Benefits
The Phase III clinical trial results demonstrated that Mazdutide not only achieved significant weight-loss results but also provided additional metabolic benefits. Participants experienced reductions in waist circumference, blood pressure, blood lipids and uric acid levels, according to Ji Linong.
"The study validated the efficacy and safety of the world's first GCG/GLP-1 dual receptor agonist submitted for regulatory approval for weight management in overweight or obese patients," said Xiao Ruiping, deputy editor of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Market Launch and Regulatory Progress
According to Qian Lei, a senior executive at Innovent Bio, the drug's co-developer, Mazdutide has completed several key Phase III clinical trials and is expected to launch in China this year for both weight-loss and glucose-lowering indications.
The development comes as China faces rising obesity rates. The adult obesity nutrition guidelines (2024 edition) issued by the National Health Commission reported that 34.3 percent of Chinese adults are overweight and 16.4 percent are obese.
National Health Initiative Alignment
The breakthrough aligns with China's intensified efforts to combat obesity trends. Last year, the "Healthy Weight Management Action" was added as a key national initiative under the Healthy China 2030 initiative, with a goal to curb rising obesity rates by 2030.
"The publication of Mazdutide's clinical findings also signals that China's capabilities in innovative drug development for metabolic diseases have reached world-class standards, injecting momentum into the national Healthy China 2030 initiative," Ji added.
Global Context and Market Position
This milestone places China's independently developed weight-loss drug research among the world's leading efforts, according to Xiao Ruiping. The achievement is particularly significant given global projections indicating that by 2050, more than half the adult population worldwide will be living with overweight and obesity.
In China, the number of people with overweight and obesity has risen sharply over the past four decades, significantly increasing the risk of noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and premature death. To date, China has approved five weight-loss medications, with Semaglutide and Orlistat currently available on the domestic market.
Comprehensive Approach to Obesity Management
Despite the effectiveness of weight-loss drugs, experts emphasize that medication represents only one part of China's comprehensive public health approach to obesity. The country has established weight management clinics in hospitals nationwide, released healthy dietary guidelines, and implemented policies such as "one physical education class per day" in many schools.
"Incorporating weight management into the national health governance system is not only vital to individuals' quality of life, but also to overall social productivity and sustainable development," said Zheng Hong, president of the China Health Culture Association. "We look forward to deeper participation from various technological sectors, so that high-quality weight management resources can benefit a broader population."
