Evidence Grade E — Very limited evidence. 3 published studies. 2 registered clinical trials.
Medically reviewed by a licensed medical professional
Dapiglutide is a first-in-class molecule from Zealand Pharma that uniquely combines GLP-1 activity (appetite suppression) with GLP-2 activity (intestinal repair and anti-inflammatory effects). No other drug in development achieves this dual mechanism. Originally developed for short bowel syndrome, its development focus has shifted toward obesity and metabolic disease.
Dapiglutide is also known by these brand and alternate names:
3 published studies: 1 human, 1 animal, 0 in-vitro, 0 reviews
Dapiglutide is in early clinical development (not yet approved). Phase Ib results showed up to 11.6% weight loss at 28 weeks. A Phase IIa study showed more modest results (4.3% at 12 weeks), considered disappointing relative to expectations. Good tolerability has been demonstrated across trials.
Dapiglutide's unique dual GLP-1/GLP-2 mechanism is scientifically novel, but early clinical results have been mixed. The GLP-2 intestinal repair component provides a differentiated mechanism, but whether it translates to clinical advantages over GLP-1-only or GLP-1/glucagon approaches remains to be demonstrated.
Dapiglutide simultaneously activates two complementary intestinal receptors: GLP-1R (appetite suppression, weight loss) and GLP-2R (intestinal growth, gut barrier strengthening, anti-inflammatory effects). The GLP-2 component may address gut barrier dysfunction and intestinal inflammation that are increasingly recognised as contributors to metabolic disease.
Early clinical results have been mixed. A Phase Ib study showed up to 11.6% weight loss at 28 weeks, but a Phase IIa study with a lower dose produced a more modest 4.3% at 12 weeks, considered disappointing relative to expectations. Sample sizes have been small (30-54 patients). The dual GLP-1/GLP-2 mechanism is scientifically novel — the GLP-2 component could address gut barrier dysfunction and intestinal inflammation increasingly recognised as contributors to metabolic disease — but whether this translates to clinical advantages over simpler approaches remains unproven. Phase IIb results are needed to determine the compound's viability in the competitive obesity space.
PeptideTrace tracks 2 registered clinical trials for Dapiglutide sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov.
A Trial Comparing Pharmacokinetics, Safety and Tolerability of Two Subcutaneous Concentrations of Dapiglutide
Dapiglutide for the Treatment of Obesity
Dapiglutide (ZP7570) is a first-in-class unimolecular dual GLP-1R/GLP-2R agonist peptide developed by Zealand Pharma. CAS number: 2296814-85-0. Administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection. IMPORTANT UPDATE: while originally developed for short bowel syndrome, Zealand Pharma has pivoted dapiglutide's primary development focus toward obesity and obesity-related comorbidities driven by low-grade intestinal inflammation.
Dapiglutide achieves dual agonism at both GLP-1R and GLP-2R from a single unimolecular peptide. GLP-1R activation provides appetite suppression and weight loss. GLP-2R activation stimulates intestinal epithelial growth, enhances absorptive surface area, strengthens the gut barrier, and exerts anti-inflammatory effects on intestinal tissue. For the obesity indication, the GLP-2 component may address inflammatory comorbidities beyond pure weight reduction, including metabolic endotoxemia and gut barrier dysfunction.
Phase 1b MAD Part 1 (NCT06000891; N=54; presented at ADA 2025): up to -6.2% weight loss at 13 weeks (placebo-adjusted -8.3%). Phase 1b Part 2 (N=30; 28 weeks): mean -11.6% weight loss. Phase 2a low-dose study (N=54; 12 weeks): only -4.3% weight loss, considered a disappointing result relative to expectations. All trials demonstrated good tolerability with gastrointestinal-predominant adverse events consistent with the GLP-1 class.
The information on this page is provided for educational and research reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
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Timelines
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