Fat Loss & Metabolism

Cotadutide

MEDI0382 · dual GLP-1/glucagon agonist

experimentalcutting-edgesubQ injection

What it is

Cotadutide is an investigational dual GLP-1 / glucagon receptor agonist developed by AstraZeneca. It hits two receptors instead of just one (like Semaglutide) — GLP-1 for appetite suppression and glucagon for increased energy expenditure. Phase 3 trials for type 2 diabetes and MASH (liver disease) ongoing.

How it works

GLP-1 arm: appetite suppression, slower gastric emptying, improved insulin sensitivity. Glucagon arm: increased resting energy expenditure, fat oxidation, liver fat reduction. The combination outperforms GLP-1-only drugs for liver fat and metabolic markers.

Benefits

Significant weight loss (similar to semaglutide range)
Strong liver fat reduction (key differentiator)
Improved glycemic control
Cardiovascular markers improvement
Less muscle loss than GLP-1 alone (theoretical, due to glucagon)

Timeline

Week 1–4: Appetite suppression begins; common nausea.
Week 12–24: 10–15% body weight loss at higher doses.
Month 6+: Peak liver fat reduction.

Dosing & titration

Trial dose100–600 mcg subQ daily

TitrationSlow upward titration to minimize nausea

When to titrate upLimited compounding availability; mostly clinical trial settings.

Side effects & risks

Nausea, vomiting (common, GLP-1-class effects)
Diarrhea / constipation
Possible blood glucose changes
Investigational drug — long-term safety still being established

Investigational compound. Not yet approved anywhere; limited compounding availability. Phase 3 trials ongoing.

Typical price

N/A — investigationalNot commercially available. Trial sites or research-chem sources only.

Studies

Nahra R et al. Effects of Cotadutide on Metabolic and Hepatic Parameters in Adults With Overweight or Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes — Phase 2 trial. PubMedDiabetes Care, 2021
Search PubMed for cotadutide — PubMed searchLive PubMed search

Educational reference only. Not medical advice.