Cotadutide: Mechanism, Research & UK Safety Profile
Also known as: MEDI0382
Investigational GLP-1 / glucagon dual receptor agonist developed by AstraZeneca. Programme status has evolved during 2023-2025; obesity development has been discontinued while narrower indications (including CKD-related work) have been retained. Not MHRA-licensed.
Molecular formula
C167H252N42O55
Molecular weight
Approx. 3.7 kDa (~3,728 g/mol)
Half-life
Designed for once-daily dosing.
Category
GLP-1 / glucagon dual agonist
Overview
Cotadutide (MEDI0382) is an investigational GLP-1 / glucagon dual agonist developed by MedImmune / AstraZeneca. Earlier phase 2 data in T2D and MASLD generated interest, but the programme has had material changes during 2023-2025 with obesity development discontinued and narrower indications retained. Cotadutide remains investigational and is not licensed for any human therapeutic use.
Discovery & Research History
Cotadutide emerged from MedImmune's peptide programme and progressed through phase 2 studies in T2D, MASLD and CKD. Programme prioritisation has changed during 2023-2025; readers should consult the current ClinicalTrials.gov record for the latest status.
Mechanism of Action
Dual agonism of GLP-1 and glucagon receptors. Engineered for once-daily administration with a balanced GLP-1 / glucagon receptor activity profile.
Researched Effects
- HbA1c and body-weight reductions in earlier phase 2 T2D data.
- Hepatic-fat reduction signals in MASLD phase 2 data.
- Renal endpoints explored in T2D + CKD phase 2 work.
Theoretical Research Protocols
- Dosage range
- Trial-arm doses are research records.
- Frequency
- Once-daily subcutaneous administration in reported protocols.
- Duration
- Up to 26-week phase 2 reports.
- Administration routes
- Subcutaneous (clinical trial setting)
Safety Profile
Common side effects (research)
- GI events consistent with the dual-agonist class.
- Injection-site reactions.
Rare risks
- Heart-rate increase signal under class monitoring.
Contraindications
- Investigational compound — eligibility per current trial protocol.
UK Regulatory Status
United Kingdom (MHRA): Investigational. Not MHRA-licensed.
European Union (EMA): Investigational.
Notes: Programme status has changed during 2023-2025. The current ClinicalTrials.gov / sponsor pipeline is the authoritative reference.
Related research resources
Key Research Studies
Nahra R et al. Effects of cotadutide on metabolic and hepatic parameters in adults with overweight or obesity and type 2 diabetes: a 54-week randomised phase 2b study. Diabetes Care 2021.
Phase 2b evidence of HbA1c, body-weight and hepatic-parameter reductions with cotadutide in adults with overweight or obesity and type 2 diabetes. Programme prioritisation has subsequently changed.
Read sourceFrequently Asked Questions
Is cotadutide still in development?
Cotadutide's development programme has had material changes during 2023-2025. Obesity development has been discontinued; narrower indications have been retained. The current ClinicalTrials.gov / AstraZeneca pipeline is the authoritative reference.
Is cotadutide licensed in the UK?
No. Cotadutide is investigational and is not licensed for any human therapeutic use in the UK.
Related trials
No published trials yet linked to this page. Source verification required.