Albiglutide
Also known as: Tanzeum
A once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist fusion protein combining human GLP-1 with human albumin. Demonstrated cardiovascular benefits in the HARMONY Outcomes trial. Discontinued in 2018 for commercial reasons, not safety concerns. Historical research data only.
Beginner Basics
Plain-English guide to Albiglutide
What it does
This peptide makes your body more sensitive to blood sugar and helps reduce appetite, which researchers studied for weight loss and better blood sugar control. It was designed to lower heart attack and stroke risk in people with diabetes.
Typical dose
Researchers typically used 30 mg per week for the first month, then increased to 50 mg per week, given as a small injection under the skin once per week.
When to inject
Pick any day of the week that's easy for you to remember, and try to inject at the same time each week.
Storage
Keep the dry powder in a freezer at -20°C until you mix it. After mixing, store in a regular refrigerator at 2-8°C and use within 30 days. Don't freeze it after mixing, and keep it away from light.
First-timer tip
This peptide was discontinued in 2018, so you're working with historical research data only-make sure you understand you're using archived information and not current medical guidance.
On This Page
Research Status
Extensive Clinical Data
For research purposes only. Not approved for human use. Not medical advice.
Research Areas
Side Effects
Most common in the first 2-4 weeks of treatment or after dose escalation. Usually resolves within 1-2 weeks. Manage by taking small, frequent meals; avoiding fatty or spicy foods; and staying hydrated. Antiemetics (e.g., ondansetron) may be considered if severe.
Occurs in approximately 5-10% of patients, typically early in treatment. If persistent or severe, contact a healthcare provider. Ensure adequate hydration to prevent dehydration.
Reported in 10-20% of patients. Usually mild and self-limiting within 1-2 weeks. Manage with adequate hydration and dietary adjustments (increase soluble fiber gradually). Antidiarrheal agents (e.g., loperamide) may provide temporary relief.
Less common than diarrhea but can occur. Manage with increased water intake, dietary fiber, and physical activity. Stool softeners may help if needed.
Mild to moderate abdominal pain or cramping may occur, particularly early in treatment. Usually resolves within 1-2 weeks. Severe or persistent abdominal pain warrants medical evaluation.
Reported in a small percentage of patients. Usually mild and self-resolving. Over-the-counter analgesics (e.g., acetaminophen) may provide relief.
Risk is low when used as monotherapy but increases when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas. Symptoms include tremor, sweating, palpitations, and confusion. Manage by consuming 15 g of fast-acting carbohydrates (e.g., glucose tablets, juice). Dose adjustment of concomitant medications may be necessary.
Mild erythema, swelling, or pruritus at the injection site may occur. Typically resolves within hours to days. Ensure proper site rotation to prevent lipodystrophy. Topical hydrocortisone cream may reduce inflammation if needed.
Occurs with repeated injections at the same site. Prevent by rotating injection sites systematically with each dose. If lipodystrophy develops, avoid injecting into affected areas until normal appearance returns (may take weeks to months).
Rare but serious adverse event. Symptoms include severe upper abdominal pain, back pain, nausea, and vomiting. Seek immediate medical attention if suspected. GLP-1 agonists are contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2.
Rapid weight loss may increase risk of gallstone formation. Symptoms include right upper quadrant pain, nausea, and vomiting. Seek medical evaluation if symptoms develop. Risk may be reduced by gradual weight loss.
Mild increases in resting heart rate have been observed in some patients. Usually asymptomatic and resolves with continued use. Monitor heart rate; contact a healthcare provider if symptoms of palpitations or chest discomfort develop.
May occur due to nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Ensure adequate fluid intake (at least 2-3 liters of water daily). Symptoms include dry mouth, dizziness, and reduced urination. Seek medical attention if severe.
Rare but serious. Symptoms include rash, urticaria, angioedema, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis. Seek immediate medical attention if any signs of allergic reaction develop. Albiglutide is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to albiglutide or any component of the formulation.
Dosing Reference
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose range | 30-50 mg |
Frequency, timing and route - members only | |
Research disclaimer
Figures drawn from published research literature and community logs. Not clinical recommendations. Consult a qualified professional. Research use only.
Reconstitution Guide
Do not use saline or bacteriostatic saline, use only bacteriostatic water for reconstitution
Do not shake the vial vigorously; gentle swirling prevents peptide degradation
Discard immediately if the solution appears cloudy, discolored, or contains visible particles
Use within 30 days of reconstitution when stored at 2-8°C
Do not freeze the reconstituted solution; freezing may denature the peptide
Use the PeptideVolt reconstitution calculator for your exact concentration
Storage and Stability
Store lyophilized peptide at -20°C (freezer). Refrigerate reconstituted solution at 2-8°C (36-46°F). Protect from light. Do not freeze after reconstitution. Use within 30 days of reconstitution.
Molecular and Pharmacological Data
| Molecular weight | approximately 30 kDa (fusion protein with human albumin) |
| Half-life | approximately 5 days (enables once-weekly dosing) |
Albiglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that binds to and activates glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors on pancreatic beta cells, stimulating glucose-dependent insulin secretion. The fusion with human albumin extends its half-life to approximately 5 days, enabling once-weekly dosing. It also slows gastric emptying, reduces glucagon secretion, and promotes satiety through central nervous system pathways.
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Recent Research
The Impact of GLP-1-Based Therapies on Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.
GLPs Significantly Decrease the Risk of Postoperative Surgical Complications: A TriNetX Retrospective Cohort Study.
Comparison of IBD-related outcomes in patients with obesity treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists versus bariatric surgery.
Source: PubMed / NCBI. Updated daily. Articles are listed for research reference only.
Research Citations
5 sources
Nauck M, et al. (2016). Efficacy and safety of once-weekly albiglutide versus placebo and once-weekly open-label glimepiride as add-on to metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes: the HARMONY 3 trial. Diabetes Care. 39(12):2100-2109. PMID: 27573936
Hernandez AF, et al. (2018). Albiglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (HARMONY Outcomes): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet. 392(10157):1519-1529. PMID: 30291012 — Demonstrated 21% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) with albiglutide in high-risk patients.
Weissman PN, et al. (2015). Efficacy and safety of once-weekly albiglutide versus sitagliptin or placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes on metformin: the HARMONY 4 trial. Diabetes Care. 38(12):2440-2450. PMID: 26294775
Rosenstock J, et al. (2014). Efficacy and safety of albiglutide once-weekly monotherapy in drug-naive patients with type 2 diabetes: the HARMONY 3 trial. Diabetes Care. 37(11):2854-2863. PMID: 25078901
Buse JB, et al. (2013). Albiglutide (HARMONY 1 trial): a randomised, placebo-controlled trial of a once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist in patients with type 2 diabetes taking metformin. Lancet. 382(9910):1888-1897. PMID: 24185287
Related: Metabolic & Weight Loss
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Research Use Only. All content on this page is provided for informational and educational purposes related to scientific research. Albiglutide is not approved for human use by the FDA or any equivalent regulatory body. This is not medical advice. Do not use any substance discussed here for therapeutic, diagnostic, or preventative purposes. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The Peptide Volt does not endorse the use of any research chemicals. 18+ only.