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.
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 | 1x weekly |
| Timing | Any day of the week, consistent timing preferred |
| Route | Subcutaneous |
Discontinued (2018) for commercial reasons, not safety. Historical data only. Typical titration: 30 mg weekly for 4 weeks, then increase to 50 mg weekly based on glycemic response.
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
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.
GLP-1 Receptor Activation
Albiglutide binds GLP-1R on pancreatic beta cells, triggering cAMP-dependent insulin secretion in response to elevated blood glucose. This glucose-dependent mechanism minimizes hypoglycemia risk.
Gastric Motility Inhibition
GLP-1R activation on gastric smooth muscle slows gastric emptying, prolonging nutrient absorption and promoting early satiety, contributing to weight loss.
Glucagon Suppression
Albiglutide inhibits glucagon secretion from pancreatic alpha cells in the postprandial state, reducing hepatic glucose production and preventing hyperglycemia.
Central Appetite Regulation
GLP-1R signaling in hypothalamic and brainstem nuclei reduces appetite and increases energy expenditure, supporting weight loss independent of glycemic control.
- Albumin fusion technology extends half-life compared to native GLP-1 (2 minutes), allowing once-weekly subcutaneous injection
- Glucose-dependent insulin secretion reduces hypoglycemia risk compared to insulin or sulfonylureas
- HARMONY Outcomes trial demonstrated 21% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease
- Does not require dose adjustment for renal or hepatic impairment, though caution advised in severe renal disease
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