An engineered single molecule tuned to hit two receptors at once — a leading example of the incretin co-agonist design strategy.
Also known as: MEDI0382
Part of the Metabolic & GLP-1 peptides cluster
Overview
Cotadutide (MEDI0382) is a synthetic peptide engineered as a balanced dual agonist of the GLP-1 and glucagon receptors. It is an investigational compound studied in clinical trials for metabolic and liver endpoints, and is a frequently cited case study in the design of incretin co-agonists. This page is educational and does not describe an approved product in Canada.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Synthetic peptide (glucagon-based analog engineered with a ~5:1 GLP-1:glucagon activity ratio)
Primary research or clinical context: Investigational compound (AstraZeneca); studied in trials for type 2 diabetes, obesity, chronic kidney disease and MASH — not authorized by Health Canada
The co-agonist rationale
Cotadutide is built on a glucagon backbone modified so a single molecule activates both the GLP-1 receptor and the glucagon receptor. The design aims to pair GLP-1-driven appetite and glucose signalling with glucagon's effects on hepatic energy handling. Reported studies describe a roughly 5:1 GLP-1-to-glucagon activity ratio, illustrating how medicinal chemists tune receptor balance in a chimeric peptide.
Development and regulatory context
Cotadutide has been evaluated in phase 1 and phase 2 trials covering glycaemic control, weight, kidney parameters and liver fat. It is investigational and not authorized by Health Canada or approved elsewhere for routine use. This page summarizes its chemistry and research history for educational purposes and makes no claim that it treats, cures or prevents any condition.
FAQ about Cotadutide
What is Cotadutide?+
Cotadutide (MEDI0382) is a synthetic peptide engineered as a balanced dual agonist of the GLP-1 and glucagon receptors. It is an investigational compound studied in clinical trials for metabolic and liver endpoints, and is a frequently cited case study in the design of incretin co-agonists. This page is educational and does not describe an approved product in Canada.
Is Cotadutide an approved medicine?+
Cotadutide is discussed here as a research / educational topic. Investigational compound (AstraZeneca); studied in trials for type 2 diabetes, obesity, chronic kidney disease and MASH — not authorized by Health Canada. This is not medical advice.
What is the typical length of Cotadutide?+
Cotadutide is commonly described as approximately 30 amino acids (GLP-1 / glucagon receptor dual agonist (peptide)).