Page data last changed: . Chemistry registry snapshot: . Registry refreshes and identity assessments are separate from scientific content review.
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.
Structure & chemistry
Molecular identity & reference confidence
Source-supported reference
Reference values are taken from the cited molecular record or curated profile. A database match is not independent laboratory verification; modifications, counter-ions, and formulations can change the measured mass.
- Molecular form
- Cotadutide (source record; form not independently established)
- Species
- Not established by this molecular identity audit
- Termini (N / C)
- Not specified / Not specified
Average reference mass
Reference policy updated: 2026-10-05
- PubChem molecular record · 2026-10-01
- Molecular formula
- C167H252N42O55
- Average reference mass
- ≈ 3,728
- PubChem CID: 134694273
- CAS RN: 1686108-82-6
- UNII: QL6A9B13HW
Chemistry values: PubChem · fetched 2026-10-01.
Clinical development snapshot
ClinicalTrials.gov lists 23 registered studies with “Cotadutide” as an intervention (snapshot 2026-09-06). A registry footprint is not evidence of efficacy or approval.
| NCT | Title | Phase | Status | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCT05364931 | A Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Cotadutide Given by Subcutaneous Injection in Adult Participant | Phase 2 | completed | 2025-09-03 |
| NCT05294458 | A Randomised, Open-Label Study to Evaluate the Relative and Absolute Bioavailability of Cotadutide in Healthy | Phase 1 | completed | 2025-07-20 |
| NCT04515849 | A Study of Cotadutide in Participants Who Have Chronic Kidney Disease With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus | Phase 2 | completed | 2025-01-17 |
| NCT03555994 | A Study to Investigate the Effect of MEDI0382 on Hepatic Glycogen Metabolism in Overweight and Obese Subjects | Phase 2 | completed | 2024-11-12 |
| NCT05437848 | Chinese Multiple Dose Escalation (MDE) High Dose Study | Phase 1 | completed | 2023-11-07 |
| NCT05668936 | A Thorough QTC Study to Assess the Effect of Cotadutide on Cardiac Repolarization in Healthy Participants | Phase 1 | terminated | 2023-04-05 |
Cotadutide — reconstitution calculator
Enter how much peptide is in the vial and how much diluent (e.g. bacteriostatic water) is added. The tool returns the resulting solution concentration — and, for any amount you type, the volume it corresponds to. This is educational arithmetic, not a dosing recommendation.
Reference form: Cotadutide (source record; form not independently established)Average reference mass: 3,728 Da
Enter an amount to see the volume it corresponds to.
Educational concentration mathematics only. This tool does not recommend a dose, amount, or protocol, and nothing here is medical advice. Many peptides are not authorized by Health Canada for human use — see our reconstitution and bacteriostatic-water guides for context.
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.
What Canadian product status is recorded for Cotadutide?+
Canadian product status for Cotadutide has not been verified in this profile. No verified record here does not mean no authorization exists. Status depends on the product, formulation and use; consult Health Canada's product records.
What is the typical length of Cotadutide?+
Cotadutide is commonly described as approximately 30 amino acids (GLP-1 / glucagon receptor dual agonist (peptide)).
Related peptides
References & further reading
- 1.Nahra et al. (2021). Effects of Cotadutide on Metabolic and Hepatic Parameters in Adults With Overweight or Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes: A 54-Week Randomized Phase 2b Study. Diabetes Care
- 2.Boland et al. (2020). Resolution of NASH and hepatic fibrosis by the GLP-1R/GcgR dual-agonist Cotadutide via modulating mitochondrial function and lipogenesis. Nat Metab
- 3.Selvarajah et al. (2024). A randomized phase 2b trial examined the effects of the glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucagon receptor agonist cotadutide on kidney outcomes in patients with diabetic kidney disease. Kidney Int
- 4.Shankar et al. (2024). Safety and Efficacy of Novel Incretin Co-agonist Cotadutide in Biopsy-proven Noncirrhotic MASH With Fibrosis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol
- 5.Parker et al. (2023). Cotadutide promotes glycogenolysis in people with overweight or obesity diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Nat Metab
- 6.Guan et al. (2022). Population Pharmacokinetics of Cotadutide in Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes. Clin Pharmacokinet
- 7.Asano et al. (2021). Pharmacokinetics, safety, tolerability and efficacy of cotadutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucagon receptor dual agonist, in phase 1 and 2 trials in overweight or obese participants of Asian descent with or without type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Obes Metab
- 8.Spezani et al. (2023). Cotadutide improves brown adipose tissue thermogenesis in obese mice. Biochem Pharmacol
- 9.DrugBank — Cotadutide (DB15194)
- 10.PMC — Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Cotadutide, a GLP-1 and Glucagon Receptor Dual Agonist