Next-Generation GLP-1 Peptides 2026: 9 Emerging Compounds Beyond Semaglutide and Tirzepatide
Mazdutide is already approved in China and cagrilintide's FDA filing is pending — see how 9 emerging GLP-1 peptides compare on trial phase and weight-loss data.
Research reference only. The information in this article is a summary of peer-reviewed scientific literature. It does not constitute medical advice and is not intended to guide human use. See our full disclaimer.
The GLP-1 and incretin pipeline has expanded well beyond semaglutide and tirzepatide, with at least nine additional peptides now advancing through Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis) research. These candidates span several distinct mechanisms — dual GLP-1/glucagon agonism, GLP-1/GIP dual agonism, amylin receptor agonism, and antibody-peptide conjugates — each pursued as either a differentiator from or a complement to the incretin mechanisms already validated by semaglutide and tirzepatide.
Research reference only. All information on this page is a summary of peer-reviewed scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice. See individual library profiles for full compound data.
Quick Answer: Nine GLP-1/incretin-adjacent peptides beyond semaglutide and tirzepatide are in active Phase 2–3 research as of 2026 — mazdutide and ecnoglutide have advanced furthest in regulatory terms (mazdutide is already approved in China), while cagrilintide, maridebart cafraglutide, and amycretin have reported the largest Phase 2/3 weight-reduction figures to date.
TL;DR:
- Nine compounds are profiled: survodutide, cagrilintide, pemvidutide, mazdutide, ecnoglutide, amycretin, VK2735, maridebart cafraglutide, and eloralintide.
- Mechanisms split into three families: dual GLP-1/glucagon agonists, dual GLP-1/GIP or GLP-1/amylin agonists, and antibody-peptide conjugates.
- Mazdutide holds the most advanced regulatory status (approved in China); cagrilintide (as CagriSema) has an FDA New Drug Application under review.
- Reported Phase 2/3 weight reductions across this group range from roughly 9% to 22%, generally exceeding single-mechanism GLP-1 monotherapy.
- All nine remain investigational in the United States and are cited here strictly for their published trial data, not as clinical recommendations.
How We ranked
This list orders the nine compounds by clinical and regulatory progress: trial phase reached, regulatory designations (approval, Breakthrough Therapy, NDA/BLA filings), the volume and consistency of published Phase 2/3 data, and how mechanistically distinct each compound is from existing GLP-1 monotherapy. Compounds already approved or furthest into Phase 3 registration programs rank above those still completing Phase 2.
None of these rankings reflect comparative safety or effectiveness claims beyond what each cited trial reports — a compound ranked lower here may simply be earlier in its research timeline rather than mechanistically inferior. Researchers comparing candidates directly should consult the primary trial publications cited at the bottom of this article rather than relying on rank order alone, since trial populations, dosing regimens, and endpoint definitions differ across programs and are not always directly comparable.
1. Mazdutide
Mazdutide (IBI362), developed by Innovent Biologics with Eli Lilly, is a GLP-1/glucagon receptor dual agonist and the only compound on this list with an existing regulatory approval — China's National Medical Products Administration cleared it for type 2 diabetes and obesity management. Phase 3 GLORY-1 (NCT05607680) reported 11.0% and 14.0% mean body weight reduction at the 4 mg and 6 mg doses respectively at 48 weeks, versus 0.3% with placebo, alongside liver fat reductions of up to 80.2%. Phase 3 GLORY-2 pushed weight loss to 20.1% at the 9 mg dose. A head-to-head Phase 3 trial against semaglutide (DREAMS-3) is ongoing in type 2 diabetes with obesity. See the full profile at /library/mazdutide/.
2. Cagrilintide
Cagrilintide, Novo Nordisk's long-acting amylin analogue, is best known as the amylin component of CagriSema (cagrilintide plus semaglutide). The Phase 3 REDEFINE 1 trial produced 20.4% mean body weight reduction at 68 weeks versus 3.0% with placebo, with 60% of participants losing at least 20% of body weight. Novo Nordisk submitted a New Drug Application to the FDA in December 2025, placing cagrilintide closest to a US regulatory decision among the amylin-pathway candidates. Its mechanism — activation of AMY1R/AMY2R/AMY3R receptor complexes engaging both hypothalamic and mesolimbic satiety circuits — is mechanistically distinct from GLP-1 receptor agonism. Full profile: /library/cagrilintide/.
3. Ecnoglutide
Ecnoglutide (XW004), developed by Sciwind Biosciences, is a cAMP-biased GLP-1 receptor agonist — engineered to preferentially activate Gs-protein/cAMP signaling over β-arrestin recruitment, a signaling bias hypothesized to reduce receptor desensitization. The Phase 3 SLIMMER trial reported 13.2% mean body weight reduction at week 40 with the 2.4 mg dose versus 0.1% placebo, reaching 15.4% at week 48. Companion Phase 3 trials in type 2 diabetes (EECOH-1, EECOH-2) showed HbA1c reductions of up to 2.43 percentage points and non-inferiority to dulaglutide. Multiple Phase 3 trials have completed in China with global development in progress. Full profile: /library/ecnoglutide/.
4. Maridebart cafraglutide
Maridebart cafraglutide (AMG 133, informally "MariTide"), an Amgen peptide-antibody conjugate, pairs GLP-1 receptor agonism with GIP receptor antagonism — a mechanistically counterintuitive combination relative to tirzepatide's GIP agonism. Its antibody backbone extends half-life to roughly three weeks, enabling monthly or less-frequent dosing. Phase 2 MARITIME-1 reported approximately 20% weight loss at 52 weeks in participants without diabetes (versus 2.6% placebo), without a clear plateau. Amgen launched a six-trial Phase 3 program in 2026 spanning obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular outcomes, obstructive sleep apnea, and elevated liver fat. Full profile: /library/maridebart-cafraglutide/.
5. Survodutide
Survodutide (BI 456906), from Boehringer Ingelheim and Zealand Pharma, is a dual GCGR/GLP-1R agonist and the first in this class to complete Phase 3 obesity trials. SYNCHRONIZE-1 reported 16.6% mean weight reduction at 76 weeks versus 3.2% placebo, with 85.1% of participants achieving at least 5% weight loss. The FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy and Fast Track designations for survodutide in MASH with stage 2–3 fibrosis, and the EMA granted PRIME designation — reflecting the glucagon receptor component's role in hepatic fat oxidation. Full profile: /library/survodutide/.
6. VK2735
VK2735, from Viking Therapeutics, is a GLP-1/GIP dual agonist notable for having both subcutaneous and oral tablet formulations in active development. The Phase 2 VENTURE trial reported up to 14.7% weight loss at 13 weeks with the injectable formulation; the oral VENTURE-Oral Dosing trial reached 12.2% over the same period. Viking's Phase 3 VANQUISH program completed enrollment of roughly 4,500 (VANQUISH-1) and 1,000 (VANQUISH-2) participants in late 2025 and early 2026, with topline data anticipated in 2027. Full profile: /library/vk2735/.
7. Eloralintide
Eloralintide (LY3841136), an Eli Lilly selective amylin receptor agonist, works independently of the GLP-1 pathway entirely — a mechanism that may position it as an add-on for patients whose weight loss has plateaued on incretin-class therapy rather than a direct competitor to it. A Phase 2 trial across six dose/titration arms reported 48-week weight reduction ranging from 9% to 20% versus 0.4% with placebo, without a clear plateau at higher doses. Lilly has since initiated Phase 3 trials in type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, and combination regimens with the GIP-agonist macupatide. Full profile: /library/eloralintide/.
8. Amycretin
Amycretin (NNC0385-0434, later-stage name zenagamtide), a Novo Nordisk unimolecular GLP-1/amylin receptor dual agonist, reported the largest head-to-head differential on this list: a Phase 1b/2 trial found approximately 22% mean body weight reduction versus roughly 10.6% with semaglutide 2.4 mg over 26 weeks. Unlike CagriSema's two-molecule combination, amycretin activates both pathways from a single molecule. Phase 3 obesity trials (the REDEFINE series) began enrolling in Q1 2026, and a Phase 2 type 2 diabetes study presented at ADA 2026 reported 14.6% weight loss with 89.1% of participants reaching A1C below 7%. Full profile: /library/amycretin/.
9. Pemvidutide
Pemvidutide (ALT-801), developed by Altimmune, is a balanced 1:1-potency GLP-1/glucagon dual agonist distinguished by requiring no dose titration period. The Phase 2b IMPACT trial in biopsy-confirmed MASH reported resolution without fibrosis worsening in 58% (1.2 mg) and 52% (1.8 mg) of recipients versus 20% with placebo, and the FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation for pemvidutide in MASH in January 2026. The companion Phase 2b MOMENTUM obesity trial reported 15.6% weight loss at 48 weeks. A registrational Phase 3 program is planned for 2026 initiation, placing pemvidutide earliest-stage among the nine. Full profile: /library/pemvidutide/.
Comparison table
| Compound | Mechanism | Furthest phase | Reported weight loss | Regulatory status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazdutide | GLP-1/glucagon dual agonist | Phase 3 (global) | Up to 20.1% | Approved in China |
| Cagrilintide | Amylin receptor agonist | Phase 3, NDA filed | 20.4% (as CagriSema) | FDA NDA under review |
| Ecnoglutide | Biased GLP-1 agonist (cAMP) | Phase 3 (China) | Up to 15.4% | Global development ongoing |
| Maridebart cafraglutide | GLP-1 agonist / GIP antagonist conjugate | Phase 3 (6-trial program) | ~20% | Investigational |
| Survodutide | GLP-1/glucagon dual agonist | Phase 3 | 16.6% | Breakthrough Therapy (MASH) |
| VK2735 | GLP-1/GIP dual agonist | Phase 3 | Up to 14.7% | Investigational |
| Eloralintide | Selective amylin agonist | Phase 3 (multiple) | 9%–20% | Investigational |
| Amycretin | GLP-1/amylin dual agonist | Phase 3 enrolling | ~22% | Investigational |
| Pemvidutide | Balanced GLP-1/glucagon agonist | Phase 2b / Phase 3 planned | 15.6% | Breakthrough Therapy (MASH) |
Researchers tracking which of these compounds have registered human trials, and their recruitment status, can cross-reference the site's /tools/trial-tracker/ tool alongside each compound's individual library profile.
Cited studies
- PMID 41187967 — "Survodutide for treatment of obesity: Baseline characteristics of participants in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial (SYNCHRONIZE™-1)" (Diabetes Obes Metab, 2026). https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.70196
- PMID 40544432 — "Coadministered Cagrilintide and Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity (REDEFINE 1)" (N Engl J Med, 2026). https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2502081
- PMID 41237796 — "Safety and efficacy of weekly pemvidutide versus placebo for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (IMPACT)" (Lancet, 2026). https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(25)02114-2
- PMID 38092790 — "A phase 2 randomised controlled trial of mazdutide in Chinese overweight adults or adults with obesity" (Nat Commun, 2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-44067-4
- PMID 40555243 — "Efficacy and safety of a biased GLP-1 receptor agonist ecnoglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" (Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol, 2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-8587(25)00141-X
- PMID 39626360 — "Subcutaneous amycretin versus semaglutide 2.4 mg in adults with overweight or obesity" (Lancet, 2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(24)02496-8
- PMID 41508550 — "Weekly Subcutaneous VK2735, a GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Dual Agonist, for Weight Management: Phase 2, Randomized, 13-Week VENTURE Study" (Obesity, 2026). https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.70106
- PMID 40549887 — "Once-Monthly Maridebart Cafraglutide for the Treatment of Obesity — A Phase 2 Trial" (N Engl J Med, 2025). https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2504214
- PMID 41207310 — "Eloralintide, a selective amylin receptor agonist for the treatment of obesity" (Lancet, 2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(25)02155-5
Frequently asked questions
Q: What is the most advanced GLP-1 pipeline compound after semaglutide and tirzepatide?
A: By regulatory status, mazdutide is furthest along — it is already approved in China for type 2 diabetes and obesity. By US regulatory progress, cagrilintide (as CagriSema) is closest, with a New Drug Application submitted to the FDA in December 2025.
Q: How do these emerging peptides differ mechanistically from semaglutide?
A: Semaglutide is a single-pathway GLP-1 receptor agonist. Most of the compounds profiled here add a second mechanism — glucagon receptor agonism (survodutide, mazdutide, pemvidutide), GIP receptor engagement (VK2735, maridebart cafraglutide), or amylin receptor agonism (cagrilintide, eloralintide, amycretin) — to produce complementary or additive metabolic effects.
Q: Which of these compounds has reported the largest weight loss in trials?
A: Amycretin reported approximately 22% mean body weight reduction in its Phase 1b/2 trial, the largest figure among the nine, followed closely by cagrilintide's 20.4% (as CagriSema) and maridebart cafraglutide's approximately 20%.
Q: Are any of these peptides being studied for conditions beyond obesity?
A: Yes. Survodutide and pemvidutide both hold FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation for MASH, mazdutide has completed diabetes-focused Phase 3 trials (DREAMS-1, DREAMS-2), and maridebart cafraglutide's Phase 3 program includes obstructive sleep apnea and cardiovascular outcome studies.
Q: Is any compound on this list an oral formulation?
A: VK2735 is the only compound here with an oral tablet formulation in active Phase 2 trials alongside its subcutaneous version, reporting up to 12.2% weight loss at 13 weeks. Ecnoglutide also has an oral formulation (XW004/XW003) that has completed Phase 1 testing, reporting 6.8% weight loss at 6 weeks in healthy obese participants — early-phase figures that carry more statistical uncertainty than the larger Phase 3 programs cited elsewhere in this article and should be read as directional signals rather than final efficacy estimates.
See also:
- Semaglutide vs Retatrutide: Mono- vs Triple-Agonist Mechanisms — compares an approved GLP-1 monotherapy against the most advanced triple agonist in this same research space.
- Survodutide vs Tirzepatide: GLP-1/Glucagon vs GLP-1/GIP Dual Agonism — a head-to-head look at two of the dual-agonist mechanisms covered above.
- Best Peptides for Weight Loss Research: 9 Compounds Ranked — broader coverage of established weight-loss research peptides for context against this emerging-pipeline list.
For laboratory research purposes only. Not for human or animal consumption. Compounds described are not approved by the FDA for human or veterinary use unless explicitly stated.