Efficacy and safety of mazdutide vs. dulaglutide in adults with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
In brief
Mazdutide lowered HbA1c by 0.25 points and weight by 3 kg vs dulaglutide
Across three randomized trials, mazdutide reduced HbA1c by 0.25 percentage points and body weight by about 3 kg more than dulaglutide, and more patients reached blood sugar and weight-loss targets. Gastrointestinal effects and reduced appetite were more common, while serious events and treatment discontinuations were similar; larger, longer trials are needed to confirm the benefits and clarify safety.
- Journal
- Diabetology & metabolic syndrome (Q1)
- Published
- 24 July 2026
- Study design
- Systematic review / meta-analysis of RCTs
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1a)
- Authors
- Muhammad Hassan, Muhammad Hussain, Saifullah Khan, Muhammad Tayyab Azam, Zain Ul Abideen Shahid, Abdul Hannan, et al.
- PMID
- 42897592
- DOI
- 10.1186/s13098-026-02248-3
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Internal Medicine (top studies of the week, 25 October 2026): Randomized-trial synthesis compares treatments for type 2 diabetes
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is closely linked to obesity and carries a high risk of metabolic complications. While GLP-1 receptor agonists like dulaglutide improve blood sugar and support modest weight loss, many patients do not reach their treatment goals. Mazdutide, a dual GLP-1 and glucagon receptor agonist, may offer stronger metabolic benefits. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of mazdutide versus dulaglutide in adults with T2DM. METHODS: We systematically reviewed randomized controlled trials comparing mazdutide and dulaglutide. Primary outcomes included changes in HbA1c, body weight, and achievement of glycemic and weight-loss targets. Safety outcomes included treatment-emergent adverse events. Data were pooled using random-effects models, and evidence certainty was assessed using GRADE. RESULTS: Three trials met inclusion criteria. Mazdutide led to greater reductions in HbA1c (- 0.25%) and body weight (- 2.97 kg) compared with dulaglutide. Patients were more likely to achieve HbA1c < 7.0%, ≥ 5% weight loss, and the combined target of ≥ 5% weight loss with HbA1c < 7.0%. Fasting plasma glucose was numerically but not significantly improved. Mazdutide was associated with higher rates of gastrointestinal side effects and decreased appetite, with a non-significant numerical increase in hypoglycemia, while serious adverse events and discontinuations were similar between treatments. Glycemic and major weight outcomes were supported by high-certainty evidence; most safety outcomes were moderate-certainty. CONCLUSIONS: Mazdutide, based on evidence from three RCTs, provides preliminary evidence of meaningful improvements in blood sugar control and weight loss compared with dulaglutide, though with an increased risk of mostly manageable gastrointestinal effects; given the limited number of trials, these findings should be considered preliminary and supporting its potential role as a promising dual-action therapy for T2DM management, pending confirmation in larger, longer-term trials.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.