Efpeglenatide
Efpeglenatide (long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist)
An investigational long-acting GLP-1 agonist that showed cardiovascular and kidney benefits in a large outcomes trial.
Overview
Efpeglenatide is a long-acting, exendin-based GLP-1 receptor agonist attached to an antibody fragment for durability. In the AMPLITUDE-O outcomes trial it reduced cardiovascular and kidney events in people with type 2 diabetes and high risk. Its development path has been complex and it is not broadly approved, but the trial data are notable within the class.
Mechanism of action
Activates the GLP-1 receptor with an extended half-life, improving glucose control and conferring cardiovascular and renal protection.
Key studies & citations
- Human2021
Cardiovascular and renal outcomes with efpeglenatide in type 2 diabetes (AMPLITUDE-O)
4,076 high-risk patients: MACE hazard ratio 0.73 and composite renal outcome hazard ratio 0.68 versus placebo.
New England Journal of Medicine - Human2022
Efficacy and safety of once-weekly efpeglenatide monotherapy versus placebo in type 2 diabetes (AMPLITUDE-M)
HbA1c fell to 6.4% to 6.9% from 8.1% at 30 weeks with body weight reduction; tolerability similar to other GLP-1 RAs.
Diabetes Care
Frequently asked questions
Is efpeglenatide available?
It is investigational and not broadly approved, though its cardiovascular and kidney outcome data are well regarded within the GLP-1 class.