What Is Albiglutide? Uses, Benefits, Safety, FDA Status, and Evidence
Medical review note: This article is for educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Albiglutide was FDA-approved as Tanzeum for adults with type 2 diabetes, but it has been discontinued and is no longer commercially available in the United States. Products sold online as albiglutide, Tanzeum alternatives, Eperzan alternatives, compounded GLP-1 products, or “research use only” albiglutide may carry safety, quality, legal, and regulatory risks.
Quick answer
Albiglutide is a once-weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, usually shortened to GLP-1 receptor agonist. It was sold as Tanzeum in the United States and Eperzan in Europe. Albiglutide was FDA-approved as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It was not approved for weight loss, type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, anti-aging, bodybuilding, or general appetite suppression. GlaxoSmithKline later discontinued albiglutide for commercial reasons, and it is no longer available in the U.S. Albiglutide showed cardiovascular benefit in the Harmony Outcomes trial in patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, but it is not currently a marketed GLP-1 option.
Key facts about Albiglutide
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is albiglutide? | A once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist formerly used for type 2 diabetes. |
| Brand names | Tanzeum in the U.S.; Eperzan in Europe. |
| Other names | Albiglutide injection, GSK-716155, GLP-1 receptor agonist, GLP-1 RA. |
| Drug class | GLP-1 receptor agonist / incretin mimetic / antidiabetic peptide drug. |
| Main mechanism | Activates GLP-1 receptors to increase glucose-dependent insulin secretion, reduce glucagon secretion, slow gastric emptying, and improve glycemic control. |
| FDA-approved? | Historically yes, as Tanzeum for adults with type 2 diabetes. |
| Current availability | Discontinued and no longer commercially available in the U.S. |
| FDA-approved use | Adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. |
| Weight-loss approved? | No. Albiglutide was not FDA-approved as a weight-loss or obesity medication. |
| Main evidence | HARMONY glycemic-control trials and Harmony Outcomes cardiovascular outcomes trial. |
| Human evidence level | Strong historical evidence for type 2 diabetes glycemic control and cardiovascular outcomes in high-risk type 2 diabetes populations; not relevant as an available current treatment in the U.S. |
| Common side effects | Nausea, diarrhea, injection-site reactions, vomiting, headache, upper respiratory symptoms, and possible hypoglycemia when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas. |
| Boxed warning | Thyroid C-cell tumor warning by GLP-1 class labeling; contraindicated in people with personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2. |
| Sports status | GLP-1 drugs are not currently prohibited according to USADA guidance, but WADA is monitoring GLP-1 agonists. Athletes should verify current status through official anti-doping resources. |
| Main safety concern | Discontinued availability, thyroid C-cell tumor warning, pancreatitis risk, hypersensitivity, hypoglycemia with certain diabetes drugs, gastrointestinal effects, and risks from unapproved online GLP-1 products. |
What is Albiglutide?
Albiglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It is a peptide-based diabetes medication that was designed to mimic GLP-1 activity while lasting long enough for once-weekly injection.
Albiglutide was sold as:
- Tanzeum in the United States
- Eperzan in Europe
The FDA Tanzeum label described Tanzeum as a GLP-1 receptor agonist indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
The MedlinePlus albiglutide page states that albiglutide has been discontinued in the U.S. and that the monograph is no longer updated because the drug is no longer available in the U.S. market.
The key distinction:
Albiglutide was a legitimate FDA-approved diabetes drug, but it is no longer commercially available. It should not be treated like a current prescription option or online research peptide.
How does Albiglutide work?
Albiglutide activates the GLP-1 receptor.
GLP-1 receptor activation can:
- Increase glucose-dependent insulin secretion
- Reduce inappropriate glucagon secretion
- Slow gastric emptying
- Reduce post-meal glucose spikes
- Improve HbA1c in type 2 diabetes
- Sometimes reduce appetite and body weight modestly
In plain English:
Albiglutide helped people with type 2 diabetes regulate blood sugar after meals by activating GLP-1 signaling.
Albiglutide was engineered for longer duration. It was structurally related to GLP-1 and fused to albumin-related protein structure to extend half-life and allow once-weekly dosing.
However, albiglutide is not the same as modern obesity-focused GLP-1 drugs.
| Drug | Main receptor target | FDA-approved obesity indication? | Current U.S. availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albiglutide / Tanzeum | GLP-1 receptor | No | Discontinued |
| Dulaglutide / Trulicity | GLP-1 receptor | No | Available |
| Semaglutide / Ozempic | GLP-1 receptor | No, diabetes product | Available |
| Semaglutide / Wegovy | GLP-1 receptor | Yes | Available |
| Tirzepatide / Mounjaro | GIP receptor + GLP-1 receptor | No, diabetes product | Available |
| Tirzepatide / Zepbound | GIP receptor + GLP-1 receptor | Yes | Available |
| Liraglutide / Saxenda | GLP-1 receptor | Yes | Available |
The practical interpretation:
Albiglutide belongs in the historical GLP-1 diabetes-drug category. It is not an active weight-loss brand and not a current U.S. market product.
What is Albiglutide used for?
Albiglutide was used for type 2 diabetes. It is discontinued.
| Use | Evidence level | What is known | What is not known | |---|---|---| | Type 2 diabetes in adults | FDA-approved historically / strong evidence | Albiglutide improved glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. | It is no longer commercially available in the U.S. | | Cardiovascular-risk reduction in type 2 diabetes with cardiovascular disease | Strong clinical evidence, but not current marketed use | Harmony Outcomes showed albiglutide reduced major adverse cardiovascular events versus placebo. | It is not available as a current cardiovascular-risk drug. | | Weight loss | Secondary effect / not obesity-approved | Some GLP-1 drugs reduce weight, and albiglutide could reduce body weight modestly in trials. | It was not FDA-approved for obesity or chronic weight management. | | Type 1 diabetes | Not approved | GLP-1 receptor agonists are not substitutes for insulin. | Albiglutide was not approved for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. | | Prediabetes | Not approved | GLP-1 biology may affect glucose metabolism. | Albiglutide was not approved for prediabetes alone. | | Anti-aging / longevity | Unsupported | Better metabolic control can reduce risk in diabetes. | Albiglutide was not an anti-aging drug. | | Bodybuilding / casual cutting | Unsupported and medically inappropriate | Appetite and weight effects may attract misuse. | It was not a physique drug and is discontinued. | | Online research-use albiglutide | High risk | Sellers may market GLP-1-like products online. | Quality, sterility, identity, dose, and legality may be unknown. |
What does the research show?
FDA-approved type 2 diabetes evidence
Albiglutide was FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes.
The FDA Tanzeum label stated that Tanzeum was indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Albiglutide was studied in the HARMONY clinical-trial program across several type 2 diabetes treatment settings.
The practical interpretation:
Albiglutide was not a fringe peptide. It was a real FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist drug for adults with type 2 diabetes.
Discontinued availability
Albiglutide is no longer available in the U.S.
The MedlinePlus albiglutide monograph states that albiglutide has been discontinued in the U.S. and is no longer available in the U.S. market.
A UK GSK discontinuation letter for Eperzan states that withdrawal was on commercial grounds only and was not related to efficacy or safety of the medicine.
The practical interpretation:
Albiglutide was discontinued for commercial reasons, not because the evidence proved it unsafe or ineffective. But discontinued still means it is not a current practical treatment option in the U.S.
Cardiovascular outcomes evidence
Albiglutide has strong cardiovascular outcomes evidence.
The Harmony Outcomes trial in The Lancet studied albiglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease and found that albiglutide was superior to placebo for major adverse cardiovascular events.
The PubMed Harmony Outcomes record describes the same double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled cardiovascular outcomes trial.
GSK also summarized the positive Harmony Outcomes results after publication in The Lancet.
The practical interpretation:
Albiglutide showed real cardiovascular benefit in a high-risk type 2 diabetes population. Its discontinuation was commercial, not because the cardiovascular outcomes were poor.
Weight-loss evidence
Albiglutide could produce modest weight effects, but it was not a weight-loss drug.
The distinction matters:
Albiglutide was FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, not obesity.
Modern GLP-1 and incretin obesity drugs such as Wegovy and Zepbound are specifically approved and studied for chronic weight management. Albiglutide was not.
The practical interpretation:
Calling albiglutide a weight-loss peptide is misleading. It was a diabetes GLP-1 drug with possible weight effects, not an obesity medication.
Safety evidence and boxed warning
Albiglutide had GLP-1 class safety concerns.
The FDA Tanzeum label included contraindications for patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. It also contraindicated use in patients with prior serious hypersensitivity reaction to albiglutide or product components.
The label also warned about pancreatitis, hypoglycemia when used with insulin secretagogues or insulin, acute kidney injury, hypersensitivity reactions, and macrovascular-outcomes limitations at the time of labeling.
The practical interpretation:
Albiglutide was FDA-approved, but not low-risk. GLP-1 drugs require real medical screening and monitoring.
Evidence summary
| Claim | Evidence verdict | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| “Albiglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist.” | Supported | Albiglutide was an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist. |
| “Albiglutide is the same as Tanzeum.” | Supported | Tanzeum was the U.S. brand name for albiglutide. |
| “Albiglutide is the same as Eperzan.” | Supported | Eperzan was the European brand name for albiglutide. |
| “Albiglutide treats type 2 diabetes.” | Historically supported / FDA-approved | It was approved to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. |
| “Albiglutide is still available in the U.S.” | False | It has been discontinued and is no longer available in the U.S. market. |
| “Albiglutide was discontinued for safety reasons.” | Not supported by available discontinuation materials | GSK’s UK discontinuation letter stated withdrawal was commercial and not related to efficacy or safety. |
| “Albiglutide reduced cardiovascular events.” | Supported | Harmony Outcomes showed superiority to placebo for major adverse cardiovascular events. |
| “Albiglutide is FDA-approved for weight loss.” | False | It was not FDA-approved as an obesity or chronic weight-management medication. |
| “Albiglutide is the same as semaglutide.” | False | Both are GLP-1 receptor agonists, but they are different drugs. |
| “Albiglutide is the same as dulaglutide.” | False | Both are once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonists, but they are different drugs. |
| “Research-use albiglutide is equivalent to Tanzeum.” | False | Online research products may differ in identity, purity, sterility, dose, quality, and legality. |
Is Albiglutide FDA-approved?
Historically, yes. Currently, it is discontinued.
Albiglutide was FDA-approved as Tanzeum for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control.
However:
Albiglutide has been discontinued in the U.S. and is no longer available in the U.S. market.
Albiglutide was not FDA-approved for:
- Obesity
- Chronic weight management
- Cosmetic weight loss
- Type 1 diabetes
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Prediabetes alone
- Anti-aging
- Bodybuilding
- Athletic performance
- General appetite suppression
- Longevity
- General wellness
The key distinction:
Albiglutide was an approved diabetes drug, but it is not a current U.S. treatment option and was never an approved obesity drug.
Is Albiglutide legal?
Albiglutide’s legal status depends on country, product type, prescription status, and intended use.
For U.S. readers:
Tanzeum was an FDA-approved prescription albiglutide product, but it has been discontinued and is no longer commercially available. Online albiglutide products, compounded GLP-1 products, or “research use only” albiglutide are not the same as FDA-approved Tanzeum.
The practical distinction:
| Product type | What it means |
|---|---|
| Tanzeum | Former FDA-approved albiglutide product, now discontinued. |
| Eperzan | Former European albiglutide product, withdrawn commercially. |
| Current FDA-approved albiglutide product | Not currently commercially available in the U.S. |
| Compounded GLP-1 product | Not equivalent to FDA-approved Tanzeum. |
| Research-use albiglutide | Not an FDA-approved consumer therapeutic product. |
| Online GLP-1 peptide | Higher risk for identity, purity, sterility, dose, and safety problems. |
The blunt version:
Buying “research use only” albiglutide online is not the same as receiving a regulated prescription GLP-1 medication from a legitimate pharmacy.
Is Albiglutide banned in sports?
Albiglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. GLP-1 drugs are not currently prohibited according to USADA guidance, but WADA is monitoring GLP-1 agonists.
The USADA GLP-1 athlete guide says GLP-1 drugs are not currently prohibited in sport, but WADA is monitoring and evaluating GLP-1 agonist use by athletes.
The WADA GLP-1 receptor agonist monitoring research page discusses monitoring of GLP-1 receptor agonists.
The practical advice:
Athletes should verify albiglutide through Global DRO, WADA, or USADA before use and should avoid unapproved online GLP-1 products.
Safety and side effects
Albiglutide had real pharmacologic activity. It should not be treated like a harmless peptide.
Common or important risks included:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Injection-site reactions
- Headache
- Dyspepsia
- Upper respiratory tract infection symptoms
- Hypoglycemia when used with insulin or sulfonylureas
- Acute pancreatitis
- Acute kidney injury or worsening kidney function, especially with dehydration
- Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including angioedema
- Possible thyroid C-cell tumor risk by GLP-1 class warning
- Gastrointestinal adverse effects
- Product-quality and sterility risks from online sources
The boxed warning and contraindications mattered.
Albiglutide was contraindicated in people with:
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2
- Prior serious hypersensitivity reaction to albiglutide or product components
A serious evaluation of albiglutide should separate:
| Product type | Risk profile |
|---|---|
| Former FDA-approved Tanzeum | Regulated prescription product, now discontinued. |
| Historical clinical-trial albiglutide | Monitored research product. |
| Online research-use albiglutide | High risk for identity, purity, sterility, concentration, dosing, and legal problems. |
| Current GLP-1 alternatives | Available prescription options may exist, but they are different drugs with different labels. |
Albiglutide vs similar GLP-1 drugs and peptides
| Compound | Category | Main difference |
|---|---|---|
| Albiglutide / Tanzeum | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Former once-weekly diabetes GLP-1 drug; discontinued and no longer available in the U.S. |
| Albiglutide / Eperzan | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Former European albiglutide brand; withdrawn commercially. |
| Dulaglutide / Trulicity | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Once-weekly diabetes GLP-1 drug still marketed in the U.S. |
| Semaglutide / Ozempic | GLP-1 receptor agonist | FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and certain cardiovascular-risk uses. |
| Semaglutide / Wegovy | GLP-1 receptor agonist | FDA-approved chronic weight-management GLP-1 product. |
| Liraglutide / Victoza | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Once-daily diabetes GLP-1 drug. |
| Liraglutide / Saxenda | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Once-daily obesity GLP-1 drug. |
| Tirzepatide / Mounjaro | GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist | FDA-approved type 2 diabetes drug with dual receptor mechanism. |
| Tirzepatide / Zepbound | GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist | FDA-approved chronic weight-management drug. |
| Exenatide | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Older exendin-based GLP-1 drug. |
| Lixisenatide | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Once-daily GLP-1 drug for type 2 diabetes. |
The key distinction:
Albiglutide was an approved GLP-1 diabetes drug with cardiovascular-outcomes evidence, but it is discontinued. It is not the same as currently marketed GLP-1 drugs like Trulicity, Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound.
Why is Albiglutide sold as “research use only”?
Some online sellers may use “research use only” language to sell albiglutide or GLP-1-like peptides outside normal prescription channels.
That label is not a trust signal.
A serious reader should understand this distinction:
| Product type | What it means |
|---|---|
| Tanzeum | Former FDA-approved prescription albiglutide product, now discontinued. |
| Eperzan | Former European albiglutide product, withdrawn commercially. |
| FDA-approved albiglutide currently available in U.S. | Not available. |
| Research-use albiglutide | Not an FDA-approved consumer therapeutic product. |
| Online GLP-1 peptide | Higher risk for identity, purity, sterility, dose, and authenticity problems. |
| “Weight-loss albiglutide” | Misleading because albiglutide was not FDA-approved as an obesity medication and is discontinued. |
How to evaluate Albiglutide claims online
| Claim | What to verify |
|---|---|
| “FDA-approved albiglutide” | Historically true for Tanzeum, but the product is discontinued and no longer commercially available in the U.S. |
| “Albiglutide is FDA-approved for weight loss” | False. It was not approved for obesity or chronic weight management. |
| “Still available as Tanzeum” | False in the U.S. Tanzeum has been discontinued. |
| “Discontinued because unsafe” | Not supported by available discontinuation material. GSK described withdrawal as commercial, not efficacy or safety related. |
| “Same as Ozempic” | False. Both are GLP-1 receptor agonists, but albiglutide and semaglutide are different drugs. |
| “Same as Trulicity” | False. Both are once-weekly GLP-1 drugs, but albiglutide and dulaglutide are different drugs. |
| “Proven cardiovascular benefit” | Supported in Harmony Outcomes for patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. |
| “Safe because it is a peptide” | False. Contraindications and serious risks mattered. |
| “Good for type 1 diabetes” | False. It was not for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. |
| “Research use only” | This does not mean safe, legal, approved, or equivalent to Tanzeum. |
| “Cheap albiglutide online” | High risk. Product identity, sterility, purity, dose, and safety may be unknown. |
| “Safe for athletes” | Verify through WADA, USADA, or Global DRO. GLP-1 rules can change. |
Bottom line
Albiglutide is a discontinued once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist formerly sold as Tanzeum in the U.S. and Eperzan in Europe. It was FDA-approved for adults with type 2 diabetes and showed cardiovascular benefit in the Harmony Outcomes trial.
The most defensible conclusion is:
Albiglutide was a legitimate prescription diabetes drug, not a casual weight-loss peptide. It is no longer commercially available in the U.S., was not FDA-approved for obesity, and should not be confused with currently marketed GLP-1 drugs or unapproved online research-use GLP-1 products.
FAQ
What is Albiglutide?
Albiglutide is a once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist formerly used to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It was sold as Tanzeum in the U.S. and Eperzan in Europe.
What is Tanzeum?
Tanzeum was the U.S. brand name for albiglutide injection. It has been discontinued and is no longer commercially available in the U.S.
What is Eperzan?
Eperzan was the European brand name for albiglutide. It was withdrawn commercially.
Is Albiglutide FDA-approved?
Albiglutide was FDA-approved as Tanzeum for adults with type 2 diabetes, but it has been discontinued and is no longer commercially available in the United States.
Is Albiglutide still available?
No. Albiglutide has been discontinued in the U.S. market.
Why was Albiglutide discontinued?
Available discontinuation material indicates it was withdrawn for commercial reasons, not because of efficacy or safety concerns.
Is Albiglutide FDA-approved for weight loss?
No. Albiglutide was not FDA-approved as an obesity or chronic weight-management medication.
How does Albiglutide work?
Albiglutide activates GLP-1 receptors. It increases glucose-dependent insulin secretion, reduces glucagon secretion, slows gastric emptying, and improves glycemic control in type 2 diabetes.
Is Albiglutide the same as Ozempic?
No. Ozempic contains semaglutide. Albiglutide and semaglutide are both GLP-1 receptor agonists, but they are different drugs.
Is Albiglutide the same as Trulicity?
No. Trulicity contains dulaglutide. Albiglutide and dulaglutide are both once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonists, but they are different drugs.
Did Albiglutide reduce cardiovascular risk?
Yes. The Harmony Outcomes trial found that albiglutide was superior to placebo for major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Is Albiglutide safe?
Albiglutide had FDA-reviewed safety data, but it was not risk-free. Risks included gastrointestinal side effects, injection-site reactions, pancreatitis, kidney injury, hypoglycemia with certain diabetes drugs, serious hypersensitivity, and thyroid C-cell tumor warning.
Who should not use Albiglutide?
Historical labeling contraindicated albiglutide in people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, people with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, and people with serious hypersensitivity to albiglutide or product components.
Is Albiglutide legal in the U.S.?
Tanzeum was a prescription FDA-approved albiglutide product, but it is discontinued. Online albiglutide or research-use GLP-1 products are not the same as FDA-approved Tanzeum.
Is Albiglutide banned in sports?
GLP-1 drugs are not currently prohibited according to USADA guidance, but WADA is monitoring GLP-1 agonists. Athletes should verify current status through WADA, USADA, or Global DRO before use.
Why do sellers call Albiglutide “research use only”?
Sellers often use “research use only” language when their albiglutide or GLP-1 product is not FDA-approved for consumer therapeutic use. The phrase does not make the product safe, legal, approved, or equivalent to Tanzeum.
What is the biggest risk with Albiglutide?
The biggest risks are confusing a discontinued prescription diabetes drug with current GLP-1 treatment options, relying on unapproved online products, ignoring historical contraindications and safety warnings, and treating it as a weight-loss peptide despite no obesity approval.
Sources
- FDA: Tanzeum Prescribing Information PDF
- FDA: Original Tanzeum Prescribing Information PDF
- MedlinePlus: Albiglutide Injection
- GSK UK Letter: Eperzan Discontinuation
- GSK: Positive Results from Harmony Outcomes Study of Albiglutide Published in The Lancet
- PubMed: Albiglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease, Harmony Outcomes
- Lancet: Albiglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Harmony Outcomes Trial
- PubMed: Harmony Outcomes Trial Design
- PubMed: Albiglutide in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Heart Failure
- PubMed: Effects of Albiglutide on Myocardial Infarction and Ischaemic Revascularization
- PubMed: Effect of Albiglutide on Cardiovascular Outcomes in Older Adults
- PubMed: Cardiovascular Safety of Albiglutide in the Harmony Programme
- USADA: Weight Loss Drugs, What Athletes Need to Know About GLP-1s
- WADA: GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Monitoring Research
- WADA: Prohibited List
Frequently asked questions
What is Albiglutide?
Albiglutide is a once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist formerly used to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It was sold as Tanzeum in the U.S. and Eperzan in Europe.
What is Tanzeum?
Tanzeum was the U.S. brand name for albiglutide injection. It has been discontinued and is no longer commercially available in the U.S.
Is Albiglutide FDA-approved?
Albiglutide was FDA-approved as Tanzeum for adults with type 2 diabetes, but it has been discontinued and is no longer commercially available in the United States.
Is Albiglutide still available?
No. Albiglutide has been discontinued in the U.S. market.
Why was Albiglutide discontinued?
Available discontinuation material indicates it was withdrawn for commercial reasons, not because of efficacy or safety concerns.
Is Albiglutide FDA-approved for weight loss?
No. Albiglutide was not FDA-approved as an obesity or chronic weight-management medication.
How does Albiglutide work?
Albiglutide activates GLP-1 receptors. It increases glucose-dependent insulin secretion, reduces glucagon secretion, slows gastric emptying, and improves glycemic control in type 2 diabetes.
Is Albiglutide the same as Ozempic?
No. Ozempic contains semaglutide. Albiglutide and semaglutide are both GLP-1 receptor agonists, but they are different drugs.
Did Albiglutide reduce cardiovascular risk?
Yes. The Harmony Outcomes trial found that albiglutide was superior to placebo for major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Is Albiglutide safe?
Albiglutide had FDA-reviewed safety data, but it was not risk-free. Risks included gastrointestinal side effects, injection-site reactions, pancreatitis, kidney injury, hypoglycemia with certain diabetes drugs, serious hypersensitivity, and thyroid C-cell tumor warning.
Who should not use Albiglutide?
Historical labeling contraindicated albiglutide in people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, people with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, and people with serious hypersensitivity to albiglutide or product components.
Is Albiglutide banned in sports?
GLP-1 drugs are not currently prohibited according to USADA guidance, but WADA is monitoring GLP-1 agonists. Athletes should verify current status through WADA, USADA, or Global DRO before use.
Sources
- [1]FDA: Tanzeum Prescribing Information PDF
Drug Label
- [2]
- [3]MedlinePlus: Albiglutide Injection
Medical Reference
- [4]GSK UK Letter: Eperzan Discontinuation
Manufacturer Notice
- [5]GSK: Positive Results from Harmony Outcomes Study of Albiglutide Published in The Lancet
Company Clinical Update
- [6]
- [7]
- [8]ClinicalTrials.gov: Harmony Outcomes Trial
Clinical Trial
- [9]PubMed: Harmony Outcomes Trial Design
Clinical Trial Design
- [10]
- [11]
- [12]
- [13]
- [14]
- [15]
- [16]WADA: Prohibited List
Anti Doping
Last updated May 9, 2026