Albiglutide (Tanzeum) – A Long-Acting GLP-1 Agonist for Type 2 Diabetes

 Albiglutide (Tanzeum) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that was developed for once-weekly administration to improve blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes patients.

How Albiglutide Functions

• Stimulates Insulin Production – Encourages the pancreas to release more insulin in response to glucose.
• Reduces Glucagon Secretion – Lowers glucose production by the liver.
• Delays Gastric Emptying – Prevents rapid post-meal sugar spikes.

Why Albiglutide Was Unique

• Weekly Dosing – Provided convenience over daily GLP-1 agonists.
• Improved A1C Reduction – Helped maintain stable blood sugar levels.
• Lower Hypoglycemia Risk – Less risk than insulin or sulfonylureas.

Challenges and Withdrawal from Market

Although effective, Albiglutide was discontinued due to low market demand, with alternatives like Semaglutide and Dulaglutide gaining preference.

Despite its withdrawal, Albiglutide demonstrated the potential of weekly GLP-1 therapy, paving the way for future innovations.