Efpeglenatide Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist Treatment for type 2 diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease in which the body presents with numerous pathophysiological defects, some of which have to do with glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 is a gastrointestinal peptide that stimulates glucose-dependent insulin release from pancreatic islets, slows gastric emptying time, inhibits inappropriate post-meal glucagon release, and ultimately reduces food intake. These mechanisms together allow for significant blood glucose control and meaningful weight loss. GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are a class of medications that are currently approved for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and obesity. Efpeglenatide is a novel investigational GLP-1RA that is currently being studied in phase III clinical trials. Efpeglenatide's extended duration of action is its most promising advantage above the other GLP-1RAs, which is due to the unique composition of the compound. Efpeglenatide is chemically conjugated to recombinant human immunoglobulin G4 Fc fragment through a nonpeptidyl linker to CA-Exendin-4 and has the potential for once-monthly dosing, which would be advantageous over the currently available twice-daily, once-daily and once-weekly GLP-1RAs on the market.