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‹ Sat · 20 Jun 2026
Promising but preliminary

Safety and efficacy of GZR18, a long-acting GLP-1 analog, in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized, double-blind, phase 1b/2a trial.

An experimental once-weekly diabetes medication shows strong blood-sugar control in early human trials without severe side effects, advancing toward larger Phase 3 testing.

In a randomized double-blind phase 1b/2a trial (n=72), once-weekly GZR18 achieved significant HbA1c reductions vs placebo in Chinese T2DM patients (up to -1.81% at higher doses) with an acceptable safety profile — no severe hypoglycemia or serious drug-related adverse events — supporting advancement to phase 3 evaluation as a new long-acting GLP-1 RA.

What the study was

Study design
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 1b/2a trial
Population
Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Sample size
72
Category
Drug Development
Maturity
Exploratory
Journal
Cell Reports Medicine

Why it surfaced

Novel long-acting GLP-1 analog with strong HbA1c reduction in phase 1b/2a RCT; Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals (major Chinese pharma). Limited by small n=72 and phase 1b/2a scope.

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