Dapiglutide

updated

Dapiglutide (ZP7570) is Zealand Pharma's investigational lipidated peptide, described as a dual agonist of the GLP-1 and GLP-2 receptors, and its development is paused. The only peer-reviewed randomized obesity trial, a 12-week phase 2a in 54 Danish adults, found a 6 mg weight difference of -2.1% versus placebo (95% CI -4.3 to 0.2; P=0.076), which was not statistically significant, and the larger 11.6% figure at 28 weeks is a company statement from a phase 1b in 30 mostly male participants. No approval exists.

GLP-1 and GLP-2 receptor dual agonist peptide (investigational, paused)

  • Dapiglutide is PubChem CID 171934788 (C192H302N46O57, molecular weight 4167 g/mol), with ZP7570 and ZP-7570 among its synonyms. Zealand Pharma is the developer.
  • Development is paused. Zealand's company announcement of 13 November 2025 says development of dapiglutide has been paused as part of active portfolio management, and its pipeline page is titled Dapiglutide (program paused). It had been planned to advance to phase 2b in 2025.
  • In DREAM (NCT05788601, 54 Danish adults with obesity, 12 weeks, once-weekly subcutaneous injection, no lifestyle intervention), the 6 mg dose changed body weight by -2.1% versus placebo (95% CI -4.3 to 0.2; P=0.076), not statistically significant. The authors conclude neither 4 mg nor 6 mg gave a statistically significant difference from placebo.
  • Zealand reported on 18 June 2025 that in a 28-week phase 1b (30 participants, about 93% male, median baseline BMI 28.8) estimated mean body weight fell 11.6% from baseline on dapiglutide versus 0.2% on placebo. This is a company statement, and it should not be read as a general obesity result.
  • The GLP-2 part of the mechanism has animal evidence only: in a mouse model of short bowel syndrome, dapiglutide improved glucose tolerance and promoted intestinal growth. No human gut-barrier outcome has been reported.
  • No approval exists: on 10 October 2026 openFDA Drugs@FDA returned no application records and DailyMed returned no labels. No study beyond phase 2a is registered.

What is dapiglutide, and is it approved anywhere?

Dapiglutide (ZP7570) is Zealand Pharma's investigational lipidated peptide, described as a dual GLP-1 and GLP-2 receptor agonist. No approval exists: openFDA and DailyMed searches on 10 October 2026 returned no application records and no labels.

Dapiglutide is PubChem CID 171934788 (C192H302N46O57, molecular weight 4167 g/mol), with synonyms including ZP7570 and ZP-7570. WHO Proposed INN List 123 (WHO Drug Information Vol. 34 No. 2, 2020) lists it with the same formula and CAS 2296814-85-0, describing a glucagon-like peptide analogue built on the human GLP-2 sequence with amino-acid substitutions and 17-carboxyheptadecanoyl-glutamyl lipid substituents. Zealand and the trial paper describe it as a dual GLP-1 and GLP-2 receptor agonist. PubChem also lists a separate synonym, dapiglutide (sodium salt). The salt form used in the trials is not stated in the records read, so doses on this page are described as dapiglutide without a salt claim.

Dapiglutide is ZP7570, and Zealand Pharma is the developer. ClinicalTrials.gov lists Zealand Pharma as sponsor of the phase 1 trial NCT06000891 with the intervention ZP7570 (other name GLP-1/GLP-2 agonist), and lists the investigator-initiated phase 2 trial NCT05788601 with the intervention Dapiglutide and the other name ZP7570. The phase 2 paper is funded by an unrestricted grant from Zealand.

On 10 October 2026 openFDA Drugs@FDA returned no application records for dapiglutide, and a DailyMed search returned no labels.

PubChem and WHO INN List 123: dapiglutide identity, GLP-2-based lipidated peptide

Chemical identity record

National Library of Medicine. PubChem compound record CID 171934788 (dapiglutide). World Health Organization, Proposed INN List 123, WHO Drug Information Vol. 34 No. 2, 2020.

PubChem lists dapiglutide as C192H302N46O57, molecular weight 4167 g/mol, with synonyms including ZP7570 and ZP-7570 and a separate synonym dapiglutide (sodium salt); PubChem lists no CAS number among the synonyms. WHO Proposed INN List 123 lists dapiglutide with the same formula and CAS 2296814-85-0, and describes a glucagon-like peptide analogue built on the human GLP-2 sequence with amino-acid substitutions and 17-carboxyheptadecanoyl-glutamyl lipid substituents. Zealand and the trial paper describe it as a dual GLP-1 and GLP-2 receptor agonist.

Participants / model
Molecular identity, not a clinical population
Treatment
Synthetic lipidated peptide, subcutaneous
Follow-up
Not applicable
Study design
Official NLM chemical record and WHO INN list entry
Funding
not stated in the source

The salt form used in the trials is not stated in the records read, so doses are described as dapiglutide without a salt claim. The WHO entry describes the molecule from a GLP-2 template, which is consistent with Zealand's description but was not reconciled sequence by sequence.

Read the original source
Registry: ZP7570 and Dapiglutide as one compound, Zealand sponsor, phase 1b Terminated

Trial registry record

ClinicalTrials.gov, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Record NCT06000891, with record NCT05788601. Read on 10 October 2026.

ClinicalTrials.gov lists Zealand Pharma as sponsor of the phase 1 trial NCT06000891 with intervention ZP7570 (other name GLP-1/GLP-2 agonist), and lists the investigator-initiated phase 2 trial NCT05788601 with intervention Dapiglutide and other name ZP7570. The record for the whole phase 1b trial shows status Terminated with 84 participants enrolled and the stated reason that the decision was the sponsor's and the last participant's last visit was completed on 21 March 2025 as planned, with no results posted. Zealand's June 2025 release reports Part 1 of the phase 1b: 54 participants in three cohorts got 13 weekly doses, and the placebo-adjusted body weight reduction was up to a mean 8.3% (6.2% weight loss on dapiglutide and 2.1% weight gain on placebo).

Participants / model
Sponsor and code identity; adults with overweight or obesity in Germany for the phase 1b Part 1 figures
Treatment
Weekly subcutaneous dapiglutide, 13 weeks (Part 1)
Follow-up
13 weeks (Part 1)
Study design
Trial registry records and company statement
Funding
Sponsor of NCT06000891: Zealand Pharma

The Part 1 figures are a company statement and are placebo-adjusted. The registry shows no results posted.

Read the original source
Searches, 10 October 2026: no approval, 3 PubMed records, nothing beyond phase 2a registered

PubMed search record

PubMed search for dapiglutide OR ZP7570 OR ZP-7570, run on 10 October 2026 (3 records). ClinicalTrials.gov search for dapiglutide OR ZP7570 run the same day (5 records). openFDA Drugs@FDA and DailyMed searches run the same day.

No approval exists: on 10 October 2026 openFDA Drugs@FDA returned no application records for dapiglutide and a DailyMed search returned no labels. PubMed returned 3 records for dapiglutide OR ZP7570 OR ZP-7570: two mouse short bowel papers and the phase 2a paper. ClinicalTrials.gov returned 5 records (2 early phase 1, 2 phase 1, 1 phase 2, including a phase 1 pharmacokinetic study NCT06758583 and the phase 2 trial), with no phase 2b or phase 3 registration and no posted results. In the records reviewed no study of dapiglutide beyond phase 2a is registered.

Participants / model
Records returned, not a population
Treatment
Not applicable
Follow-up
Searches run on 10 October 2026
Study design
Literature, registry and regulator searches
Funding
not stated in the source

A search result shows what the databases returned on that date. It is not proof that no unindexed study exists.

Read the original source

Is dapiglutide still in development?

No, development is paused. Zealand's company announcement of 13 November 2025 says development of dapiglutide has been paused as part of active portfolio management, and its pipeline page is titled Dapiglutide (program paused). It had been planned to advance to phase 2b in 2025.

Zealand's company announcement of 13 November 2025 (the nine-month report, read as the BioSpace copy) says development of dapiglutide has been paused as part of active portfolio management, to concentrate spending on programs the company sees as having the most potential to stand apart clinically and create long-term value. The announcement narrows 2025 net operating expense guidance (the upper end lowered from DKK 2.5 billion to DKK 2.3 billion), citing the decision to pause dapiglutide, which had been planned to advance to phase 2b in 2025.

Zealand's pipeline page for the program is titled Dapiglutide (program paused), as read on 10 October 2026. A Zealand first-half 2026 summary release read the same day did not mention dapiglutide, and a full 2026 report was not read, so the current status rests on the November 2025 announcement and the pipeline page. These are company statements.

A ClinicalTrials.gov search for dapiglutide OR ZP7570 on 10 October 2026 returned 5 records (2 early phase 1, 2 phase 1 and 1 phase 2, including a phase 1 pharmacokinetic study, NCT06758583, and the phase 2 trial), with no phase 2b or phase 3 registration and no posted results.

Company announcement, 13 November 2025: dapiglutide development paused

Regulatory record

Zealand Pharma company announcement dated 13 November 2025 (nine-month report), read as the BioSpace copy. Zealand pipeline page for the program, read on 10 October 2026.

The announcement states that development of dapiglutide has been paused as part of active portfolio management, to concentrate spending on programs the company sees as having the most potential to stand apart clinically and create long-term value. It narrows 2025 net operating expense guidance (upper end lowered from DKK 2.5 billion to DKK 2.3 billion), citing the decision to pause dapiglutide, which had been planned to advance to phase 2b in 2025. Zealand's pipeline page for the program is titled Dapiglutide (program paused), read on 10 October 2026. A Zealand first-half 2026 summary release read on 10 October 2026 did not mention dapiglutide.

Participants / model
Not a clinical population
Treatment
Not applicable
Follow-up
Announcement dated 13 November 2025
Study design
Company statement (earnings release)
Funding
not stated in the source

A full 2026 report was not read, so the current status rests on the November 2025 announcement and the pipeline page title.

Read the original source
Searches, 10 October 2026: no approval, 3 PubMed records, nothing beyond phase 2a registered

PubMed search record

PubMed search for dapiglutide OR ZP7570 OR ZP-7570, run on 10 October 2026 (3 records). ClinicalTrials.gov search for dapiglutide OR ZP7570 run the same day (5 records). openFDA Drugs@FDA and DailyMed searches run the same day.

No approval exists: on 10 October 2026 openFDA Drugs@FDA returned no application records for dapiglutide and a DailyMed search returned no labels. PubMed returned 3 records for dapiglutide OR ZP7570 OR ZP-7570: two mouse short bowel papers and the phase 2a paper. ClinicalTrials.gov returned 5 records (2 early phase 1, 2 phase 1, 1 phase 2, including a phase 1 pharmacokinetic study NCT06758583 and the phase 2 trial), with no phase 2b or phase 3 registration and no posted results. In the records reviewed no study of dapiglutide beyond phase 2a is registered.

Participants / model
Records returned, not a population
Treatment
Not applicable
Follow-up
Searches run on 10 October 2026
Study design
Literature, registry and regulator searches
Funding
not stated in the source

A search result shows what the databases returned on that date. It is not proof that no unindexed study exists.

Read the original source

What did the phase 2a obesity trial find?

In DREAM, a 12-week phase 2a trial in 54 Danish adults with obesity, the 6 mg dose changed body weight by -2.1% versus placebo (95% CI -4.3 to 0.2; P=0.076), which was not statistically significant. The authors conclude neither 4 mg nor 6 mg gave a statistically significant difference from placebo.

DREAM (NCT05788601) was a 12-week, investigator-initiated, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2a trial in Denmark. 54 adults with obesity (63% women, mean weight 101.3 kg, mean BMI 35.2) received once-weekly subcutaneous dapiglutide 4 mg, 6 mg or placebo (1:1:1) with no lifestyle intervention. The paper is funded by an unrestricted grant from Zealand.

The endpoint was percent body weight change from baseline to week 12. The 6 mg dose changed body weight by -2.1% versus placebo (95% CI -4.3 to 0.2; P=0.076), a placebo-adjusted difference that was not statistically significant. The authors conclude that neither 4 mg nor 6 mg gave a statistically significant difference from placebo.

This is the only peer-reviewed randomized obesity trial of dapiglutide. A PubMed search on 10 October 2026 for dapiglutide OR ZP7570 OR ZP-7570 returned 3 records: two mouse short bowel papers and this phase 2a paper. In the records reviewed, no study of dapiglutide beyond phase 2a is registered.

DREAM: 54 Danish adults, 12 weeks, 6 mg -2.1% versus placebo, not statistically significant

Randomized controlled trial

Nielsen CK et al. EClinicalMedicine. 2026;93:103801. PMID 41768273.

54 adults with obesity (63% women, mean weight 101.3 kg, mean BMI 35.2) got once-weekly subcutaneous dapiglutide 4 mg, 6 mg or placebo (1:1:1) with no lifestyle intervention. The 6 mg dose changed body weight by -2.1% versus placebo (95% CI -4.3 to 0.2; P=0.076), not statistically significant, and the authors conclude that neither 4 mg nor 6 mg gave a statistically significant difference from placebo. No participant stopped because of a drug-induced adverse event; dropout was 0% on placebo, 11% on 4 mg and 6% on 6 mg. Common adverse events were reduced appetite and nausea.

Participants / model
54 adults with obesity in Denmark (63% women, mean weight 101.3 kg, mean BMI 35.2)
Treatment
Once-weekly subcutaneous dapiglutide 4 mg or 6 mg, or placebo (1:1:1), without lifestyle intervention
Follow-up
12 weeks
Study design
Investigator-initiated, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2a trial (NCT05788601)
Funding
Funded by an unrestricted grant from Zealand Pharma

The -2.1% is a difference versus placebo at 6 mg and was not statistically significant. The part of the paper read gives only abstract-level adverse event detail.

Read the original source
Searches, 10 October 2026: no approval, 3 PubMed records, nothing beyond phase 2a registered

PubMed search record

PubMed search for dapiglutide OR ZP7570 OR ZP-7570, run on 10 October 2026 (3 records). ClinicalTrials.gov search for dapiglutide OR ZP7570 run the same day (5 records). openFDA Drugs@FDA and DailyMed searches run the same day.

No approval exists: on 10 October 2026 openFDA Drugs@FDA returned no application records for dapiglutide and a DailyMed search returned no labels. PubMed returned 3 records for dapiglutide OR ZP7570 OR ZP-7570: two mouse short bowel papers and the phase 2a paper. ClinicalTrials.gov returned 5 records (2 early phase 1, 2 phase 1, 1 phase 2, including a phase 1 pharmacokinetic study NCT06758583 and the phase 2 trial), with no phase 2b or phase 3 registration and no posted results. In the records reviewed no study of dapiglutide beyond phase 2a is registered.

Participants / model
Records returned, not a population
Treatment
Not applicable
Follow-up
Searches run on 10 October 2026
Study design
Literature, registry and regulator searches
Funding
not stated in the source

A search result shows what the databases returned on that date. It is not proof that no unindexed study exists.

Read the original source

What has Zealand reported from the phase 1b trial?

On 18 June 2025 Zealand reported that in Part 2 of the phase 1b (30 mostly male participants, 28 weeks) estimated mean body weight fell 11.6% from baseline on dapiglutide versus 0.2% on placebo, and that Part 1 (54 participants, 13 weeks) gave a placebo-adjusted reduction of up to a mean 8.3%. These are company statements from a small, leaner population.

Zealand's press release of 18 June 2025 reports Part 2 of the phase 1b multiple-ascending-dose trial (NCT06000891): 30 participants in Germany (about 93% male, median baseline BMI 28.8), randomized 2:1 to 28 weekly doses of dapiglutide up to 26 mg or placebo, with no lifestyle intervention. Estimated mean body weight fell 11.6% from baseline on dapiglutide and 0.2% on placebo.

In the same release, Part 1 gave 13 weekly doses to 54 participants in three cohorts. The placebo-adjusted body weight reduction was up to a mean 8.3% (6.2% weight loss on dapiglutide and 2.1% weight gain on placebo). The registry record for the whole trial shows the status Terminated with 84 participants enrolled, the stated reason being a decision by the sponsor with the last participant's last visit completed on 21 March 2025 as planned, and no results posted.

The 11.6% is a change from baseline and is not placebo-adjusted, while the 8.3% is placebo-adjusted, so the two should not be compared directly. Both come from a small, mostly male, leaner population with no lifestyle intervention, so neither should be read as a general obesity result. The release gives 95% male and median BMI 28.5 in a subheading and about 93% male and median BMI 28.8 in its body.

Company statement, 18 June 2025: phase 1b Part 2, 30 participants, 11.6% from baseline, not peer reviewed

Regulatory record

Zealand Pharma press release dated 18 June 2025 announcing topline results from the 28-week phase 1b trial of dapiglutide, on GlobeNewswire.

Part 2 of the phase 1b multiple-ascending-dose trial (NCT06000891): 30 participants (about 93% male, median baseline BMI 28.8) were randomized 2:1 to 28 weekly doses of dapiglutide up to 26 mg or placebo, with no lifestyle intervention. Estimated mean body weight fell 11.6% from baseline on dapiglutide and 0.2% on placebo. No severe or serious treatment-emergent events were reported, two participants withdrew because of adverse events (one gastrointestinal), and the most common events were gastrointestinal.

Participants / model
30 mostly male adults with overweight or obesity in Germany
Treatment
Weekly subcutaneous dapiglutide up to 26 mg, or placebo, 28 weeks
Follow-up
28 weeks
Study design
Company press release on a phase 1b trial; not peer reviewed
Funding
not stated in the source

A small, mostly male, leaner population, so the figure should not be read as a general obesity result. The 11.6% is a change from baseline, not placebo-adjusted. The release gives 95% male and median BMI 28.5 in a subheading and about 93% male and median BMI 28.8 in its body.

Read the original source
Registry: ZP7570 and Dapiglutide as one compound, Zealand sponsor, phase 1b Terminated

Trial registry record

ClinicalTrials.gov, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Record NCT06000891, with record NCT05788601. Read on 10 October 2026.

ClinicalTrials.gov lists Zealand Pharma as sponsor of the phase 1 trial NCT06000891 with intervention ZP7570 (other name GLP-1/GLP-2 agonist), and lists the investigator-initiated phase 2 trial NCT05788601 with intervention Dapiglutide and other name ZP7570. The record for the whole phase 1b trial shows status Terminated with 84 participants enrolled and the stated reason that the decision was the sponsor's and the last participant's last visit was completed on 21 March 2025 as planned, with no results posted. Zealand's June 2025 release reports Part 1 of the phase 1b: 54 participants in three cohorts got 13 weekly doses, and the placebo-adjusted body weight reduction was up to a mean 8.3% (6.2% weight loss on dapiglutide and 2.1% weight gain on placebo).

Participants / model
Sponsor and code identity; adults with overweight or obesity in Germany for the phase 1b Part 1 figures
Treatment
Weekly subcutaneous dapiglutide, 13 weeks (Part 1)
Follow-up
13 weeks (Part 1)
Study design
Trial registry records and company statement
Funding
Sponsor of NCT06000891: Zealand Pharma

The Part 1 figures are a company statement and are placebo-adjusted. The registry shows no results posted.

Read the original source

What do mouse studies say about the GLP-2 component?

The GLP-2 part of the mechanism has animal evidence only. In a mouse model of short bowel syndrome, dapiglutide improved glucose tolerance, slowed transit, promoted intestinal growth and aided body weight recovery. Neither mouse study reports human gut-barrier or anti-inflammatory outcomes.

In a mouse model of short bowel syndrome (40% ileocecal resection), subcutaneous dapiglutide improved glucose tolerance, slowed transit, promoted intestinal growth and aided body weight recovery. The first study used male mice. A second mouse study showed effects on intestinal barrier proteins in the jejunum. The sources reviewed give no dose, strain or duration for either.

Neither study reports human gut-barrier or anti-inflammatory outcomes, and the obesity trial did not reach statistical significance on weight, so these mouse findings do not show a benefit in people.

Mouse studies: short bowel model, intestinal growth and barrier proteins

Animal study

Reiner J et al. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2022;46(5):1107-1118. PMID 34705281.

In a mouse model of short bowel syndrome (40% ileocecal resection), dapiglutide improved glucose tolerance, slowed transit, promoted intestinal growth and aided body weight recovery. A second mouse study showed effects on intestinal barrier proteins in the jejunum. Neither study reports human gut-barrier or anti-inflammatory outcomes.

Participants / model
Mice with and without short bowel (the first study used male mice)
Treatment
Subcutaneous dapiglutide in mice
Follow-up
not stated in the source
Study design
Original preclinical studies
Funding
not stated in the source

One PubMed record is cited for the two mouse studies. The sources reviewed give no dose, strain or duration for either, and the mouse findings do not transfer to people.

Read the original source

Is dapiglutide a GLP-1/GLP-2 dual agonist in phase 2?

The description is correct, but the stage is out of date. Zealand and the trial paper describe a dual GLP-1 and GLP-2 receptor agonist. Development is paused, and the only phase 2 trial was not statistically significant on weight.

The claim is that dapiglutide (Zealand Pharma) is a GLP-1/GLP-2 dual agonist in phase 2. The description is supported: Zealand and the DREAM paper describe a dual GLP-1 and GLP-2 receptor agonist, and the WHO entry describes a peptide built on the human GLP-2 sequence. Dapiglutide is ZP7570.

The phase 2 stage is out of date. Zealand paused development in November 2025, the only phase 2 trial (DREAM, 12 weeks) found a 6 mg weight difference of -2.1% versus placebo that was not statistically significant (P=0.076), and no phase 2b or phase 3 study is registered.

PubChem and WHO INN List 123: dapiglutide identity, GLP-2-based lipidated peptide

Chemical identity record

National Library of Medicine. PubChem compound record CID 171934788 (dapiglutide). World Health Organization, Proposed INN List 123, WHO Drug Information Vol. 34 No. 2, 2020.

PubChem lists dapiglutide as C192H302N46O57, molecular weight 4167 g/mol, with synonyms including ZP7570 and ZP-7570 and a separate synonym dapiglutide (sodium salt); PubChem lists no CAS number among the synonyms. WHO Proposed INN List 123 lists dapiglutide with the same formula and CAS 2296814-85-0, and describes a glucagon-like peptide analogue built on the human GLP-2 sequence with amino-acid substitutions and 17-carboxyheptadecanoyl-glutamyl lipid substituents. Zealand and the trial paper describe it as a dual GLP-1 and GLP-2 receptor agonist.

Participants / model
Molecular identity, not a clinical population
Treatment
Synthetic lipidated peptide, subcutaneous
Follow-up
Not applicable
Study design
Official NLM chemical record and WHO INN list entry
Funding
not stated in the source

The salt form used in the trials is not stated in the records read, so doses are described as dapiglutide without a salt claim. The WHO entry describes the molecule from a GLP-2 template, which is consistent with Zealand's description but was not reconciled sequence by sequence.

Read the original source
Company announcement, 13 November 2025: dapiglutide development paused

Regulatory record

Zealand Pharma company announcement dated 13 November 2025 (nine-month report), read as the BioSpace copy. Zealand pipeline page for the program, read on 10 October 2026.

The announcement states that development of dapiglutide has been paused as part of active portfolio management, to concentrate spending on programs the company sees as having the most potential to stand apart clinically and create long-term value. It narrows 2025 net operating expense guidance (upper end lowered from DKK 2.5 billion to DKK 2.3 billion), citing the decision to pause dapiglutide, which had been planned to advance to phase 2b in 2025. Zealand's pipeline page for the program is titled Dapiglutide (program paused), read on 10 October 2026. A Zealand first-half 2026 summary release read on 10 October 2026 did not mention dapiglutide.

Participants / model
Not a clinical population
Treatment
Not applicable
Follow-up
Announcement dated 13 November 2025
Study design
Company statement (earnings release)
Funding
not stated in the source

A full 2026 report was not read, so the current status rests on the November 2025 announcement and the pipeline page title.

Read the original source
DREAM: 54 Danish adults, 12 weeks, 6 mg -2.1% versus placebo, not statistically significant

Randomized controlled trial

Nielsen CK et al. EClinicalMedicine. 2026;93:103801. PMID 41768273.

54 adults with obesity (63% women, mean weight 101.3 kg, mean BMI 35.2) got once-weekly subcutaneous dapiglutide 4 mg, 6 mg or placebo (1:1:1) with no lifestyle intervention. The 6 mg dose changed body weight by -2.1% versus placebo (95% CI -4.3 to 0.2; P=0.076), not statistically significant, and the authors conclude that neither 4 mg nor 6 mg gave a statistically significant difference from placebo. No participant stopped because of a drug-induced adverse event; dropout was 0% on placebo, 11% on 4 mg and 6% on 6 mg. Common adverse events were reduced appetite and nausea.

Participants / model
54 adults with obesity in Denmark (63% women, mean weight 101.3 kg, mean BMI 35.2)
Treatment
Once-weekly subcutaneous dapiglutide 4 mg or 6 mg, or placebo (1:1:1), without lifestyle intervention
Follow-up
12 weeks
Study design
Investigator-initiated, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2a trial (NCT05788601)
Funding
Funded by an unrestricted grant from Zealand Pharma

The -2.1% is a difference versus placebo at 6 mg and was not statistically significant. The part of the paper read gives only abstract-level adverse event detail.

Read the original source
Searches, 10 October 2026: no approval, 3 PubMed records, nothing beyond phase 2a registered

PubMed search record

PubMed search for dapiglutide OR ZP7570 OR ZP-7570, run on 10 October 2026 (3 records). ClinicalTrials.gov search for dapiglutide OR ZP7570 run the same day (5 records). openFDA Drugs@FDA and DailyMed searches run the same day.

No approval exists: on 10 October 2026 openFDA Drugs@FDA returned no application records for dapiglutide and a DailyMed search returned no labels. PubMed returned 3 records for dapiglutide OR ZP7570 OR ZP-7570: two mouse short bowel papers and the phase 2a paper. ClinicalTrials.gov returned 5 records (2 early phase 1, 2 phase 1, 1 phase 2, including a phase 1 pharmacokinetic study NCT06758583 and the phase 2 trial), with no phase 2b or phase 3 registration and no posted results. In the records reviewed no study of dapiglutide beyond phase 2a is registered.

Participants / model
Records returned, not a population
Treatment
Not applicable
Follow-up
Searches run on 10 October 2026
Study design
Literature, registry and regulator searches
Funding
not stated in the source

A search result shows what the databases returned on that date. It is not proof that no unindexed study exists.

Read the original source

How does dapiglutide work, and how long does it last?

Dapiglutide is a lipidated peptide built on the human GLP-2 sequence that Zealand describes as a dual GLP-1 and GLP-2 receptor agonist. The GLP-2 part has mouse evidence only, and the sources reviewed give no half-life value.

The WHO entry describes a glucagon-like peptide analogue built on the human GLP-2 sequence with amino-acid substitutions and 17-carboxyheptadecanoyl-glutamyl lipid substituents. Zealand and the trial paper describe it as a dual GLP-1 and GLP-2 receptor agonist. The WHO description from a GLP-2 template is consistent with Zealand's description but was not reconciled sequence by sequence.

No half-life, Tmax or other pharmacokinetic value was found in the records reviewed, so none is entered. A phase 1 pharmacokinetic study (NCT06758583) is registered without posted results. The studies used weekly subcutaneous dosing, which is a study design and not a measured half-life.

PubChem and WHO INN List 123: dapiglutide identity, GLP-2-based lipidated peptide

Chemical identity record

National Library of Medicine. PubChem compound record CID 171934788 (dapiglutide). World Health Organization, Proposed INN List 123, WHO Drug Information Vol. 34 No. 2, 2020.

PubChem lists dapiglutide as C192H302N46O57, molecular weight 4167 g/mol, with synonyms including ZP7570 and ZP-7570 and a separate synonym dapiglutide (sodium salt); PubChem lists no CAS number among the synonyms. WHO Proposed INN List 123 lists dapiglutide with the same formula and CAS 2296814-85-0, and describes a glucagon-like peptide analogue built on the human GLP-2 sequence with amino-acid substitutions and 17-carboxyheptadecanoyl-glutamyl lipid substituents. Zealand and the trial paper describe it as a dual GLP-1 and GLP-2 receptor agonist.

Participants / model
Molecular identity, not a clinical population
Treatment
Synthetic lipidated peptide, subcutaneous
Follow-up
Not applicable
Study design
Official NLM chemical record and WHO INN list entry
Funding
not stated in the source

The salt form used in the trials is not stated in the records read, so doses are described as dapiglutide without a salt claim. The WHO entry describes the molecule from a GLP-2 template, which is consistent with Zealand's description but was not reconciled sequence by sequence.

Read the original source
Mouse studies: short bowel model, intestinal growth and barrier proteins

Animal study

Reiner J et al. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2022;46(5):1107-1118. PMID 34705281.

In a mouse model of short bowel syndrome (40% ileocecal resection), dapiglutide improved glucose tolerance, slowed transit, promoted intestinal growth and aided body weight recovery. A second mouse study showed effects on intestinal barrier proteins in the jejunum. Neither study reports human gut-barrier or anti-inflammatory outcomes.

Participants / model
Mice with and without short bowel (the first study used male mice)
Treatment
Subcutaneous dapiglutide in mice
Follow-up
not stated in the source
Study design
Original preclinical studies
Funding
not stated in the source

One PubMed record is cited for the two mouse studies. The sources reviewed give no dose, strain or duration for either, and the mouse findings do not transfer to people.

Read the original source
Searches, 10 October 2026: no approval, 3 PubMed records, nothing beyond phase 2a registered

PubMed search record

PubMed search for dapiglutide OR ZP7570 OR ZP-7570, run on 10 October 2026 (3 records). ClinicalTrials.gov search for dapiglutide OR ZP7570 run the same day (5 records). openFDA Drugs@FDA and DailyMed searches run the same day.

No approval exists: on 10 October 2026 openFDA Drugs@FDA returned no application records for dapiglutide and a DailyMed search returned no labels. PubMed returned 3 records for dapiglutide OR ZP7570 OR ZP-7570: two mouse short bowel papers and the phase 2a paper. ClinicalTrials.gov returned 5 records (2 early phase 1, 2 phase 1, 1 phase 2, including a phase 1 pharmacokinetic study NCT06758583 and the phase 2 trial), with no phase 2b or phase 3 registration and no posted results. In the records reviewed no study of dapiglutide beyond phase 2a is registered.

Participants / model
Records returned, not a population
Treatment
Not applicable
Follow-up
Searches run on 10 October 2026
Study design
Literature, registry and regulator searches
Funding
not stated in the source

A search result shows what the databases returned on that date. It is not proof that no unindexed study exists.

Read the original source

What adverse events were reported?

In DREAM, no participant stopped because of a drug-induced adverse event, and the common adverse events were reduced appetite and nausea. In the company-reported phase 1b Part 2, no severe or serious events were reported, two participants withdrew for adverse events, and the most common events were gastrointestinal.

In DREAM, no participant stopped because of a drug-induced adverse event. Dropout was 0% on placebo, 11% on 4 mg and 6% on 6 mg. The common adverse events were reduced appetite and nausea. The part of the paper read gives only abstract-level adverse event detail.

In Zealand's June 2025 statement on phase 1b Part 2, no severe or serious treatment-emergent events were reported, two participants withdrew because of adverse events (one gastrointestinal) and the most common events were gastrointestinal. This is a company statement from a small trial.

No human gut-barrier or anti-inflammatory outcome has been reported, development is paused, and no later-phase safety data exist.

DREAM: 54 Danish adults, 12 weeks, 6 mg -2.1% versus placebo, not statistically significant

Randomized controlled trial

Nielsen CK et al. EClinicalMedicine. 2026;93:103801. PMID 41768273.

54 adults with obesity (63% women, mean weight 101.3 kg, mean BMI 35.2) got once-weekly subcutaneous dapiglutide 4 mg, 6 mg or placebo (1:1:1) with no lifestyle intervention. The 6 mg dose changed body weight by -2.1% versus placebo (95% CI -4.3 to 0.2; P=0.076), not statistically significant, and the authors conclude that neither 4 mg nor 6 mg gave a statistically significant difference from placebo. No participant stopped because of a drug-induced adverse event; dropout was 0% on placebo, 11% on 4 mg and 6% on 6 mg. Common adverse events were reduced appetite and nausea.

Participants / model
54 adults with obesity in Denmark (63% women, mean weight 101.3 kg, mean BMI 35.2)
Treatment
Once-weekly subcutaneous dapiglutide 4 mg or 6 mg, or placebo (1:1:1), without lifestyle intervention
Follow-up
12 weeks
Study design
Investigator-initiated, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2a trial (NCT05788601)
Funding
Funded by an unrestricted grant from Zealand Pharma

The -2.1% is a difference versus placebo at 6 mg and was not statistically significant. The part of the paper read gives only abstract-level adverse event detail.

Read the original source
Company statement, 18 June 2025: phase 1b Part 2, 30 participants, 11.6% from baseline, not peer reviewed

Regulatory record

Zealand Pharma press release dated 18 June 2025 announcing topline results from the 28-week phase 1b trial of dapiglutide, on GlobeNewswire.

Part 2 of the phase 1b multiple-ascending-dose trial (NCT06000891): 30 participants (about 93% male, median baseline BMI 28.8) were randomized 2:1 to 28 weekly doses of dapiglutide up to 26 mg or placebo, with no lifestyle intervention. Estimated mean body weight fell 11.6% from baseline on dapiglutide and 0.2% on placebo. No severe or serious treatment-emergent events were reported, two participants withdrew because of adverse events (one gastrointestinal), and the most common events were gastrointestinal.

Participants / model
30 mostly male adults with overweight or obesity in Germany
Treatment
Weekly subcutaneous dapiglutide up to 26 mg, or placebo, 28 weeks
Follow-up
28 weeks
Study design
Company press release on a phase 1b trial; not peer reviewed
Funding
not stated in the source

A small, mostly male, leaner population, so the figure should not be read as a general obesity result. The 11.6% is a change from baseline, not placebo-adjusted. The release gives 95% male and median BMI 28.5 in a subheading and about 93% male and median BMI 28.8 in its body.

Read the original source

Why does dapiglutide sit in D tier?

The only peer-reviewed randomized obesity trial was not statistically significant on weight, the sponsor paused development, and the stronger figure comes from a small company-reported phase 1b.

The only peer-reviewed randomized obesity trial found a 6 mg weight difference of -2.1% versus placebo at 12 weeks (P=0.076), which missed its primary endpoint. Zealand paused development in November 2025, before a planned phase 2b.

The stronger number (11.6% from baseline at 28 weeks) comes from a 30-person, mostly male phase 1b reported only in a press release, and the GLP-2 rationale rests on mouse data. No approval exists.

DREAM: 54 Danish adults, 12 weeks, 6 mg -2.1% versus placebo, not statistically significant

Randomized controlled trial

Nielsen CK et al. EClinicalMedicine. 2026;93:103801. PMID 41768273.

54 adults with obesity (63% women, mean weight 101.3 kg, mean BMI 35.2) got once-weekly subcutaneous dapiglutide 4 mg, 6 mg or placebo (1:1:1) with no lifestyle intervention. The 6 mg dose changed body weight by -2.1% versus placebo (95% CI -4.3 to 0.2; P=0.076), not statistically significant, and the authors conclude that neither 4 mg nor 6 mg gave a statistically significant difference from placebo. No participant stopped because of a drug-induced adverse event; dropout was 0% on placebo, 11% on 4 mg and 6% on 6 mg. Common adverse events were reduced appetite and nausea.

Participants / model
54 adults with obesity in Denmark (63% women, mean weight 101.3 kg, mean BMI 35.2)
Treatment
Once-weekly subcutaneous dapiglutide 4 mg or 6 mg, or placebo (1:1:1), without lifestyle intervention
Follow-up
12 weeks
Study design
Investigator-initiated, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2a trial (NCT05788601)
Funding
Funded by an unrestricted grant from Zealand Pharma

The -2.1% is a difference versus placebo at 6 mg and was not statistically significant. The part of the paper read gives only abstract-level adverse event detail.

Read the original source
Company announcement, 13 November 2025: dapiglutide development paused

Regulatory record

Zealand Pharma company announcement dated 13 November 2025 (nine-month report), read as the BioSpace copy. Zealand pipeline page for the program, read on 10 October 2026.

The announcement states that development of dapiglutide has been paused as part of active portfolio management, to concentrate spending on programs the company sees as having the most potential to stand apart clinically and create long-term value. It narrows 2025 net operating expense guidance (upper end lowered from DKK 2.5 billion to DKK 2.3 billion), citing the decision to pause dapiglutide, which had been planned to advance to phase 2b in 2025. Zealand's pipeline page for the program is titled Dapiglutide (program paused), read on 10 October 2026. A Zealand first-half 2026 summary release read on 10 October 2026 did not mention dapiglutide.

Participants / model
Not a clinical population
Treatment
Not applicable
Follow-up
Announcement dated 13 November 2025
Study design
Company statement (earnings release)
Funding
not stated in the source

A full 2026 report was not read, so the current status rests on the November 2025 announcement and the pipeline page title.

Read the original source
Company statement, 18 June 2025: phase 1b Part 2, 30 participants, 11.6% from baseline, not peer reviewed

Regulatory record

Zealand Pharma press release dated 18 June 2025 announcing topline results from the 28-week phase 1b trial of dapiglutide, on GlobeNewswire.

Part 2 of the phase 1b multiple-ascending-dose trial (NCT06000891): 30 participants (about 93% male, median baseline BMI 28.8) were randomized 2:1 to 28 weekly doses of dapiglutide up to 26 mg or placebo, with no lifestyle intervention. Estimated mean body weight fell 11.6% from baseline on dapiglutide and 0.2% on placebo. No severe or serious treatment-emergent events were reported, two participants withdrew because of adverse events (one gastrointestinal), and the most common events were gastrointestinal.

Participants / model
30 mostly male adults with overweight or obesity in Germany
Treatment
Weekly subcutaneous dapiglutide up to 26 mg, or placebo, 28 weeks
Follow-up
28 weeks
Study design
Company press release on a phase 1b trial; not peer reviewed
Funding
not stated in the source

A small, mostly male, leaner population, so the figure should not be read as a general obesity result. The 11.6% is a change from baseline, not placebo-adjusted. The release gives 95% male and median BMI 28.5 in a subheading and about 93% male and median BMI 28.8 in its body.

Read the original source
Mouse studies: short bowel model, intestinal growth and barrier proteins

Animal study

Reiner J et al. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2022;46(5):1107-1118. PMID 34705281.

In a mouse model of short bowel syndrome (40% ileocecal resection), dapiglutide improved glucose tolerance, slowed transit, promoted intestinal growth and aided body weight recovery. A second mouse study showed effects on intestinal barrier proteins in the jejunum. Neither study reports human gut-barrier or anti-inflammatory outcomes.

Participants / model
Mice with and without short bowel (the first study used male mice)
Treatment
Subcutaneous dapiglutide in mice
Follow-up
not stated in the source
Study design
Original preclinical studies
Funding
not stated in the source

One PubMed record is cited for the two mouse studies. The sources reviewed give no dose, strain or duration for either, and the mouse findings do not transfer to people.

Read the original source
Searches, 10 October 2026: no approval, 3 PubMed records, nothing beyond phase 2a registered

PubMed search record

PubMed search for dapiglutide OR ZP7570 OR ZP-7570, run on 10 October 2026 (3 records). ClinicalTrials.gov search for dapiglutide OR ZP7570 run the same day (5 records). openFDA Drugs@FDA and DailyMed searches run the same day.

No approval exists: on 10 October 2026 openFDA Drugs@FDA returned no application records for dapiglutide and a DailyMed search returned no labels. PubMed returned 3 records for dapiglutide OR ZP7570 OR ZP-7570: two mouse short bowel papers and the phase 2a paper. ClinicalTrials.gov returned 5 records (2 early phase 1, 2 phase 1, 1 phase 2, including a phase 1 pharmacokinetic study NCT06758583 and the phase 2 trial), with no phase 2b or phase 3 registration and no posted results. In the records reviewed no study of dapiglutide beyond phase 2a is registered.

Participants / model
Records returned, not a population
Treatment
Not applicable
Follow-up
Searches run on 10 October 2026
Study design
Literature, registry and regulator searches
Funding
not stated in the source

A search result shows what the databases returned on that date. It is not proof that no unindexed study exists.

Read the original source

Studies and sources

PubChem and WHO INN List 123: dapiglutide identity, GLP-2-based lipidated peptide

Chemical identity record

National Library of Medicine. PubChem compound record CID 171934788 (dapiglutide). World Health Organization, Proposed INN List 123, WHO Drug Information Vol. 34 No. 2, 2020.

PubChem lists dapiglutide as C192H302N46O57, molecular weight 4167 g/mol, with synonyms including ZP7570 and ZP-7570 and a separate synonym dapiglutide (sodium salt); PubChem lists no CAS number among the synonyms. WHO Proposed INN List 123 lists dapiglutide with the same formula and CAS 2296814-85-0, and describes a glucagon-like peptide analogue built on the human GLP-2 sequence with amino-acid substitutions and 17-carboxyheptadecanoyl-glutamyl lipid substituents. Zealand and the trial paper describe it as a dual GLP-1 and GLP-2 receptor agonist.

Participants / model
Molecular identity, not a clinical population
Treatment
Synthetic lipidated peptide, subcutaneous
Follow-up
Not applicable
Study design
Official NLM chemical record and WHO INN list entry
Funding
not stated in the source

The salt form used in the trials is not stated in the records read, so doses are described as dapiglutide without a salt claim. The WHO entry describes the molecule from a GLP-2 template, which is consistent with Zealand's description but was not reconciled sequence by sequence.

Read the original source
Registry: ZP7570 and Dapiglutide as one compound, Zealand sponsor, phase 1b Terminated

Trial registry record

ClinicalTrials.gov, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Record NCT06000891, with record NCT05788601. Read on 10 October 2026.

ClinicalTrials.gov lists Zealand Pharma as sponsor of the phase 1 trial NCT06000891 with intervention ZP7570 (other name GLP-1/GLP-2 agonist), and lists the investigator-initiated phase 2 trial NCT05788601 with intervention Dapiglutide and other name ZP7570. The record for the whole phase 1b trial shows status Terminated with 84 participants enrolled and the stated reason that the decision was the sponsor's and the last participant's last visit was completed on 21 March 2025 as planned, with no results posted. Zealand's June 2025 release reports Part 1 of the phase 1b: 54 participants in three cohorts got 13 weekly doses, and the placebo-adjusted body weight reduction was up to a mean 8.3% (6.2% weight loss on dapiglutide and 2.1% weight gain on placebo).

Participants / model
Sponsor and code identity; adults with overweight or obesity in Germany for the phase 1b Part 1 figures
Treatment
Weekly subcutaneous dapiglutide, 13 weeks (Part 1)
Follow-up
13 weeks (Part 1)
Study design
Trial registry records and company statement
Funding
Sponsor of NCT06000891: Zealand Pharma

The Part 1 figures are a company statement and are placebo-adjusted. The registry shows no results posted.

Read the original source
Company announcement, 13 November 2025: dapiglutide development paused

Regulatory record

Zealand Pharma company announcement dated 13 November 2025 (nine-month report), read as the BioSpace copy. Zealand pipeline page for the program, read on 10 October 2026.

The announcement states that development of dapiglutide has been paused as part of active portfolio management, to concentrate spending on programs the company sees as having the most potential to stand apart clinically and create long-term value. It narrows 2025 net operating expense guidance (upper end lowered from DKK 2.5 billion to DKK 2.3 billion), citing the decision to pause dapiglutide, which had been planned to advance to phase 2b in 2025. Zealand's pipeline page for the program is titled Dapiglutide (program paused), read on 10 October 2026. A Zealand first-half 2026 summary release read on 10 October 2026 did not mention dapiglutide.

Participants / model
Not a clinical population
Treatment
Not applicable
Follow-up
Announcement dated 13 November 2025
Study design
Company statement (earnings release)
Funding
not stated in the source

A full 2026 report was not read, so the current status rests on the November 2025 announcement and the pipeline page title.

Read the original source
DREAM: 54 Danish adults, 12 weeks, 6 mg -2.1% versus placebo, not statistically significant

Randomized controlled trial

Nielsen CK et al. EClinicalMedicine. 2026;93:103801. PMID 41768273.

54 adults with obesity (63% women, mean weight 101.3 kg, mean BMI 35.2) got once-weekly subcutaneous dapiglutide 4 mg, 6 mg or placebo (1:1:1) with no lifestyle intervention. The 6 mg dose changed body weight by -2.1% versus placebo (95% CI -4.3 to 0.2; P=0.076), not statistically significant, and the authors conclude that neither 4 mg nor 6 mg gave a statistically significant difference from placebo. No participant stopped because of a drug-induced adverse event; dropout was 0% on placebo, 11% on 4 mg and 6% on 6 mg. Common adverse events were reduced appetite and nausea.

Participants / model
54 adults with obesity in Denmark (63% women, mean weight 101.3 kg, mean BMI 35.2)
Treatment
Once-weekly subcutaneous dapiglutide 4 mg or 6 mg, or placebo (1:1:1), without lifestyle intervention
Follow-up
12 weeks
Study design
Investigator-initiated, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2a trial (NCT05788601)
Funding
Funded by an unrestricted grant from Zealand Pharma

The -2.1% is a difference versus placebo at 6 mg and was not statistically significant. The part of the paper read gives only abstract-level adverse event detail.

Read the original source
Company statement, 18 June 2025: phase 1b Part 2, 30 participants, 11.6% from baseline, not peer reviewed

Regulatory record

Zealand Pharma press release dated 18 June 2025 announcing topline results from the 28-week phase 1b trial of dapiglutide, on GlobeNewswire.

Part 2 of the phase 1b multiple-ascending-dose trial (NCT06000891): 30 participants (about 93% male, median baseline BMI 28.8) were randomized 2:1 to 28 weekly doses of dapiglutide up to 26 mg or placebo, with no lifestyle intervention. Estimated mean body weight fell 11.6% from baseline on dapiglutide and 0.2% on placebo. No severe or serious treatment-emergent events were reported, two participants withdrew because of adverse events (one gastrointestinal), and the most common events were gastrointestinal.

Participants / model
30 mostly male adults with overweight or obesity in Germany
Treatment
Weekly subcutaneous dapiglutide up to 26 mg, or placebo, 28 weeks
Follow-up
28 weeks
Study design
Company press release on a phase 1b trial; not peer reviewed
Funding
not stated in the source

A small, mostly male, leaner population, so the figure should not be read as a general obesity result. The 11.6% is a change from baseline, not placebo-adjusted. The release gives 95% male and median BMI 28.5 in a subheading and about 93% male and median BMI 28.8 in its body.

Read the original source
Mouse studies: short bowel model, intestinal growth and barrier proteins

Animal study

Reiner J et al. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2022;46(5):1107-1118. PMID 34705281.

In a mouse model of short bowel syndrome (40% ileocecal resection), dapiglutide improved glucose tolerance, slowed transit, promoted intestinal growth and aided body weight recovery. A second mouse study showed effects on intestinal barrier proteins in the jejunum. Neither study reports human gut-barrier or anti-inflammatory outcomes.

Participants / model
Mice with and without short bowel (the first study used male mice)
Treatment
Subcutaneous dapiglutide in mice
Follow-up
not stated in the source
Study design
Original preclinical studies
Funding
not stated in the source

One PubMed record is cited for the two mouse studies. The sources reviewed give no dose, strain or duration for either, and the mouse findings do not transfer to people.

Read the original source

Why is Dapiglutide in D tier?

D fits a compound whose only peer-reviewed randomized obesity trial was not statistically significant on weight (-2.1% versus placebo at 6 mg, P=0.076, 12 weeks), whose sponsor has paused development, and whose stronger weight figure comes from a small, mostly male phase 1b reported only in a press release. The GLP-2 rationale rests on mouse data.