Educational content only — this is not medical advice. Nothing here is a recommendation to buy, obtain, or use Dulaglutide. Talk to a licensed clinician before making health decisions.
What it is
Dulaglutide is a 31-amino-acid GLP-1 analogue fused to a human IgG4 Fc fragment, giving it a half-life of about 5 days and enabling once-weekly subcutaneous injection. It activates GLP-1 receptors to enhance glucose-dependent insulin secretion and suppress glucagon.
What the evidence shows
The AWARD programme demonstrated HbA1c reductions of roughly 0.7–1.6 percentage points versus placebo or active comparators. The REWIND cardiovascular outcomes trial (Lancet 2019; 9,901 participants with type 2 diabetes and established or risk factors for cardiovascular disease) showed a 12% relative reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events with dulaglutide 1.5 mg weekly over a median 5.4 years. Weight loss is modest, typically 2–4 kg.
Risks & unknowns
Gastrointestinal symptoms are the most common adverse effects. It carries the same GLP-1 class boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors and is contraindicated in medullary thyroid carcinoma and MEN2. Pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and hypoglycemia with insulin/sulfonylureas have been reported.
Legal / regulatory status
Dulaglutide is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, including reduction of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease or multiple risk factors. It is prescription-only.