Metabolic & Fat Loss FDA Approved

Dulaglutide

Also known as: Trulicity, Dulaglutida

Molecular Identifiers

Molecular Formula

C2646H4044N704O836S18

CAS Number

923950-08-7

UNII

WTT295HSY5

Molecular Weight

~59.7 kDa (59670.63 g/mol)

Overview

Long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist composed of a GLP-1 analog fused to a modified IgG4 immunoglobulin Fc fragment. This fusion protein confers an extended half-life of approximately 5 days, enabling weekly administration. Approved for type 2 diabetes treatment and cardiovascular risk reduction in diabetic patients.

FDA-approved as Trulicity (2014) for type 2 diabetes treatment, including cardiovascular risk reduction in diabetic patients, demonstrated in the REWIND study.

The core clinical effects of dulaglutide are improved glycemic control in type 2 diabetes (HbA1c reduction of 0.7–1.6%), modest weight loss of 1–3 kg, and a reduction in major cardiovascular events demonstrated in the REWIND trial. Once-weekly administration via a pre-filled pen supports adherence compared with daily GLP-1 agonists.

Approved by the FDA in 2014 as Trulicity, it is now a first- or second-line therapy in type 2 diabetes, frequently combined with metformin. Following approval of the cardiovascular indication, it is also prescribed to diabetic patients at increased cardiovascular risk. Off-label use for weight loss alone exists but is not the approved indication and tends to give way to analogs with a dedicated obesity dossier.

Dulaglutide was developed by Eli Lilly as part of the second generation of long-acting GLP-1 agonists, using an IgG4 Fc fusion design to extend half-life without relying on albumin binding.

Among GLP-1 agonists, it occupies a middle tier: more modern and more convenient than exenatide (an older formulation with twice-daily or weekly microsphere dosing), but less potent on weight loss and glycemic control than semaglutide, which has consolidated itself as the class reference. Its current value proposition is the cardiovascular dataset in type 2 diabetes from the REWIND trial.

Fusion protein (~59.7 kDa) — GLP-1 analog fused with IgG4 Fc fragment

Half-life

~5 days

Administration Route

Subcutaneous

Mechanism of Action

GLP-1 receptor agonism with glucose-dependent insulin secretion stimulation
Suppression of glucagon secretion in hyperglycemic states
Delayed gastric emptying
Appetite and caloric intake reduction via hypothalamic signaling
Improved insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues
Cardiovascular protection with reduction of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE)

Dosage Protocol

Data compiled from the literature. This does not constitute medical advice.

Parameter	Value
Dose	0.75-4.5 mg per week (subcutaneous)
Frequency	Once weekly
Timing	Same day of the week, any time of day, regardless of meals
Duration	Continuous use (with gradual dose escalation)

Reported Side Effects

Adverse effects described in the literature. Severity and frequency vary between individuals.

Nausea
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Decreased appetite
Fatigue

Product Properties

Purity	>95%
Appearance	Clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow solution in pre-filled pen
Solubility	Pre-filled solution — no reconstitution required
Source	Recombinant DNA technology (CHO cells)
Storage	Refrigerated 2-8°C. Do not freeze. Protect from light. Once opened, use within 14 days at room temperature (up to 30°C).

Presentations & Preparation

Vials of Dulaglutide found in the research market:

5 mg10 mg

Reconstitution

Diluent: Not applicable — pre-filled pen ready for use
Volume: Single-dose pre-filled pen (0.5 ml)
Use single-dose pre-filled pen — no reconstitution required
Inject subcutaneously in abdomen, thigh or arm, rotating sites
Dose escalation every 4 weeks (0.75 → 1.5 → 3.0 → 4.5 mg)
Each pen is single-use — discard after administration

Storage

Lyophilized: Not applicable — ready-to-use solution
Reconstituted: Refrigerated 2-8°C (unopened); room temperature up to 14 days (maximum 30°C)
Do not freeze — discard if frozen
Protect from direct light
Keep in original packaging until time of use

Reconstitution Calculator