Beinaglutide
Also known as: B-GLP-1, Bei Na Lu Tai, Beigelu, Beinaglutide, GLP-1 (7-36) amide (recombinant human), rhGLP-1
Source Beinaglutide at Peptiology
Save 10% with code PEPTI-BOSSRABBIT-10
Affiliate link: we earn a commission on purchases made through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Tapping Shop Now & Save 10% copies your 10% off code PEPTI-BOSSRABBIT-10 to your clipboard. Paste it at the Peptiology checkout to claim the discount.
Summary
Beinaglutide is a short‑acting glucagon‑like peptide‑1 (GLP‑1) receptor agonist approved in China for weight management in adults with overweight or obesity. Administered subcutaneously, it is used as an adjunct to lifestyle measures and has been investigated in both non‑diabetic and type 2 diabetic populations for its ability to reduce body weight and improve cardiometabolic risk factors.
Mechanism of Action
Beinaglutide is a recombinant human GLP‑1 (7‑36) amide that binds to the GLP‑1 receptor on pancreatic β‑cells, enhancing glucose‑dependent insulin secretion and suppressing glucagon release. It also slows gastric emptying and activates hypothalamic pathways that reduce appetite, leading to lower caloric intake and weight loss. Its short‑acting profile results in transient receptor activation compared with longer‑acting GLP‑1 analogues.
What the Research Shows
Randomised controlled trials and meta‑analyses have evaluated beinaglutide’s efficacy and safety. A phase‑3 Chinese trial (n=427) showed a mean 6.0% weight loss over 16 weeks versus 2.4% with placebo, with 58% achieving ≥5% loss; nausea was the most common adverse event (49%). A systematic review and meta‑analysis of seven RCTs (872 participants) reported reductions in weight (‑3.74 kg), BMI (‑1.64 kg/m²), waist circumference (‑3.19 cm), triglycerides (‑0.14 mmol/L) and systolic BP (‑1.76 mm Hg). Another meta‑analysis of nine studies (1268 participants) found weight reductions of 3.26 kg (obesity) and 6.52 kg (type 2 diabetes) but higher overall adverse‑event rates. A broader GLP‑1 RA meta‑analysis indicated a modestly increased pancreatitis risk (RR 1.44). Network meta‑analysis ranked beinaglutide as less effective for weight loss than newer dual/tri‑agonists such as tirzepatide, but still superior to placebo.
Reported Benefits
Clinical evidence shows beinaglutide produces clinically meaningful weight loss in overweight or obese adults, with a substantial proportion achieving ≥5% reduction. It also improves waist circumference and modestly lowers triglycerides and systolic blood pressure, suggesting favorable effects on cardiometabolic risk. In type 2 diabetes, weight reductions are larger, supporting its dual utility for glycaemic and weight control.
Limitations of the Evidence
Comparative data suggest beinaglutide is less potent than newer GLP‑1‑based dual or triple agonists for weight loss. Most efficacy data come from Chinese cohorts, limiting generalisability to other ethnic groups. Long‑term outcomes beyond 1 year are scarce, and the overall safety profile shows a high incidence of mild gastrointestinal symptoms. The modest increase in pancreatitis risk observed across GLP‑1 RAs warrants caution.
Safety Considerations
The most frequently reported adverse event is transient nausea (≈ 49% in trials), with other mild gastrointestinal symptoms. Treatment discontinuation due to adverse events occurred in about 6% of participants. No cases of pancreatitis or significant heart‑rate elevation were observed in the phase‑3 trial, but a meta‑analysis of GLP‑1 RAs reported a slight overall increase in pancreatitis risk (RR 1.44). No serious hypoglycaemia was reported. Caution is advised in patients with a history of pancreatitis or severe gastrointestinal disease.
How It Is Administered
Beinaglutide is supplied as a subcutaneous injection. In clinical studies, a dose of 0.2 mg was administered three times daily. The formulation is intended for use alongside dietary and lifestyle interventions. No oral or alternative routes have been reported.
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Cardiovascular risk reductionCardiovascularLow
- Weight reduction / anti-obesityMetabolicHigh
- Weight reductionMetabolicModerate
- Glycemic control in type 2 diabetesMetabolicHigh
- Glycaemic controlDiabetesHigh
- Beta-cell preservationMetabolicModerate
Contraindications
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinomaOncologicHigh
- Severe gastrointestinal diseaseGastrointestinalModerate
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)OncologicHigh
- Severe renal impairmentOrganModerateKidney function concerns
- PregnancyPopulationModeratePotential fetal risk or insufficient safety data
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2OncologyHigh
- Medullary thyroid carcinomaOncologyHigh
- Type 1 diabetes mellitusEndocrineModerate
Adverse Effects
- PancreatitisGastrointestinalRareInflammation of the pancreas
- HypoglycemiaMetabolicUncommonAbnormally low blood glucose
- Injection site reactionsLocalCommon
- Hypoglycaemia (with sulfonylureas/insulin)MetabolicUncommon
- NauseaGastrointestinalCommonFeeling of sickness or urge to vomit
- VomitingGastrointestinalCommonForceful expulsion of stomach contents
- DiarrheaGastrointestinalCommonLoose or frequent stools
Drug Interactions
- InsulinModerateMay increase risk of low blood sugar
- Oral medications (general)Low
- WarfarinModerate
- SulfonylureasModerateMay increase risk of low blood sugar
Population Constraints
- PregnancyReproductive SafetyAbsolute
- Pediatric patients (<18 years)AgeRelative
- LactationReproductiveRelative
- Elderly patients (>75 years)AgeRelative
- Pediatric (<18 years)AgeAbsolute
- Pregnant womenReproductiveRelative
- Severe hepatic impairmentOrgan ImpairmentRelative
Regulatory Status
- European UnionUnapprovedNo EMA assessment.
- United StatesUnapprovedNot submitted for FDA approval.
- United KingdomUnapprovedNot authorized by MHRA.
Approved in China (2020) for type 2 diabetes; not approved in the United States, European Union, or United Kingdom.
Evidence & Sources
- Journal ArticleHighWen J, et al.2025-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z
- Journal ArticleHighXie Z, et al.2024-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z
- Journal ArticleModeratePan XF, et al.2026-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z
- Journal ArticleModerateChen K, et al.2024-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z
- Journal ArticleHighPoshtdar S, et al.2025-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z
- Journal ArticleModerateWen J, et al.2025-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z
Frequently Asked Questions
What dosage of beinaglutide is used for weight loss?
In the pivotal phase‑3 trial, participants received 0.2 mg subcutaneously three times daily for 16 weeks. This dosing regimen is reflected in the approved product label for weight‑management indications.
Is beinaglutide safe for people with a history of pancreatitis?
While the phase‑3 trial reported no pancreatitis events, a meta‑analysis of GLP‑1 receptor agonists found a modestly increased overall pancreatitis risk. Clinicians should evaluate individual risk and monitor patients with prior pancreatitis closely.
How does beinaglutide compare with other GLP‑1 drugs for weight loss?
Network meta‑analysis indicates that newer dual or triple agonists (e.g., tirzepatide, retatrutide) achieve greater weight reductions than beinaglutide. However, beinaglutide still provides significant weight loss compared with placebo and is an approved option in China.
What are the common side effects?
The most common side effect is mild‑to‑moderate nausea, reported in about half of treated participants. Other gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting or abdominal discomfort may occur, and a small proportion of patients discontinue treatment due to adverse events.
Can beinaglutide be used in patients with type 2 diabetes?
Yes. Studies including diabetic participants have shown substantial weight loss (around 6 kg) and no increase in hypoglycaemia when used with standard diabetes care, making it a potential adjunct for weight management in type 2 diabetes.
What is Beinaglutide?
Beinaglutide is a short‑acting glucagon‑like peptide‑1 (GLP‑1) receptor agonist approved in China for weight management in adults with overweight or obesity. Administered subcutaneously, it is used as an adjunct to lifestyle measures and has been investigated in both non‑diabetic and type 2 diabetic populations for its ability to reduce body weight and improve cardiometabolic risk factors.
What is Beinaglutide used for?
Beinaglutide is educationally associated with: Cardiovascular risk reduction, Weight reduction / anti-obesity, Weight reduction, Glycemic control in type 2 diabetes, Glycaemic control, Beta-cell preservation. Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Beinaglutide administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Subcutaneous.
What are the potential side effects of Beinaglutide?
Reported adverse effects include: Pancreatitis, Hypoglycemia, Injection site reactions, Hypoglycaemia (with sulfonylureas/insulin), Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea. This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Beinaglutide?
Recorded contraindications: Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, Severe gastrointestinal disease, Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2), Severe renal impairment, Pregnancy, Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, Medullary thyroid carcinoma, Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Consult a qualified clinician before use.