FDA-approved
Hormones & metabolism
Albiglutide
Albiglutide is a once-weekly GLP-1 drug approved in 2014 as Tanzeum for type 2 diabetes. Learn how it works, what trials found, and why it was withdrawn.
- Reviewed by
- William Maish, MD MBA MPH, Clinical Product Lead
- Published
- October 5, 2026
- Last updated
- October 5, 2026
Key takeaway
Albiglutide is a once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist made by fusing GLP-1 analog chains to human albumin, approved for type 2 diabetes in 2014 as Tanzeum. It had a somewhat weaker effect on gastric emptying and appetite than some other GLP-1 drugs but showed a cardiovascular benefit in the HARMONY OUTCOMES trial. Despite that, GSK withdrew it from the market in 2018 for commercial reasons, so it remains FDA-approved but is no longer available.
At a glance
| FDA status | FDA-approved GLP-1 peptide, formerly sold as Tanzeum for type 2 diabetes |
| How it's taken | Once-weekly injection made by fusing a GLP-1 analog to the blood protein albumin |
| Market status | Withdrawn by its manufacturer in 2018 for commercial reasons, despite a positive cardiovascular trial |
| Evidence strength | FDA approved |
What is albiglutide?
Albiglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist1, a peptide that mimics the natural gut hormone GLP-1. It was engineered by fusing two GLP-1 analog chains to human albumin, the most abundant protein in blood, which extended its lifespan enough for once-weekly dosing.
It was made by GlaxoSmithKline and sold as Tanzeum, given as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection.
How does it work?
Albiglutide lowers blood sugar by activating the GLP-1 receptor, mimicking a gut hormone the body releases after eating. Through that receptor it:
- Drives glucose-dependent insulin release1, which keeps the risk of hypoglycemia low on its own
- Lowers glucagon
- Slows the rate at which the stomach empties, though it has a somewhat weaker effect on gastric emptying and appetite than some other GLP-1 drugs
Fusing the peptide to albumin is what gave it a long half-life and once-weekly dosing. In the HARMONY OUTCOMES2 trial, albiglutide reduced major cardiovascular events in people with type 2 diabetes and established heart disease.
Is it FDA-approved?
Yes, but it is no longer sold. Tanzeum was approved in 2014 for type 2 diabetes. Despite the later HARMONY OUTCOMES trial showing a cardiovascular benefit, GSK withdrew3 Tanzeum from the market in 2018 because of low sales, so it remains FDA-approved but is not available.
What is albiglutide prescribed for?
When it was marketed, albiglutide was prescribed to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, alongside diet and exercise. It was not a treatment for type 1 diabetes, and it was not recommended for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma3 or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2.
What are the side effects?
The most common side effects were:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Injection-site reactions
- Upper respiratory infection
Less common but more serious risks included:
- Thyroid C-cell tumors: albiglutide carried a boxed warning3 based on rodent studies. It is not known whether this happens in humans.
- Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas
- Severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis
- Low blood sugar, especially when combined with insulin or a sulfonylurea
- Acute kidney injury, usually from dehydration caused by vomiting or diarrhea
More for hormones & metabolism
Sources: a published review of Tanzeum (albiglutide); the HARMONY OUTCOMES cardiovascular trial (Hernandez et al., The Lancet, 2018, DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(18)32261-X2), indexed on PubMed; and drug references documenting its 2018 market withdrawal. This document is educational and does not constitute medical advice.