Weight Management

Dulaglutide

Trulicity · LY2189265

Once-weekly GLP-1 RA fused to IgG4 Fc (Trulicity). Approved T2D plus REWIND CV data. Weight loss is modest versus Wegovy/Zepbound. Do not recon an autoinjector.

Not FDA-approved - research chemical
Reviewed by CalcMyPeptide Editorial Team
Last updated: August 2026Evidence: Strong1 peer-reviewed citation
Typical research dose
0.75-4.5 mg/week
Frequency
1× weekly
Half-life
~5 days
Common vials
1.5 mg / 3 mg / 4.5 mg
CAS
923950-08-7
Molecular weight
~59,669 Da

Use-case scores

0–10 against the evidence we have, not a gym ranking. Hidden domains do not apply here.

  • Metabolic / weight8/10

    Approved T2D plus REWIND CV data. Ceiling 9 for approval; haircut because weight loss is modest versus Wegovy/Zepbound and a research cake is not Trulicity.

Compound card

Sequence
GLP-1 analog fused to IgG4 Fc (LY2189265)
Class
Once-weekly GLP-1 RA (Trulicity)
Formula
GLP-1 analogue–IgG4 Fc fusion
Status
Not FDA-approved · research use
Dose it
1.5 mg + 0.5 mL BAC water → 3 mg/mL · 750 mcg ≈ 25 units (U-100)
Open in calculator

How it works

Dulaglutide (Trulicity®) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist fused to a modified IgG4-Fc antibody fragment, giving it a half-life of ~5 days and enabling once-weekly dosing. It stimulates insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite via hypothalamic GLP-1 receptors. The AWARD trial program and REWIND cardiovascular trial confirmed significant HbA1c reduction and 12% reduction in cardiovascular events. Weight loss is modest (2–4 kg) compared to semaglutide - it is primarily a T2D agent.

Source: PMID: 25236860 (AWARD trials)

Research Use Cases

  • ✓Type 2 Diabetes: High
  • ✓Weight Management: Moderate

Dosing

PhaseDoseFrequencyNotes
Starting Dose0.75 mgOnce weekly (SC)Standard starting dose for T2D; well tolerated.
Maximum Dose4.5 mgOnce weekly (SC)Higher dose approved in select markets for additional weight loss benefit.

Administration

Route / form
Subcutaneous injection (pre-filled pen)
Timing
Same day each week. Any time of day, with or without food.
Empty stomach?
No - Food timing is not critical.

Timeline

Weeks 1-4
HbA1c begins declining. Mild appetite suppression and weight loss.
Months 3-6
Stabilised glycaemic control. Average 2-4 kg weight loss at standard dose.

Who it is for

Type 2 Diabetes

High

FDA-approved (Trulicity). REWIND trial: 12% CV event reduction. Excellent for T2D patients with CV risk.

Weight Management

Moderate

Modest weight loss vs semaglutide/tirzepatide - more of a metabolic benefit than an obesity treatment.

Reconstitution

VialWaterConcentrationExample dose
Pen (Trulicity)n/a (prefilled)Device-labeledFollow the autoinjector. Do not recon a pen.

Change vial size or water volume? Open the reconstitution calculator.

Safety & Considerations

FDA-approved. Contraindicated in MTC/MEN 2 history. Common: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting (usually transient). Lower weight loss than semaglutide - typically not used as primary obesity treatment.

Regulatory & Legal Status

FDA Status (US)
Research Only
WADA Status (2026)
Not Listed

Not currently on the WADA 2026 Prohibited List. Policies may change - verify before competition.

Classification

Research Chemical

US Compounding: Not eligible / not available

⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only and may not reflect the most current regulatory updates. Always verify with official FDA, WADA, and jurisdiction-specific sources before use.

Limits of current evidence

  • AWARD/REWIND describe branded dulaglutide, not a compounded Fc-fusion cake.
  • Weight-loss numbers are smaller than STEP/SURMOUNT. Do not sell it as a cheaper Wegovy.
  • Same MTC/MEN2 class warning.

Verdict

Dulaglutide is a labeled weekly T2D pen. It is not a 15% weight-loss drug. Use Trulicity under a clinician. Do not recon an autoinjector.

Interactions & Contraindications

FDA-approved. Contraindicated in MTC/MEN 2 history. Common: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting (usually transient). Lower weight loss than semaglutide - typically not used as primary obesity treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does dulaglutide compare to semaglutide for weight loss?▼
Dulaglutide produces modest weight loss (~2-4 kg at 1.5 mg). Semaglutide at 2.4 mg (Wegovy) produces 15-17% body weight loss. For weight management, semaglutide is significantly more effective.
What is the maximum dulaglutide dose?▼
1.5 mg/week is the standard approved dose. A 3 mg and 4.5 mg dose has been approved in some markets for enhanced glycaemic control.

References

  1. Gerstein HC et al. “"Dulaglutide and cardiovascular outcomes (REWIND)".” The Lancet (2019). PMID: 31189511

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