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FDA-approved

Hormones & metabolism

Albiglutide

EvidenceFDA approved
ClassGLP-1 receptor agonist

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 Learn how it works, what trials found, and why it was withdrawn.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 statusFDA-approved GLP-1 peptide, formerly sold as Tanzeum for type 2 diabetes
How it's takenOnce-weekly injection made by fusing a GLP-1 analog to the blood protein albumin
Market statusWithdrawn by its manufacturer in 2018 for commercial reasons, despite a positive cardiovascular trial
Evidence strengthFDA 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.