A new biweekly GLP-1 injection, bofanglutide, reduced blood sugar and produced weight loss in a phase 2b randomized clinical trial, offering a potential alternative to once-weekly GLP-1 treatments.
What the trial tested
Bofanglutide, developed by Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals in Beijing, is administered once every two weeks, unlike commonly used GLP-1 drugs such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) or tirzepatide, which are typically given once weekly. The phase 2b trial enrolled 272 adults with type 2 diabetes (average age 50.8) at 37 sites across China. Participants were randomly assigned to one of five groups:
– Bofanglutide 12 mg (biweekly)
– Bofanglutide 18 mg (biweekly)
– Bofanglutide 24 mg (biweekly)
– Bofanglutide 24 mg (once weekly)
– Semaglutide 1 mg (once weekly)
The primary outcome was change in HbA1c from baseline to 24 weeks.
Key findings
– All bofanglutide dosing groups showed significant reductions in HbA1c at 24 weeks.
– Participants in the bofanglutide arms also experienced weight loss and improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors.
– In some comparisons, blood sugar reductions with bofanglutide were slightly greater than those seen with the semaglutide 1 mg group, though investigators note the semaglutide dose was relatively low in this study.
Clinical context and limitations
Experts not involved in the trial noted the results are promising but require further confirmation. One clinician said real-world comparisons are needed to determine whether bofanglutide provides superior glucose control compared with existing GLP-1 options. Another pointed out limitations including the relatively small sample size, the fact the study population was exclusively Chinese (and often has a lower baseline BMI than Western cohorts), and the short 24-week observation window. The trial does not address what happens after stopping treatment or after dose adjustments to a maintenance level.
Side effects
Bofanglutide’s side-effect profile was similar to other GLP-1 drugs. Gastrointestinal symptoms—nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation—are common with this class; prior analyses estimate about 40% of users experience such effects. The trial team reported that gastrointestinal events may have been more frequent with bofanglutide but were generally mild. Injection-site reactions (redness, swelling, discomfort, discoloration, or rash) are also possible. As with any medication, people experiencing concerning side effects should discuss them with their healthcare provider.
What this means
If further trials confirm safety and effectiveness, a biweekly GLP-1 option could broaden choices for people with type 2 diabetes and obesity, and might appeal to those who prefer fewer injections. Larger, longer, and more diverse studies will be needed to compare bofanglutide directly with established GLP-1 treatments, examine long-term outcomes, and evaluate effects after discontinuation or dose changes.
