Taspoglutide (R1583/BIM51077) with 93% homology with the native polypeptide, and is a long acting 10% formulation of (Aib8-35) human GLP-1 (7-36 amides) . It activates the GLP-1 receptor. Taspoglutide has comparable affinity (affinity constant 1.1±0.2 nM) to the natural ligand affinity constant 1.5±0.3 nM for the hGLP-1 receptor and exhibits comparable potency in stimulating cAMP production[2].

The rate of glucose-induced insulin secretion from isolated enhanced by Taspoglutide, cultured rat islets and the perfused ZDF rat pancreas. Taspoglutide showed dose-dependent enhancement of glucose-dependent insulin release in Sprague-Dawley rats and diabetic db/db mice, thereby reducing blood glucose in the type 2 diabetic db/db mouse model[3]. Acute treatment with taspoglutide reduces glucose excursion and increased insulin response during oGTT. In chronically treated rats, glucose excursion and levels of GIP, PYY and triglycerides during oGTT on day 21 are significantly reduced[4]. Hepatic triglyceride levels are significantly reduced in livers from taspoglutide-treated. Taspoglutide does not reduce plaque area or lipid content in the aortic arch or abdominal aorta, and no significant change in aortic macrophage accumulation is detected after taspoglutide or metformin mice[5].