Clinical Trials Pipeline & In-Development

ECC5004

also known as: AZD5004, ECC-5004

AstraZeneca's oral-peptide GLP-1 candidate (in-licensed from China-based Eccogene in 2023) — Phase 2b in obesity and T2DM; a peptide, not a small molecule, distinguishing it from orforglipron and danuglipron despite the oral route.

An oral GLP-1 receptor agonist peptide developed by Eccogene (Shanghai) and licensed by AstraZeneca in November 2023 in a deal potentially worth up to $2B; Phase 1 data demonstrated meaningful oral bioavailability and weight loss, with Phase 2b trials in obesity and T2DM ongoing — notably an actual peptide (not a small molecule like orforglipron).

Mechanism of action

Oral peptide GLP-1 receptor agonism. The peptide chemistry is designed for GI stability and enhanced oral bioavailability without the absorption-enhancer SNAC strategy used by oral semaglutide (Rybelsus). Distinct mechanistically from small-molecule oral GLP-1 agonists (orforglipron, danuglipron) in that it binds the orthosteric GLP-1 peptide site.

Primary uses

  • Obesity (Phase 2)
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus (Phase 2)

Typical dosing

once daily (oral) (oral)

Phase 2 doses under evaluation; not publicly finalized.

Regulatory status

Not approved. AstraZeneca licensed ex-China global rights from Eccogene in November 2023. Phase 2b program in obesity and T2DM initiated 2024.

References

  1. [manufacturer] AstraZeneca. Press release: licensing agreement with Eccogene for ECC5004 (AZD5004), November 2023.
  2. [manufacturer] AstraZeneca pipeline page — AZD5004 Phase 2 status.

Related peptides

Semaglutide

A once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management.

Orforglipron

⚠ Not a peptide — small molecule. A daily oral GLP-1 agonist in Phase 3 for obesity and T2DM, distinct from Rybelsus in being a small molecule rather than an oral peptide formulation. Included in this peptide encyclopedia because the audience frequently searches for it alongside peptide GLP-1 agonists.

Danuglipron

⚠ Not a peptide — small molecule. Pfizer's discontinued oral GLP-1 program — halted April 14, 2025 after a single case of potential drug-induced liver injury in a once-daily dose-optimization study, ending Pfizer's second oral GLP-1 failure in as many years. Included in this peptide encyclopedia because the audience frequently searches for it alongside peptide GLP-1 agonists.
Disclaimer

This entry is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Dosing information reflects published regulatory or research data and is not a recommendation. Many compounds described here are not approved for human use in the United States. Consult a licensed medical professional before considering any peptide therapy.