Tanzeum (albiglutide) versus Victoza (liraglutide)

Diabetes management is complex and patients often try a few different second or third line agents until they find a medication that works well for them. GLP-1 agonists are an option for managing type II diabetes. Available GLP-1 agonists include Bydureon, Victoza, Tanzeum, and Byetta. Medications in this class differ in dosing, side effects, cost, and probably efficacy. Tanzeum and Victoza were recently compared in a head-to-head study. 

What is the mechanism of action of Tanzeum and Victoza?  

Tanzeum and Victoza belong to a group of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists because they resemble and mimic the action of the human GLP-1 hormone (incretin hormone). They are also known as incretin mimetics. They are injectable drugs that reduce blood glucose by increasing insulin production by the pancreas, slowing the absorption of glucose from the gut, reducing the activity of glucagon (a hormone that increases the release of glucose from the liver), and reducing appetite.

What are Tanzeum and Victoza approved for?

Tanzeum and Victoza are used in combination with diet and exercise to improve glucose control in adults with type II Diabetes Mellitus.

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