Overview

MariTide (maridebart cafraglutide, formerly AMG 133) is a novel bispecific antibody-peptide conjugate developed by Amgen, engineered to simultaneously antagonize the GIP receptor (GIPR) and agonize the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R). Unlike tirzepatide (which is a GIPR agonist/GLP-1R agonist), MariTide's GIPR antagonism is a contrarian approach based on evidence that blocking GIP signaling in the obese state may reduce fat storage and synergize with GLP-1 effects. Its antibody backbone provides a long elimination half-life of 14–24 days, enabling once-monthly or potentially less frequent (quarterly) subcutaneous dosing — a major differentiator from all weekly-injection competitors. Phase 2 data (52 weeks) showed up to ~20% weight loss in people with obesity without T2D and ~17% in those with T2D, without a weight-loss plateau at 52 weeks. The MARITIME Phase 3 program, one of the largest in Amgen's history, is actively enrolling across 6 global studies.

Mechanism of Action

Bispecific antibody-peptide conjugate: (1) anti-GIPR monoclonal antibody backbone antagonizes GIP receptor to reduce fat storage and synergize with GLP-1 effects; (2) two conjugated GLP-1 agonist peptides activate GLP-1R for appetite suppression and glucose lowering. The IgG2 backbone provides ~14–24 day half-life, enabling monthly dosing. This contrasts with tirzepatide's GIPR agonism, representing a fundamentally different pharmacological approach to the GIP pathway.

Potential Benefits

  • Phase 2: up to ~20% weight loss at 52 weeks (obesity without T2D, efficacy estimand)
  • Phase 2: up to ~17% weight loss at 52 weeks (obesity with T2D)
  • No weight-loss plateau observed at 52 weeks — trajectory continuing downward
  • Once-monthly or potentially once-quarterly subcutaneous dosing (major differentiator)
  • Phase 1: 14.5% weight loss in 12 weeks at highest MAD dose (420 mg q4w)
  • HbA1c reductions up to 2.2% in T2D patients (Phase 2)
  • Significant reductions in fat mass: 26–37% reduction in body fat (obesity without T2D)
  • Durability signal: weight maintained for months after discontinuation in some patients
  • Cardiometabolic improvements: waist circumference, blood pressure, hs-CRP, lipids
  • Potential for quarterly dosing — Phase 2 Part 2 showed durable maintenance efficacy

Research Dosage Notes

The following reflects doses used in published research studies. This is not medical advice.

Consult published research literature for study-specific protocols.

Routes of Administration

Subcutaneous Injection High (antibody-based; SC bioavailability typical of mAb therapeutics ~70–80%)

Once-monthly (every 4 weeks) SC injection; potential for quarterly dosing demonstrated in Phase 2 Part 2. Mean half-life 14–16 days (intact conjugate); 21–24 days (total antibody). Tmax 4–7 days post-dose.

Stacking Protocols

Popular research stacks involving MariTide (maridebart cafraglutide):

Metabolic Health Stack

Combines MariTide (maridebart cafraglutide) with MOTS-c (mitochondrial metabolism) and AOD-9604 (lipolysis) for metabolic optimization.

Reconstitution

StorageRefrigerate at 2-8°C after reconstitution. Do not freeze reconstituted solution.

Typical vial sizes: 5 mg. Add bac water slowly down the side of the vial, swirl gently — do not shake. Use insulin syringe for precise dosing.

Need exact syringe measurements?

Amino Acid Sequence

Proprietary — two GLP-1 analog peptide moieties (cafraglutide) conjugated to a human anti-GIPR IgG2 monoclonal antibody

Side Effects & Safety

  • Nausea and vomiting (most common; dose-dependent; substantially reduced with optimized dose escalation)
  • Diarrhea
  • Decreased appetite
  • Injection site reactions
  • GI adverse events are class effects of GLP-1 agonism
  • Safety profile consistent with GLP-1 receptor agonist class
  • No new or unexpected safety signals in Phase 1 or 2
  • No clinically significant blood pressure or ECG changes
  • Immunogenicity monitoring ongoing (antibody therapeutic)

Safety & Contraindications

This information is for educational purposes only. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any peptide.

Absolute

MTC/MEN2

Contains a GLP-1 receptor agonist component. Contraindicated in patients with personal or family history of MTC or MEN2.

Relative

Severe GI Disorders

GIPR antagonism combined with GLP-1 agonism may cause significant GI effects. Use caution in patients with inflammatory bowel disease or severe gastroparesis.

Relative

Pregnancy & Lactation

Not studied in pregnancy. Due to long-acting antibody-peptide conjugate format, extended washout period required before conception.

Drug Interactions

  • Insulin/sulfonylureas: Risk of hypoglycemia. Monitor blood glucose closely.

Pharmacokinetics

Half-Life14–16 days (intact conjugate); 21–24 days (total antibody) — enables monthly or quarterly dosing
StorageRefrigerate at 2–8°C; do not freeze; protect from light (standard antibody therapeutic storage)

Synergistic Compounds

The following compounds have been studied alongside MariTide (maridebart cafraglutide) for potential complementary or synergistic effects:

Learn More

References & Further Reading