Comparison
Ecnoglutide vs. Setmelanotide
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Metabolic
Metabolic
CAS no.
no data
920014-72-8
Molecular weight
no data
1117.32 g/mol
Half-life
144 h
11 h
Sequence
no data
Ac-Arg-Cys(1)-D-Ala-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Cys(1)-NH2 (zyklisches Oktapeptid, Disulfidbrücke Cys2–Cys8)Mechanism of action
Ecnoglutide
Ecnoglutide is a modified GLP-1(7-37) peptide with an alanine-to-valine substitution at position 8 and an 18-C fatty-acid conjugation at the lysine-30 side chain. It is a so-called biased agonist: at the GLP-1 receptor it preferentially induces cAMP formation while β-arrestin recruitment is reduced. In preclinical models this has been linked to lower receptor internalisation and desensitisation. GLP-1 receptor activation is mechanistically associated with enhanced glucose-dependent insulin secretion, delayed gastric emptying and satiety signalling. The fatty-acid conjugation enables weekly administration via albumin binding.
Setmelanotide
Setmelanotide is an agonist at the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R), a central receptor of the hypothalamic melanocortin pathway involved in the control of energy balance, satiety and body weight. In certain genetic defects (e.g. in POMC, PCSK1 or LEPR), the natural activation of MC4R is reduced. Setmelanotide activates MC4R directly, thereby bypassing the upstream defect. This description is mechanistic and neutral and does not constitute a recommendation for use.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human RCT
Human RCT
Studies
5
4
of which in humans
5
3
Effects recorded
4
3
Open conflicts
0
1
Documented adverse events
1
3
Legal status
Full entries
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between Ecnoglutide and Setmelanotide?
- Ecnoglutide is classified as "Metabolic", while Setmelanotide is classified as "Metabolic". Ecnoglutide: Ecnoglutide (XW003) is a long-acting, cAMP-signalling-biased GLP-1 analogue from Sciwind Biosciences. Derived from GLP-1(7-37) with an alanine-to-valine substitution at position 8, it activates the GLP-1 receptor selectively via the cAMP pathway over β-arrestin recruitment. Investigated for weight management and in type 2 diabetes. Setmelanotide: Setmelanotide (brand name Imcivree) is a synthetic cyclic octapeptide and an agonist at the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R). It was developed and approved as a prescription medicine for chronic weight management in rare genetic forms of obesity within the MC4R signalling pathway (including POMC, PCSK1 and LEPR deficiency as well as Bardet-Biedl syndrome). The following information is provided for informational and educational purposes only. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
- Which peptide is better supported by science, Ecnoglutide or Setmelanotide?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human RCT" for Ecnoglutide and "Human RCT" for Setmelanotide. A higher evidence level means more robust data, but says nothing about suitability for an individual. The full body of evidence is on each peptide's own page.
- What is the legal status of Ecnoglutide and Setmelanotide in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: Ecnoglutide — Unapproved, Setmelanotide — Prescription. United States: Ecnoglutide — Unapproved, Setmelanotide — Prescription. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.