Comparison
Efinopegdutide vs. Glucagon
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Metabolic
Metabolic
CAS no.
2055640-93-0
16941-32-5
Molecular weight
no data
3483 g/mol
Half-life
115 h
0.13 h
Sequence
modifiziertes, von Oxyntomodulin abgeleitetes Peptid, konjugiert an ein humanes IgG4-Fragment (Verlängerung der Plasma-Halbwertszeit)HSQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTMechanism of action
Efinopegdutide
Efinopegdutide is an oxyntomodulin-derived peptide acting as a dual agonist at the GLP-1 and glucagon receptors with a relative potency of approximately 2:1 (GLP-1 to glucagon). The GLP-1 component mediates glucose-dependent insulin secretion and modulation of satiety; the glucagon component increases energy expenditure and hepatic fat oxidation, which is proposed to contribute to the observed reduction in liver fat. Conjugation to an IgG4 fragment prolongs the half-life and enables weekly administration.
Glucagon
Glucagon is produced in the alpha cells of the pancreas (islets of Langerhans) and released when blood sugar is low. Glucagon binds the glucagon receptor (GCGR), a G-protein-coupled receptor expressed predominantly on hepatocytes. Activation stimulates adenylate cyclase, raises cyclic AMP and activates protein kinase A. This drives glycogenolysis (breakdown of hepatic glycogen into glucose) and gluconeogenesis (de novo glucose synthesis), which raises blood glucose. Glucagon also promotes lipolysis. As the counterpart to insulin it contributes to glucose homeostasis. It transiently relaxes gastrointestinal smooth muscle, which is the basis of its diagnostic use in imaging.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human RCT
Human RCT
Studies
3
4
of which in humans
3
4
Effects recorded
4
4
Open conflicts
1
1
Documented adverse events
1
1
Legal status
Full entries
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between Efinopegdutide and Glucagon?
- Efinopegdutide is classified as "Metabolic", while Glucagon is classified as "Metabolic". Efinopegdutide: Efinopegdutide (MK-6024, formerly JNJ-64565111 / HM12525A) is a once-weekly dual agonist at the GLP-1 and glucagon receptors, developed by Hanmi and Merck. It has been studied for obesity and notably for metabolic liver disease (MASH/NAFLD); a phase-2 trial showed greater liver-fat reduction than semaglutide. Investigational, not approved. Glucagon: Glucagon is a 29-amino-acid pancreatic hormone produced by the alpha cells of the islets of Langerhans. It is the physiological counterpart to insulin and raises blood glucose via hepatic glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. It is approved as an emergency treatment for severe hypoglycaemia and as a diagnostic aid; its receptor is also a target of modern dual and triple incretin agonists. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
- Which peptide is better supported by science, Efinopegdutide or Glucagon?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human RCT" for Efinopegdutide and "Human RCT" for Glucagon. 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 Efinopegdutide and Glucagon in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: Efinopegdutide — Unapproved, Glucagon — Prescription. United States: Efinopegdutide — Unapproved, Glucagon — Prescription. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.