Comparison
Efinopegdutide vs. Lixisenatide
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Metabolic
Metabolic
CAS no.
2055640-93-0
320367-13-3
Molecular weight
no data
4858.5 g/mol
Half-life
115 h
3 h
Sequence
modifiziertes, von Oxyntomodulin abgeleitetes Peptid, konjugiert an ein humanes IgG4-Fragment (Verlängerung der Plasma-Halbwertszeit)HGEGTFTSDLSKQMEEEAVRLFIEWLKNGGPSSGAPPSKKKKKK-NH2Mechanism 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.
Lixisenatide
Lixisenatide is a 44-amino-acid peptide based on exendin-4 (see exenatide) with six additional lysine residues at the C-terminus. This modification increases stability against DPP-4 degradation. The short half-life (~3 hours) and plasma peak around mealtime explain the predominantly prandial effect — stronger postprandial glucose action, weaker fasting glucose effect than weekly GLP-1 RAs.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human RCT
Human RCT
Studies
3
5
of which in humans
3
5
Effects recorded
4
3
Open conflicts
1
1
Documented adverse events
1
1
Legal status
Full entries
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between Efinopegdutide and Lixisenatide?
- Efinopegdutide is classified as "Metabolic", while Lixisenatide 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. Lixisenatide: Synthetic exendin-4 analog with a C-terminal lysine extension. Prandial GLP-1 RA focused on postprandial glucose. FDA-approved 2016 as Adlyxin; EMA-approved 2013 as Lyxumia. Sanofi discontinued US distribution in 2023. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
- Which peptide is better supported by science, Efinopegdutide or Lixisenatide?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human RCT" for Efinopegdutide and "Human RCT" for Lixisenatide. 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 Lixisenatide in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: Efinopegdutide — Unapproved, Lixisenatide — Prescription. United States: Efinopegdutide — Unapproved, Lixisenatide — Unapproved. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.