Comparison
Efinopegdutide vs. Setmelanotide
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Metabolic
Metabolic
CAS no.
2055640-93-0
920014-72-8
Molecular weight
no data
1117.32 g/mol
Half-life
115 h
11 h
Sequence
modifiziertes, von Oxyntomodulin abgeleitetes Peptid, konjugiert an ein humanes IgG4-Fragment (Verlängerung der Plasma-Halbwertszeit)Ac-Arg-Cys(1)-D-Ala-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Cys(1)-NH2 (zyklisches Oktapeptid, Disulfidbrücke Cys2–Cys8)Mechanism 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.
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
3
4
of which in humans
3
3
Effects recorded
4
3
Open conflicts
1
1
Documented adverse events
1
3
Legal status
Full entries
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between Efinopegdutide and Setmelanotide?
- Efinopegdutide is classified as "Metabolic", while Setmelanotide 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. 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, Efinopegdutide or Setmelanotide?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human RCT" for Efinopegdutide 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 Efinopegdutide and Setmelanotide in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: Efinopegdutide — Unapproved, Setmelanotide — Prescription. United States: Efinopegdutide — Unapproved, Setmelanotide — Prescription. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.