Comparison
Exenatide vs. Glucagon
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Metabolic
Metabolic
CAS no.
141758-74-9
16941-32-5
Molecular weight
4186.6 g/mol
3483 g/mol
Half-life
2.4 h
0.13 h
Sequence
HGEGTFTSDLSKQMEEEAVRLFIEWLKNGGPSSGAPPPSHSQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTMechanism of action
Exenatide
Exenatide is a 39-amino-acid peptide with about 53% sequence homology to human GLP-1. A glycine substitution at position 2 prevents dipeptidyl-peptidase-IV cleavage and extends the half-life from native GLP-1 (minutes) to about 2.4 hours. GLP-1 receptor activation glucose-dependently stimulates insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon and delays gastric emptying.
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
5
4
of which in humans
4
4
Effects recorded
3
4
Open conflicts
1
1
Documented adverse events
2
1
Legal status
Full entries
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between Exenatide and Glucagon?
- Exenatide is classified as "Metabolic", while Glucagon is classified as "Metabolic". Exenatide: Synthetic version of exendin-4, originally isolated from the saliva of the Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum). First GLP-1 receptor agonist, FDA-approved 2005 as Byetta. Weekly depot form Bydureon approved 2012. 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, Exenatide or Glucagon?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human RCT" for Exenatide 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 Exenatide and Glucagon in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: Exenatide — Prescription, Glucagon — Prescription. United States: Exenatide — Prescription, Glucagon — Prescription. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.