Comparison
Glucagon vs. Semaglutid
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Metabolic
Metabolic
CAS no.
16941-32-5
910463-68-2
Molecular weight
3483 g/mol
4113.6 g/mol
Half-life
0.13 h
165 h
Sequence
HSQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTmodifiziertes GLP-1-Analogon (31 AS) mit C18-Fettsäure-LinkerMechanism of action
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.
Semaglutid
Long-acting agonist at the GLP-1 receptor. Structurally a modified glucagon-like peptide 1 whose long half-life is achieved via a fatty-acid side chain and reversible albumin binding. Acts centrally on satiety and peripherally on glucose-dependent insulin secretion and delayed gastric emptying.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human RCT
Human RCT
Studies
4
4
of which in humans
4
3
Effects recorded
4
3
Open conflicts
1
1
Documented adverse events
1
5
Legal status
Full entries
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between Glucagon and Semaglutid?
- Glucagon is classified as "Metabolic", while Semaglutid is classified as "Metabolic". 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. Semaglutid: Long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist. Approved as a medicinal product for type-2 diabetes (Ozempic, Rybelsus), chronic weight management (Wegovy) and cardiovascular risk in obesity. One of the best-studied substances on this platform — many large human RCTs. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
- Which peptide is better supported by science, Glucagon or Semaglutid?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human RCT" for Glucagon and "Human RCT" for Semaglutid. 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 Glucagon and Semaglutid in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: Glucagon — Prescription, Semaglutid — Prescription. United States: Glucagon — Prescription, Semaglutid — Prescription. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.