Comparison
Glucagon vs. Setmelanotide
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Metabolic
Metabolic
CAS no.
16941-32-5
920014-72-8
Molecular weight
3483 g/mol
1117.32 g/mol
Half-life
0.13 h
11 h
Sequence
HSQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTAc-Arg-Cys(1)-D-Ala-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Cys(1)-NH2 (zyklisches Oktapeptid, Disulfidbrücke Cys2–Cys8)Mechanism 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.
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
4
4
of which in humans
4
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 Glucagon and Setmelanotide?
- Glucagon is classified as "Metabolic", while Setmelanotide 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. 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, Glucagon or Setmelanotide?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human RCT" for Glucagon 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 Glucagon and Setmelanotide in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: Glucagon — Prescription, Setmelanotide — Prescription. United States: Glucagon — Prescription, Setmelanotide — Prescription. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.