Comparison
Mazdutide vs. Setmelanotide
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Metabolic
Metabolic
CAS no.
2259884-03-0
920014-72-8
Molecular weight
4790 g/mol
1117.32 g/mol
Half-life
132 h
11 h
Sequence
synthetisches Oxyntomodulin-Analogon (39 Aminosäuren) mit FettsäureseitenketteAc-Arg-Cys(1)-D-Ala-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Cys(1)-NH2 (zyklisches Oktapeptid, Disulfidbrücke Cys2–Cys8)Mechanism of action
Mazdutide
Mazdutide is a dual agonist at the GLP-1 and glucagon receptors and is structurally derived from the gut hormone oxyntomodulin. The GLP-1 component mediates glucose-dependent insulin secretion, inhibition of glucagon secretion at elevated blood glucose, and modulation of appetite and gastric emptying. The glucagon component can influence energy expenditure and hepatic lipid and glucose metabolism. A fatty-acid side chain enables albumin binding and the weekly administration interval.
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
0
1
Documented adverse events
0
3
Legal status
Full entries
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between Mazdutide and Setmelanotide?
- Mazdutide is classified as "Metabolic", while Setmelanotide is classified as "Metabolic". Mazdutide: Synthetic oxyntomodulin analogue that simultaneously activates the GLP-1 and glucagon receptors (dual agonist). Developed by Innovent Biologics and Eli Lilly. In China the NMPA approved mazdutide on 27 June 2025 for chronic weight management; a further filing for type 2 diabetes is under review in China. Outside China the substance remains in clinical development. 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, Mazdutide or Setmelanotide?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human RCT" for Mazdutide 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 Mazdutide and Setmelanotide in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: Mazdutide — Research only, Setmelanotide — Prescription. United States: Mazdutide — Research only, Setmelanotide — Prescription. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.