Survodutide
clinical trialsAlso known as: BI 456906
**Mechanism of Action** Survodutide (BI 456906) is a synthetic dual agonist targeting both glucagon and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors. By simultaneously activating these receptors, it enhances energy expenditure via glucagon-mediated thermogenesis and reduces appetite through GLP-1-dependent satiety signaling. This dual mechanism aims to produce greater weight loss and metabolic improvements than GLP-1 receptor agonists alone, while glucagon activation may also promote hepatic lipid oxidation and reduce steatosis. **Key Research Findings** In phase 2 trials, survodutide demonstrated dose-dependent weight reduction of up to 14.9% over 46 weeks in adults with obesity, with a safety profile consistent with incretin-based therapies (e.g., gastrointestinal adverse events). A phase 2 trial in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) reported significant improvements in liver fibrosis and steatosis, with up to 83% of patients achieving MASH resolution without worsening fibrosis. Currently, survodutide is in phase 3 development for obesity (SYNCHRONIZE program) and MASH (LIVERAGE program). As of 2025, 66 PubMed-indexed publications support its preclinical and clinical evaluation. **Clinical Relevance** If approved, survodutide could offer a differentiated option for obesity and MASH, particularly for patients requiring enhanced metabolic effects beyond GLP-1 monotherapy. Its dual agonism may address both weight loss and liver pathology, potentially reducing cardiovascular and hepatic complications. Ongoing phase 3 trials will clarify long-term efficacy, safety, and cardiovascular outcomes. For research purposes only — not medical advice.
Key data
C192H289N47O61Research & studies
GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., semaglutide) achieve 15-17% weight loss with good safety.; Tirzepatide, a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist, achieves up to 22.5% weight loss at highest doses.; Combinations like Cagrisema and triple agonists (Retatrutide) are expected to achieve similar weight loss.; Second-generation drugs can achieve 15-25% weight loss, approaching bariatric surgery results.
Over 25% of weight lost from surgery or pharmacotherapy comes from fat-free mass, including skeletal muscle.; Loss of muscle, bone, and anemia can compromise physical function, metabolic rate, and health, especially in older adults.; The myostatin-activin-follistatin-inhibin system is crucial for muscle and bone maintenance during weight loss.; Novel compounds inhibiting activin and myostatin signaling may preserve or increase muscle and bone mass while enhancing fat loss.
GLP-1 receptor agonists show cardiorenal benefits in select patient populations.; New agents like tirzepatide (GIP-GLP-1 coagonist) and retatrutide (glucagon-GLP-1 agonist) are being developed.; Safety considerations include effects on muscle strength, bone density, gastrointestinal motility, and pancreatic disorders.; Rapid progress may enable personalized medicine approaches for cardiometabolic disorders.
Frequently asked questions
What is Survodutide?
**Mechanism of Action** Survodutide (BI 456906) is a synthetic dual agonist targeting both glucagon and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors. By simultaneously activating these receptors, it enhances energy expenditure via glucagon-mediated thermogenesis and reduces appetite through GLP-1-dependent satiety signali
How does Survodutide work?
Dual glucagon/GLP-1 receptor agonist in phase 3 for obesity and MASH.
What is the research status of Survodutide?
Survodutide is currently classified as clinical trials, with 66 research references on record. This is for research purposes only and is not medical advice.
What is the molecular weight of Survodutide?
Survodutide has a molecular weight of approximately 4232 g/mol (formula C192H289N47O61).
Related peptides
Once-daily acylated GLP-1 receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management.
Long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist that improves glycemic control, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite.
Exendin-4-based GLP-1 receptor agonist from Gila monster venom; first-in-class incretin mimetic.
Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist delivering potent glucose lowering and weight reduction.
Once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist fused to an IgG4 Fc fragment for extended half-life.
Short-acting exendin-4-based GLP-1 receptor agonist with pronounced gastric-emptying delay.
Build on Survodutide data programmatically
Structured peptide data, semantic search, and AI summaries via one API.
Get a free API key