Compound profile
Survodutide
Also known as BI 456906
Last reviewed October 2026
Educational only. A summary of published research, not medical advice or a recommendation. No doses are listed.
Quick take
An investigational dual agonist of the glucagon and GLP-1 receptors.
- Class
- GLP-1 & weight-loss peptides
- Status
- Investigational
- Evidence
- Early or small human studies
- Half-life
- Not well documented
Mechanism fingerprint
What it acts on, and how. Each chip links to that pathway on the map.
Pairs GLP-1 effects on appetite with glucagon-receptor activity, which may increase energy use and reduce liver fat.
What makes it different
Pairs GLP-1 with glucagon-receptor activity, without the GIP component. Still in trials.
Compare side by side
Mechanism & pathways
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Agonist
GLP-1 receptor
Receptor for the gut hormone GLP-1, found on insulin-making cells in the pancreas, in the brain and in the gut. Activating it boosts insulin release when blood sugar is high, slows stomach emptying and reduces appetite.
Leads to Insulin receptor & insulin signaling
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Agonist
Glucagon receptor
Receptor for glucagon, mainly in the liver. Glucagon raises blood sugar, but in weight-loss drugs its receptor is targeted to raise energy use and reduce liver fat, alongside GLP-1 effects.
Evidence overview
Early or small human studies
Phase 2 trials reported dose-dependent weight loss and reductions in liver fat. Phase 3 trials are under way.
A breakdown into human, animal and cell studies hasn't been added for this compound yet.
Why it's used
Being developed for obesity and fatty liver disease.
Side effects & risks
Reported side effects
- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
- Higher heart rate
Risks and warnings
- Long-term safety is not yet established
- Products sold as “research use only” are not quality-controlled medicines; purity, sterility and labeled amount are not verified.
FAQ
Short answers taken from this profile.
What is Survodutide?
An investigational dual agonist of the glucagon and GLP-1 receptors.
How does Survodutide work?
Pairs GLP-1 effects on appetite with glucagon-receptor activity, which may increase energy use and reduce liver fat.
What receptors or pathways does Survodutide act on?
GLP-1 receptor (agonist) and glucagon receptor (agonist). Downstream, that leads to insulin receptor & insulin signaling.
How is Survodutide different from similar compounds?
Pairs GLP-1 with glucagon-receptor activity, without the GIP component. Still in trials.
Is Survodutide approved?
Not approved. In Phase 3 trials (Boehringer Ingelheim) for obesity and fatty liver disease (MASH) at the time of review.
What has Survodutide been studied for?
Being developed for obesity and fatty liver disease.
How strong is the evidence?
Early or small human studies. Phase 2 trials reported dose-dependent weight loss and reductions in liver fat. Phase 3 trials are under way.
What are the main risks?
Long-term safety is not yet established. Products sold as “research use only” are not quality-controlled medicines; purity, sterility and labeled amount are not verified.
Sources
- le Roux CW et al. Glucagon and GLP-1 receptor dual agonist survodutide for obesity: a phase 2 trial. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2024.