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Peptide — Glucagon / GLP-1 Receptor Dual Agonist

Survodutide Phase III

BI 456906  |  GCGR / GLP-1R dual agonist  |  Boehringer Ingelheim / Zealand Pharma  |  SYNCHRONIZE obesity program  |  1404-0043 MASH trial
Class
Dual GCGR / GLP-1R agonist
Backbone
Acylated glucagon/GLP-1 chimera
Half-life
~6 days (weekly dosing)
Route
SubQ once weekly
FDA Status
Not approved; Phase 3
Developer
Boehringer Ingelheim / Zealand Pharma
Indications
Obesity, MASH/NASH, T2D
Phase 3 Trials
SYNCHRONIZE-1 / -2 / -CVOT
WADA Status
Not specifically listed
Cost & Access
Research-only
TL;DR

Boehringer's dual GLP-1/glucagon. 62% MASH resolution in Phase 2. SYNCHRONIZE Phase 3 underway.
What is it? A once-weekly subcutaneous dual agonist of the glucagon and GLP-1 receptors (BI 456906) from Boehringer Ingelheim and Zealand Pharma. Chimeric backbone with an albumin-binding fatty-acid tail.
What does it do? GLP-1 arm brings appetite suppression, slowed gastric emptying, and glucose-dependent insulin. Glucagon arm adds hepatic fatty-acid oxidation and raised energy expenditure. That differentiates it from GLP-1-only and GLP-1/GIP drugs.
Does the evidence hold up? Phase 2 (Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2024) showed placebo-adjusted weight loss up to ~12 percentage points at 46 weeks. Phase 2 MASH (Sanyal, NEJM 2024, PMID 38847460) reported 62% MASH resolution without fibrosis worsening at 4.8 mg. Phase 3 SYNCHRONIZE program active.
Who uses it? Clinical-trial participants only. Not available through any approved prescription as of April 2026. Research-peptide vendors supply for lab use.
Bottom line? Phase 2 wins already stand up. Phase 3 SYNCHRONIZE decides pricing and label.

What It Is

Survodutide, developmentally coded BI 456906, is a once-weekly subcutaneous peptide dual agonist of the glucagon receptor (GCGR) and the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R). The molecule was designed at Boehringer Ingelheim with a backbone combining glucagon-like and GLP-1-like structural motifs, conjugated to a fatty-acid chain that enables albumin binding and supports the once-weekly dosing profile. The program is co-developed with Zealand Pharma (Copenhagen), whose long-standing glucagon-analog chemistry underpins the glucagon arm of the molecule.

Dual GLP-1/glucagon agonism is a distinct therapeutic concept from the GLP-1/GIP dual agonism represented by tirzepatide. GLP-1 agonists reduce body weight primarily by suppressing appetite and slowing gastric emptying; glucagon agonism contributes complementary effects on hepatic fatty acid oxidation, thermogenesis, and energy expenditure. The combination is pharmacologically rational for patients in whom reducing visceral and hepatic fat — rather than only body weight — is the clinical priority, including patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH, formerly NASH) and fibrosis.

Survodutide's clinical program advanced rapidly through Phase 1 and Phase 2 beginning around 2020 and is now in a coordinated Phase 3 portfolio covering obesity (SYNCHRONIZE-1, SYNCHRONIZE-2), cardiovascular outcomes (SYNCHRONIZE-CVOT), and additional MASH and type 2 diabetes studies. As of April 2026, survodutide has not received marketing approval in any jurisdiction. All published human data remain Phase 1 and Phase 2.

In the broader competitive landscape, survodutide is one of three advanced GLP-1-pathway combination assets — alongside Eli Lilly's retatrutide (triple agonist GLP-1/GIP/glucagon) and mazdutide (Innovent / Lilly GLP-1/glucagon). Each explores a different trade-off between weight-loss magnitude, hepatic-fat clearance, glycemic effect, and tolerability. Survodutide's positioning within this field will be determined by its Phase 3 efficacy versus tirzepatide and retatrutide and, critically, by its hepatic-fat and fibrosis-stage data in the MASH indication where the glucagon arm is most mechanistically differentiating.

Mechanism of Action

Survodutide's pharmacology reflects balanced agonism at two mechanistically distinct receptors. The molecule is a full agonist at both GCGR and GLP-1R, and its observed clinical effects combine both arms in parallel.

What the Research Shows

The survodutide evidence base is largely pharmaceutical-sponsored Phase 1 and Phase 2 data, generated on a timeline designed to support regulatory submission. Key studies:

Critical Context — Phase 2 vs Phase 3

Every headline weight-loss and MASH-resolution number for survodutide comes from Phase 2 trials. Phase 2 dose-finding tends to produce optimistic point estimates because dose-selection and enrollment are calibrated to efficacy signal detection. Phase 3 magnitude in obesity drug development has historically equaled or been slightly smaller than Phase 2, with CVOT data adding safety context. Until SYNCHRONIZE-1 / -2 read out, the ~18.7%–19% weight-loss figure cited in sponsor communications should be treated as a best-case signal from an intent-to-treat on-treatment Phase 2 analysis, not a predicted label.

Human Data

Summary of the human evidence base for survodutide:

All currently reported data are sponsor-funded; independent replication is limited because the molecule is proprietary and not yet commercially available.

Dosing from the Literature

Dosing below reflects published Phase 2 trial protocols. Survodutide is investigational; no approved dose exists. Self-administration outside an authorized clinical trial or licensed research setting is not advisable.

Trial / IndicationDoseRoute / FrequencyDuration
Phase 2 obesity (Le Roux 2024) — lowest arm0.6 mg (after escalation)SubQ once weekly46 weeks
Phase 2 obesity — mid-dose2.4 mgSubQ once weekly46 weeks
Phase 2 obesity — higher dose3.6 mgSubQ once weekly46 weeks
Phase 2 obesity — highest efficacy arm4.8 mgSubQ once weekly46 weeks
Phase 2 MASH (Sanyal 2024)2.4, 4.8, or 6.0 mgSubQ once weekly48 weeks (24-wk escalation + 24-wk maintenance)
Phase 3 SYNCHRONIZE-1 / -2Up-titrated to 3.6 or 6.0 mgSubQ once weekly76 weeks
Escalation scheduleStepwise dose escalationWeekly increments over 20–24 weeksGradual to minimize GI intolerance
Dosing Disclaimer

Survodutide dosing schedules were designed with gradual escalation to minimize gastrointestinal adverse effects, which otherwise drive significant discontinuation. The 2.4–4.8 mg range is the Phase 2–validated efficacy range for obesity; 4.8 mg represents the highest Phase 2 dose in both obesity and MASH trials. Dose selection for Phase 3 settled on titration to 3.6 or 6.0 mg. There is no approved prescription pathway as of April 2026; use outside an authorized clinical trial is not medically appropriate.

Reconstitution & Storage

Survodutide is supplied to Phase 2 and Phase 3 trial sites as a sterile pre-formulated subcutaneous solution (single-use or pen-device presentation depending on protocol). A commercial formulation has not been finalized.

PresentationConcentrationStorageUse
Trial vial / penVariable per protocol dose stepRefrigerate 2–8°C; brief excursions to room temperature per protocolSingle use; discard residual
Research-grade lyophilized (non-clinical)Reconstitute with BAC water per vial labelingFreezer for lyophilized; refrigerator for reconstitutedLaboratory research only

→ Use the Kalios Dosing Calculator for syringe-unit conversions

Side Effects & Risks

Important

Survodutide isn't FDA-approved. Expect GLP-1 GI effects plus glucagon-class cardiovascular and glycemic considerations. This is a doctor conversation before joining a trial or ordering gray-market material.

Survodutide's adverse-event profile in Phase 2 mirrors the GLP-1 / incretin class on the gut side, with glucagon-class cardiovascular and glycemic considerations layered on top.

Bloodwork & Monitoring

No formal monitoring guideline exists outside the trial protocol. Reasonable monitoring for clinical trial participants or informed research use mirrors the GLP-1 class approach with liver-focused additions given the MASH context:

Commonly Stacked With

Survodutide is not commercially available, so "stacking" in the conventional sense does not occur. Commentary below is mechanistic — what would be complementary or overlapping if survodutide were clinically available.

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 monoagonist; survodutide provides overlapping GLP-1 activity plus glucagon agonism. These are alternatives rather than a stack. Sequential use — e.g., semaglutide first for weight-loss initiation, then transition to survodutide for continued weight loss and hepatic-fat clearance — is plausible once survodutide is approved, but has not been studied.

Tirzepatide is a GLP-1 / GIP dual agonist. Mechanistically non-overlapping with survodutide's glucagon arm. Phase 3 head-to-head data between survodutide and tirzepatide will determine obesity positioning; survodutide's glucagon arm may be more differentiating in MASH and hepatic-fat-dominant disease than in pure weight-loss efficacy.

Eli Lilly's triple agonist (GLP-1 / GIP / glucagon). Represents the most direct mechanistic competitor. Head-to-head data are not available; each molecule will establish its positioning through separate Phase 3 programs.

GHRH analog for visceral adiposity — FDA-approved in HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Mechanistically orthogonal to survodutide's GLP-1/glucagon action. Theoretical pairing for adiposity-focused metabolic optimization; no controlled combination data.

Resistance training + protein-forward nutrition

Not a drug — but the single highest-leverage companion strategy for any GLP-1-class weight-loss intervention. Rapid appetite suppression plus insufficient protein intake drives disproportionate lean-mass loss; resistance training plus 1.6–2.2 g/kg protein substantially preserves lean mass and improves body-composition outcomes.

→ Check compound compatibility in the Stack Builder

Regulatory Status

Current Status — April 2026

Survodutide (BI 456906) is not approved by the U.S. FDA, the EMA, the UK MHRA, Japan's PMDA, or any other major regulator. It remains an investigational dual GLP-1R/GCGR agonist in coordinated Phase 3 development sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim in partnership with Zealand Pharma.

The Phase 3 obesity program (SYNCHRONIZE-1 and SYNCHRONIZE-2) enrolled during 2023–2025 with 76-week readout anchors. A dedicated cardiovascular outcomes trial (SYNCHRONIZE-CVOT) is event-driven and ongoing. A Phase 3 MASH program is under design based on the Phase 2 readout (Sanyal NEJM 2024, PMID 38847460). Phase 3 type 2 diabetes studies are in progress.

Survodutide is not specifically named on the WADA Prohibited List. Within-class precedent (semaglutide, tirzepatide) is not uniformly banned; athletes subject to anti-doping testing should seek sport-federation guidance before any use.

Survodutide is not on the FDA Category 2 Bulk Drug Substances peptide list and is therefore not part of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s February 2026 reclassification announcement. As a sponsor-held investigational asset, survodutide's U.S. availability will be determined by Boehringer Ingelheim's forthcoming Biologics License Application rather than by any compounding-rule pathway.

Cost & Access

Survodutide is not approved for human use. It is available through research suppliers for laboratory research purposes only. Patient access occurs only via enrollment in an authorized clinical trial.

Research-chemical channels list survodutide in lyophilized vial formats. Purity, identity, and potency are not guaranteed without independent third-party Certificate of Analysis (HPLC + mass spectrometry). Compounding via 503A or 503B pharmacies is not legally available because survodutide has no reference FDA-approved product and is not on any compoundable bulk-substance list.

Following SYNCHRONIZE-1 / SYNCHRONIZE-2 readouts and a potential Biologics License Application, survodutide would enter the U.S. prescription market under Boehringer Ingelheim's commercialization pathway. Precedent pricing within the GLP-1-class category suggests that launch pricing will be set in the ballpark of other branded weight-loss biologics, with insurance-coverage friction typical of this space. Until approval, no legitimate U.S. prescription pathway exists.

Estimated access situation as of April 2026. Regulatory status changes. Kalios does not sell compounds.

Related Compounds

People researching Survodutide often also look at these:

Dual GLP-1 / glucagon receptor agonist with emphasis on MASH (liver fat) alongside weight loss.

Dual GLP-1 / glucagon receptor agonist developed by Innovent / Eli Lilly, principally for Asian markets.

Fixed-dose combination of cagrilintide + semaglutide. Amylin + GLP-1 obesity protocol.

Next Steps

Key References

  1. Le Roux CW, Steen O, Lucas KJ, Startseva E, Unseld A, Hennige AM. Glucagon and GLP-1 receptor dual agonist survodutide for obesity: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-finding phase 2 trial. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2024;12(3):162-173. doi:10.1016/S2213-8587(23)00356-X. (Foundational Phase 2 obesity dose-finding; NCT04667377.)
  2. Sanyal AJ, Bedossa P, Fraessdorf M, Neff GW, Lawitz E, Bugianesi E, Anstee QM, Hussain SA, Martins EB, Walker M, Oldham P, Starova B, Ogawa W, Wong VW, Ratziu V, Younes R, Hosseini-Tabatabaei A, Loomba R. A Phase 2 Randomized Trial of Survodutide in MASH and Fibrosis. N Engl J Med. 2024;391(4):311-319. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2401755. PMID: 38847460. (Phase 2 MASH with fibrosis; NCT04771273.)
  3. Zimmermann T, Thomas L, Baader-Pagler T, Haebel P, Simon E, Reindl W, Bajrami B, Rist W, Uphues I, Drucker DJ, Klein H, Santhanam R, Hennige AM, Hamilton B, Hennig R, Dux M, Hamprecht B, Bierwisch D, Neubauer H, Tschank G, Stengelin S, Redemann N, Wiedenmann A, Pagler T, et al. BI 456906: Discovery and preclinical pharmacology of a novel GCGR/GLP-1R dual agonist with robust anti-obesity efficacy. Mol Metab. 2022;66:101633. doi:10.1016/j.molmet.2022.101633.
  4. Jungnik A, Arrubla Martinez J, Plum-Mörschel L, Kapitza C, Lamers D, Thamer C, Unseld A, Hennige AM. Phase I studies of the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the dual glucagon receptor/glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist BI 456906. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2023;25(4):1011-1023. doi:10.1111/dom.14948.
  5. Wharton S, le Roux CW, Kosiborod MN, et al. Survodutide for treatment of obesity: rationale and design of two randomized phase 3 clinical trials (SYNCHRONIZE-1 and -2). Obesity (Silver Spring). 2024.
  6. Wharton S, le Roux CW, Kosiborod MN, et al. Survodutide for treatment of obesity: Baseline characteristics of participants in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial (SYNCHRONIZE-1). Diabetes Obes Metab. 2025. PMC12673442.
  7. Le Roux CW, et al. Survodutide, a glucagon receptor/glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor dual agonist, improves blood pressure in adults with obesity: A post hoc analysis from a randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-finding, phase 2 trial. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2025. doi:10.1111/dom.16052.
  8. Loomba R, Hartman ML, Sanyal AJ. Two Trials of Therapeutics for MASH with Liver Fibrosis. Reply. N Engl J Med. 2024;391(15):1462-1463. PMID: 39413388.
  9. Polyzos SA. Two Trials of Therapeutics for MASH with Liver Fibrosis. N Engl J Med. 2024;391(15):1461. PMID: 39413385.
  10. Mei Z, Pu J, Shao Z. Two Trials of Therapeutics for MASH with Liver Fibrosis. N Engl J Med. 2024;391(15):1461-1462. PMID: 39413387.
  11. Boehringer Ingelheim. Phase III studies — survodutide in obesity and overweight. Boehringer Ingelheim corporate press release and investor materials, 2023–2025.
  12. Zealand Pharma A/S. Pipeline and partnerships — BI 456906 / survodutide co-development with Boehringer Ingelheim. zealandpharma.com, 2020–2026.
  13. ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT04667377 (Phase 2 obesity); NCT04771273 (Phase 2 MASH, study 1404-0043); NCT06066879 (SYNCHRONIZE-1); NCT06066892 (SYNCHRONIZE-2).
  14. Tschöp MH, Finan B, Clemmensen C, Gelfanov V, Perez-Tilve D, Müller TD, DiMarchi RD. Unimolecular polypharmacy for treatment of diabetes and obesity. Cell Metab. 2016;24(1):51-62. PMID: 27411008. (Foundational review on multi-receptor agonism rationale including GLP-1/glucagon.)
  15. Jastreboff AM, Kaplan LM, Frías JP, Wu Q, Du Y, Gurbuz S, Coskun T, Haupt A, Milicevic Z, Hartman ML; Retatrutide Phase 2 Obesity Trial Investigators. Triple-Hormone-Receptor Agonist Retatrutide for Obesity — A Phase 2 Trial. N Engl J Med. 2023;389(6):514-526. PMID: 37366315. (For context: closest triple-agonist comparator.)

Last updated: April 2026  |  Profile authored by Kalios Peptides research team