Survodutide
INVESTIGATIONALDual GLP-1 / glucagon agonist | Weight loss and liver
By the INFOPEPTIDOS editorial team · content based on scientific literature.
Updated: August 2026.
Key points
- What it is: dual agonist of the GLP-1 and glucagon receptors (Boehringer Ingelheim).
- Main use: weight loss and fatty liver disease (MASH/NASH).
- Typical dose: 0.6 → 6 mg weekly, subcutaneous injection, with escalation.
- Key result: the glucagon arm increases energy expenditure and reduces liver fat.
- Common effects: nausea and digestive discomfort (dose-dependent).
- Comparison: dual GLP-1/glucagon; different from tirzepatide (GIP/GLP-1).
- Status: investigational, not FDA-approved.
Technical data: Molecular formula C192H289N47O61 · Molecular weight 4232 g/mol. Source: PubChem.
Overview
What is survodutide?
Survodutide is a dual agonist of the GLP-1 and glucagon receptors in development by Boehringer Ingelheim. Beyond weight loss, it stands out for its results in metabolic fatty liver disease (MASH), where the glucagon component helps reduce liver fat.
Key benefits
It combines GLP-1 appetite reduction with glucagon-driven energy expenditure, translating into weight loss and a notable improvement in liver fat and inflammation in MASH trials.
Mechanism of action
The GLP-1 arm reduces appetite and improves glucose; the glucagon arm increases energy expenditure and mobilizes liver fat. This dual action sets it apart from GIP/GLP-1 agonists such as tirzepatide.
Quick start guide
Dosing protocol
| Phase | Weeks | Weekly dose | Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start | 1–4 | 0.6 mg | Adaptation; minimizes nausea |
| Titration 1 | 5–8 | 2.4 mg | Gradual increase |
| Titration 2 | 9–12 | 4.8 mg | Progressive increase |
| Maintenance | 13+ | 6 mg (max.) | Maintenance dose |
Subcutaneous route, once a week, increasing the dose every 4 weeks. Investigational compound: the regimen must be set by a healthcare professional.
Reconstitution: units in the syringe
Example with a 10 mg vial + 2 ml of bacteriostatic water → a 5 mg/ml solution. On a U-100 insulin syringe (100 units = 1 ml):
| Dose | Volume | Units (U-100) |
|---|---|---|
| 0.6 mg | 0.12 ml | 12 U |
| 2.4 mg | 0.48 ml | 48 U |
| 4.8 mg | 0.96 ml | 96 U |
Is your vial or water different? Calculate the exact units below.
🧮 Calculate your exact syringe dose →Survodutide vs Tirzepatide vs Retatrutide
| Survodutide | Tirzepatide | Retatrutide | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Receptors | GLP-1 + glucagon | GLP-1 + GIP | GLP-1 + GIP + glucagon |
| Type | Dual | Dual | Triple |
| Focus | Weight and liver | Weight and diabetes | Maximum weight |
| FDA status | Investigational | Approved | Investigational |
⚠️ Who should NOT use it
- History of pancreatitis.
- Cardiovascular disease: glucagon can increase heart rate.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Always under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
What to expect
- Week 1-4: reduced appetite; mild digestive discomfort during titration.
- Week 4-12: steady weight loss.
- Week 12-24: reduced liver fat and metabolic improvements.
- Week 24+: sustained benefits on weight and liver.
- Side effects: nausea and digestive discomfort.
- Most effective for: weight loss and fatty liver disease.
Side effects & safety
- Nausea, especially when increasing the dose.
- Diarrhea, vomiting or constipation.
- Slight increase in heart rate (glucagon effect).
- Mild injection-site reaction.
- Risk of hypoglycemia together with insulin.
- Allergic reaction: rash, itching or swelling.
- Severe, persistent abdominal pain (possible pancreatitis).
- Palpitations or very high heart rate.
- Signs of severe hypoglycemia.
- If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Frequently asked questions
What is survodutide?
It is a dual agonist of the GLP-1 and glucagon receptors researched for weight loss and fatty liver.
What is survodutide notable for?
Beyond weight, for its results in metabolic fatty liver disease (MASH), thanks to the glucagon component.
What is the survodutide dose?
It is titrated up to about 6 mg weekly subcutaneously. The regimen must be set by a professional.
How does it differ from tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide combines GIP and GLP-1; survodutide combines glucagon and GLP-1, with more effect on the liver and energy expenditure.
What are the side effects?
Mainly nausea and digestive discomfort; glucagon can slightly raise heart rate.
Is survodutide approved?
No; it is a research compound not approved by the FDA.
Research areas
- Weight loss
- Fatty liver (MASH/NASH)
- Energy expenditure
- Glycemic control
- Metabolic health
Related peptides
- Tirzepatide — Approved dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist.
- Retatrutide — Triple GLP-1/GIP/glucagon agonist.
- Semaglutide — Reference GLP-1 agonist.
Related articles
Related topics
- Survodutide and MASH
- Survodutide dose
- Survodutide vs tirzepatide
- Survodutide weight loss
- Survodutide liver
- Survodutide side effects
Summary
What it is: Dual GLP-1/glucagon agonist.
How it is researched: Subcutaneous, 0.6-6 mg once a week.
Key features: Weight loss and fatty-liver improvement. Investigational.
Related peptides: Tirzepatide, Retatrutide and Semaglutide.
References
- Sanyal AJ et al. (2024). A Phase 2 Randomized Trial of Survodutide in MASH and Fibrosis. N Engl J Med. PubMed · DOI
- le Roux CW et al. (2024). Glucagon and GLP-1 receptor dual agonist survodutide for obesity: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-finding phase 2 trial. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. PubMed · DOI
- le Roux CW et al. (2026). Survodutide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Adults with Obesity. N Engl J Med. PubMed · DOI
- Blüher M et al. (2024). Dose-response effects on HbA(1c) and bodyweight reduction of survodutide, a dual glucagon/GLP-1 receptor agonist, compared with placebo and open-label semaglutide in people with type 2 diabetes: a randomised clinical trial. Diabetologia. PubMed · DOI
Studies compiled from PubMed for informational purposes; many are preclinical or research-stage and do not constitute medical advice.