Glucagon
Glucagon (pancreatic hormone)
The hormone that raises blood sugar, FDA-approved as an emergency treatment for severe hypoglycemia and a target of the newest dual and triple agonists.
Overview
Glucagon is a pancreatic hormone that raises blood glucose, opposing insulin. It is FDA-approved as an emergency rescue for severe low blood sugar. Beyond that, its receptor is a deliberate target of the newest metabolic drugs: retatrutide, survodutide, and mazdutide add glucagon activity to boost energy expenditure and reduce liver fat. It is a native hormone and an approved emergency drug.
Mechanism of action
Activates glucagon receptors, chiefly in the liver, to raise blood glucose and increase energy expenditure and hepatic fat oxidation.
Key studies & citations
- Review2010
The metabolic actions of glucagon revisited
Glucagon agonism raises energy expenditure, lowers lipids and reduces food intake, making it attractive to pair with GLP-1.
Nature Reviews Endocrinology - Review2017
The new biology and pharmacology of glucagon
Reviews glucagon physiology and the rationale for glucagon-receptor co-agonists in obesity and metabolic disease.
Physiological Reviews
Frequently asked questions
Why do new weight-loss drugs add glucagon activity?
Glucagon increases energy expenditure and reduces liver fat. Combining it with GLP-1 (and GIP) is why triple agonists like retatrutide produce such large effects.