GLP-1/glucagon receptor (dual)

Class

Dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist

The GLP-1/glucagon receptor dual agonist mechanism targets two related G protein-coupled receptors that regulate metabolism. GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor activation slows stomach emptying, promotes satiety signals in the brain, and stimulates insulin release from the pancreas in a glucose-dependent manner. The glucagon receptor, activated by its namesake hormone, normally raises blood glucose and increases energy expenditure by stimulating the liver to burn and release stored fuel. Combining agonism at both receptors in a single molecule is intended to pair the appetite-suppressing and blood-sugar-stabilizing effects of GLP-1 signaling with the fat-burning and energy-expenditure effects of glucagon signaling, producing greater weight loss and improvement in liver fat content than activating either receptor alone. This dual approach is being explored primarily for obesity and metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease, where excess fat accumulation in the liver and body-wide energy imbalance are central problems. Because glucagon receptor activity alone would tend to elevate blood glucose, the GLP-1 component is included to offset this through enhanced insulin secretion, aiming for a balanced profile that supports weight and liver benefits without worsening glycemic control.