What is Survodutide?

The key points

• Survodutide is a new injectable treatment in clinical trials for obesity and fatty liver disease (MASH).
• It targets both GLP-1 and glucagon receptors to reduce appetite, burn fat, and improve metabolism.
• Early research suggests it may support liver health as well as weight loss.
• Survodutide is not yet available. UK approval is expected around 2027 if trials succeed.
• If approved, it may be offered privately first, before NHS access follows.
• Safe, licensed weight loss treatments are available now through regulated UK providers.

Survodutide is a new experimental drug developed by Boehringer Ingelheim and Zealand Pharma to treat obesity. Although it’s still in clinical trials, early results indicate this could not only help with weight loss, but also be an effective treatment for fatty liver disease.

How does Survodutide work?

Survodutide is a dual agonist drug that activates both the GLP-1 and glucagon receptors. These naturally occurring hormones play a vital role in helping the body regulate appetite, blood sugar, and metabolism. [1]

Other weight management medications that target GLP-1 receptors, such as Wegovy (Semaglutide), work by reducing appetite and slowing down digestion to leave you feeling fuller for longer. Survodutide does this too, but it goes beyond appetite suppression by also activating glucagon receptors at the same time.

Glucagon helps the body break down fat and increase energy. Stimulating both GLP-1 and glucagon receptors means Survodutide could make people feel less hungry while also burning fat more effectively. This could have a dual-action benefit of combining weight loss with other metabolic improvements, including helping people with fatty liver disease. [2] 

The main benefits of Survodutide seen in trials so far:

• Reduced appetite and slower digestion
• Significant weight loss
• Increased fat burning and improved metabolism
• Signs it could help improve liver health in people with MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis)
• Improvements in blood sugar regulation

What does Survodutide treat?

Survodutide is being tested to treat two conditions:

• Obesity and overweight
• Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)

MASH (previously known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) is a chronic and progressive form of liver disease. It’s caused by a buildup of fat in the liver, leading to inflammation and long-term damage, such as tissue scarring (fibrosis). It often occurs in people who are overweight or resistant to insulin.

While the GLP-1 agonist helps reduce hunger and increase fullness, the glucagon agonist in Survodutide has a direct impact on the liver. In a phase 2 study involving patients living with MASH, 83% showed signs of liver health improvement after 48 weeks of Survodutide treatment. [3]

This is a promising sign, especially since it’s estimated 34% of people living with obesity also have MASH – a condition which doesn’t yet have any licensed treatment options. [4]

How does Survodutide compare to Wegovy and Mounjaro?

Wegovy (Semaglutide) and Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) are already licensed to treat weight loss in the UK. While they all have the GLP-1 receptor, there are differences in how they react with the body. 

• Wegovy activates the GLP-1 receptor. This helps reduce hunger and slow down digestion.
• Mounjaro activates GLP-1 and GIP receptors. Targeting another hormone that also regulates appetite and blood sugar levels could intensify the effects and lead to greater results.
• Survodutide activates GLP-1 and glucagon receptors. Early signs are showing this helps to increase fat breakdown and improve liver health, alongside suppressing appetite. 

When it comes to weight loss, trials so far have found Survodutide to be a promising medication for those living with obesity. In one study, people lost an average 18.7% of their body weight over 46 weeks. [5] 

Survodutide is just one of many new developments in weight loss medications to help people improve their health. Retatrutide is another drug that’s also going through clinical trials. Known as the ‘Triple G’, it targets three hormone receptors: GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon.

What are the side effects of Survodutide?

Similar to other weight loss injectables, the most common side effects reported in clinical trials were gastrointestinal in nature:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea

The most adverse reactions are thought to have occurred at higher doses. Like with other injectable weight loss medications, it’s important to start on a low dose and increase gradually under medical supervision. [2]

When will Survodutide be available?

Survodutide is currently in phase 3 of clinical trials. Thorough testing of any new drug is essential to ensure it’s safe and effective. If the results continue to be encouraging and it’s approved by regulators, we expect it to be available in the UK sometime in 2027. 

Should it be licensed in the UK, Survodutide would need to undergo further review by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) before being made available on the NHS.

This means Survodutide will more than likely be available through private care first. If you choose to access treatment privately, it’s important to go with a reputable provider such as Oxford Online Pharmacy. We pride ourselves on patient safety, and adhere to the same high standards of prescribing you’d expect from the NHS. 

Alternative weight loss treatments

As Survodutide undergoes the final stages of testing, there are other weight management treatments available to help you on your journey.

Alongside safe prescribing practices, we also offer the ongoing support needed to build healthier habits and make lasting change. If you need help or want to discuss your options, don’t hesitate to reach out. 

References

1. T. Zimmerman et al. BI 456906: Discovery and preclinical pharmacology of a novel GCGR/GLP-1R dual agonist with robust anti-obesity efficacy. Molecular Metabolism. 2022;66:101633.
2. Weickert MO, Laubner K, Trepp R, Zillikens A, et al. Efficacy and safety of Survodutide, a dual GLP-1 and glucagon receptor agonist, in adults with overweight or obesity. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2024;32(5):841-854.
3. Top-line Results From A Study to Test Efficacy of BI456906 in Adults With Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) and Fibrosis (F1-F3). [Internet]
4. Quek J, Chan KE, Wong ZY, et al. Global prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in the overweight and obese population: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet Gastro And Hep. 2023;8(1):20-30.
5. Newsome PN, Ratziu V, Cortez-Pinto H, et al. Survodutide in patients with MASH and overweight/obesity: a phase II trial. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2024.