Survodutide

Research Reagent · Laboratory Use Only

What do Phase 3 clinical trials show about survodutide's mechanism and weight loss efficacy?

Survodutide (BI 456906) is a dual GCGR/GLP-1R agonist developed by Boehringer Ingelheim and Zealand Pharma. The Phase 3 SYNCHRONIZE-1 trial reported 16.6% mean body weight reduction at 76 weeks versus 3.2% with placebo in adults with obesity without type 2 diabetes, meeting both co-primary endpoints. The dual mechanism combines GLP-1R-mediated appetite suppression with glucagon receptor-driven thermogenesis and hepatic fat oxidation, with additional Phase 3 evaluation ongoing for MASH and cardiovascular outcomes.

Scientific AbstractPMID 41187967 · 2026

BACKGROUND: Survodutide (BI 456906) is a novel dual glucagon receptor (GCGR) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist under investigation for the treatment of obesity. SYNCHRONIZE-1 is a Phase 3 multinational, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 76-week trial evaluating the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of survodutide as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity in adults with obesity or overweight plus comorbidities without type 2 diabetes. Adults with BMI ≥30 kg/m² or ≥27 kg/m² with weight-related comorbidities were enrolled.

0001), meeting both co-primary endpoints. 1% of survodutide-treated participants achieved ≥5% body weight reduction. Full efficacy and safety data will be presented at the ADA 2026 Scientific Sessions.

Mechanistic Research SummaryCurated from PubMed

This data is for laboratory research purposes only. Not for human or animal consumption.

What is Survodutide?

Survodutide (BI 456906) is an investigational dual glucagon receptor (GCGR) / GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist developed by Boehringer Ingelheim and Zealand Pharma for once-weekly subcutaneous administration. It is the first GCGR/GLP-1R dual agonist to complete Phase 3 trials for obesity.

Mechanism of Action

Survodutide is a 29-amino-acid acylated peptide with a C18 fatty acid half-life extending moiety. It simultaneously activates two G-protein coupled receptors: the GLP-1 receptor, which suppresses appetite and enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion, and the glucagon receptor, which drives thermogenesis, hepatic fatty acid oxidation, and direct lipolysis. The dual receptor activation provides complementary metabolic effects: GLP-1R agonism reduces caloric intake while GCGR agonism increases energy expenditure and promotes hepatic fat clearance — a mechanism particularly relevant to MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis). The peptide incorporates C-terminal amidation and a non-coded amino acid (Ac4c) at position 2 for proteolytic stability.

Observed Laboratory Results

  • Phase 3 SYNCHRONIZE-1: 16.6% mean body weight reduction at 76 weeks in adults with obesity without type 2 diabetes versus 3.2% placebo (p<0.0001), meeting both co-primary endpoints.
  • ≥5% body weight reduction: Achieved by 85.1% of survodutide-treated participants vs the placebo arm at 76 weeks.
  • Phase 2 dose-finding trial: Mean body weight reductions approximately 5-fold greater than placebo at 46 weeks in adults with BMI ≥27 kg/m²; 4.8 mg dose arm demonstrated the most robust efficacy signal.
  • MASH regulatory designations: FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation and Fast Track Designation for non-cirrhotic MASH with stage 2–3 fibrosis; EMA granted PRIME designation.
Clinical Research Parameters
2 trials3 human studies

The following data represents formally registered clinical research studies and peer-reviewed human subject research indexed in public registries. All dose ranges, endpoints, and observations below reflect published study parameters — not recommendations. For research reference only.

ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
NCT06066515
ACTIVE NOT RECRUITINGPhase IIIn=600

A Study to Test Whether Survodutide (BI 456906) Helps Adults With Obesity or Overweight and Without Type 2 Diabetes to Lose Weight (SYNCHRONIZE-1)

SYNCHRONIZE-1 is a 76-week, multinational, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trial evaluating the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of survodutide (dual GCGR/GLP-1R agonist) as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) or overweight (BMI ≥27 kg/m²) with comorbidities, without type 2 diabetes. Co-primary endpoints: percent change in body weight at week 76 and proportion achieving ≥5% weight loss. Topline results announced April 2026: 16.6% mean weight loss vs 3.2% placebo; 85.1% achieved ≥5% weight loss. Full data presented at ADA 2026 Scientific Sessions.

Study Interventions
Survodutide (BI 456906), Placebo
Primary Endpoints
Percent change in body weight at week 76; Proportion of participants achieving ≥5% body weight reduction at week 76
Study Period
2023-10 → 2026-06
NCT06066528
ACTIVE NOT RECRUITINGPhase IIIn=600

A Study to Test Whether Survodutide (BI 456906) Helps Adults With Obesity or Overweight and Type 2 Diabetes to Lose Weight (SYNCHRONIZE-2)

SYNCHRONIZE-2 is a 76-week, multinational, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trial evaluating survodutide in adults with obesity or overweight and type 2 diabetes (HbA1c ≥6.5%, <10%). The design mirrors SYNCHRONIZE-1 with identical co-primary endpoints. Results expected in 2026.

Study Interventions
Survodutide (BI 456906), Placebo
Primary Endpoints
Percent change in body weight at week 76; Proportion of participants achieving ≥5% body weight reduction at week 76
Study Period
2023-10 → 2026-09

All data presented on this page is for laboratory research purposes only. Survodutide is referenced here as a research reagent. This page does not constitute medical advice, clinical guidance, or endorsement of any compound for human or animal use. All referenced studies are available via PubMed (PMID: 41187967) and the DOI-linked journal publication. Researchers must consult applicable institutional and regulatory frameworks before conducting any protocols.