Survodutide

What is Survodutide?

Survodutide is a new experimental drug developed by Boehringer Ingelheim and Zealand Pharma to treat obesity. Although it’s still in clinical trials (Phase 3), the results so far indicate this could not only help with weight loss00356-X/abstract*), but also be an effective treatment for fatty liver disease (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)).

Because Survodutide is currently being investigated in clinical trials, this means it isn’t approved & licensed to be supplied by our Clinicians yet.

Key details:

• 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 for effective blood sugar control. 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.

• Other safe, licensed weight loss treatments are available now with Quick Meds.

How does Survodutide work?

Survodutide is a dual-action medication because it activates both GLP-1 and glucagon receptors. These hormones help control appetite, blood sugar, and the way the body breaks down fat.

Other medications for weight loss, like Wegovy or Saxenda only target the GLP-1 receptor. Mounjaro on the other hand works by targeting two hormones,GLP-1 and GIP. This helps to regulate blood sugar levels, slow down digestion and reduce appetite.

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.

Direct comparison with other weight loss medications

• 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.

Clinical trial results for Survodutide

It is essential to note that all of the weight loss treatments mentioned here, including Survodutide, or provided by Quick meds are intended to be used alongside a healthy & balanced nutritional intake & physical activity levels. This is to help optimise the benefit that can be obtained from using them.

The results from Phase 2 trials have shown people taking Survodutide for 46 weeks could lose around 19% of their starting weight.

The Phase 3 trial on Survodutide and obesity is currently underway and is due to be completed in early 2026.

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.

Survodutide safety profile

Side effects have been reported in early clinical research, but Survodutide has generally been well-tolerated.

There haven’t been00356-X/abstract*) any unexpected issues or safety concerns so far and most symptoms have been related to the gut (these made up around 75% of all side effects in the phase II trial). This is because of how Survodutide works, as the GLP-1 mechanism makes you feel full by acting on the gut to slow down your digestion.

Nausea was the most common side effect in the trial, followed by vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation. This is similar to all other weight loss injectable medications as the side effects from clinical trials were gastrointestinal in nature. 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.

When will Survodutide be available?

Survodutide is currently in phase 3 of clinical trials (SYNCHRONIZE-1) for obesity. 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 for weight loss treatment sometime in 2026 - 2027.

At Quick meds, we pride ourselves on our high standards of clinical care and patient standards to ensure safe and appropriate treatment to our patients. We aim to ensure your standard of care is our primary goal when authorising any treatment, including those for weight loss.

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