Metabolic & Fat Loss FDA Approved

Glucagon

Also known as: GlucaGen, Cloridrato de Glucagon, Glucagon Hydrochloride

Molecular Identifiers

Molecular Formula

C153H225N43O49S

CAS Number

16941-32-5

PubChem CID

16132283

Molecular Weight

3485 Da

Overview

Pancreatic peptide hormone composed of 29 amino acids with a molecular weight of approximately 3,482.75 Da. Produced by alpha cells of the islets of Langerhans, it acts as the primary counter-regulatory hormone to insulin, promoting hepatic glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis.

FDA-approved as GlucaGen (injection) and Baqsimi (nasal spray, 2019) for emergency treatment of severe hypoglycemia in diabetic patients. Available in emergency kits for use by caregivers.

The essential clinical effect of glucagon is a rapid rise in blood glucose through hepatic GCGR activation, driving glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis, with additional effects on lipolysis, thermogenesis, and cardiac function. It is the counter-regulatory hormone to insulin and the pharmacological tool of choice for rapid reversal of severe hypoglycemia.

Glucagon is currently approved and marketed for emergency treatment of severe hypoglycemia in diabetic patients, in kits for caregiver use, with subcutaneous, intramuscular, or intravenous administration as an injectable (GlucaGen) and as a nasal spray (Baqsimi, approved in 2019). In metabolic research, it continues to be studied as a component of dual and triple agonists (GLP-1/glucagon, GLP-1/GIP/glucagon) for weight loss and metabolic hepatic disease. In emergencies it is a single dose; chronic cycles are not standard practice.

Glucagon was one of the earliest peptide hormones to be sequenced, with the sequence elucidated by Bromer and colleagues in the late 1950s, supporting the consolidation of the insulin-glucagon antagonist pair hypothesis in glycemic regulation.

Sequence (1 letter): HSQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNT
Extended notation: His-Ser-Gln-Gly-Thr-Phe-Thr-Ser-Asp-Tyr-Ser-Lys-Tyr-Leu-Asp-Ser-Arg-Arg-Ala-Gln-Asp-Phe-Val-Gln-Trp-Leu-Met-Asn-Thr

Half-life

~8-18 minutes

Administration Route

Subcutaneous, intramuscular or intravenous

Category

Metabolic & Fat Loss

Mechanism of Action

  • Activation of the glucagon receptor (GCGR) in hepatocytes
  • Promotion of hepatic glycogenolysis (conversion of glycogen to glucose)
  • Stimulation of hepatic gluconeogenesis
  • Increased lipolysis in adipose tissue
  • Thermogenic effect via increased energy expenditure
  • Positive inotropic and chronotropic effect on the heart

Dosage Protocol

Data compiled from the literature. This does not constitute medical advice.

Parameter Value
Dose 0.5-1 mg per injection (hypoglycemic emergency); research doses vary
Frequency Single dose in emergency; as per protocol in research
Timing Immediately in hypoglycemic emergency
Duration Single dose (emergency) or as per research protocol

Reported Side Effects

Adverse effects described in the literature. Severity and frequency vary between individuals.

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Hyperglycemia
  • Headache

Product Properties

Purity >98%
Appearance White lyophilized powder
Solubility Soluble in water and dilute acidic solutions
Source Solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) or recombinant DNA technology
Storage Lyophilized: -20°C for up to 2 years, 2-8°C for up to 6 months. Reconstituted: use immediately or within 24 hours at 2-8°C. Very unstable in solution. Protect from light and moisture.

Presentations & Preparation

Vials of Glucagon found in the research market:

5 mg10 mg

Reconstitution

  • Diluent: Accompanying diluent (sterile water)
  • Volume: 1 ml per 1 mg vial
  • Inject the diluent into the lyophilized powder vial
  • Gently swirl until fully dissolved — never shake
  • Use immediately after reconstitution
  • Solution should be clear and colorless

Storage

  • Lyophilized: Controlled room temperature (15-30°C)
  • Reconstituted: Use immediately after reconstitution
  • Do not refrigerate the reconstituted solution
  • Discard unused solution
  • Regularly check expiration date on emergency kits
Reconstitution Calculator

Scientific Studies

Published studies on Glucagon.

2016 · Diabetes Care

Intranasal Glucagon for Treatment of Insulin-Induced Hypoglycemia in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes - A Randomized Crossover Noninferiority Study

Rickels MR, Ruedy KJ, Foster NC, Piché CA, Dulude H, Sherr JL, Tamborlane WV, Bethin KE, DiMeglio LA, Wadwa RP, Ahmann AJ, Haller MJ, Nathan BM, Marcovina SM, Rampakakis E, Meng L, Beck RW
2016 · Diabetes Care

Glucagon Nasal Powder - A Promising Alternative to Intramuscular Glucagon in Youth With Type 1 Diabetes

Sherr JL, Ruedy KJ, Foster NC, Piché CA, Dulude H, Rickels MR, Tamborlane WV, Bethin KE, DiMeglio LA, Fox LA, Wadwa RP, Schatz DA, Nathan BM, Marcovina SM, Rampakakis E, Meng L, Beck RW

Related Peptides

5-Amino-1MQ

50 mg per capsule · 1-2 times daily

Adipotide

0.03 mg/kg body weight (Phase 1 trial starting dose) · Once daily

AICAR

0.1 mg/kg/min by intravenous infusion (CABG trial dose) · Single continuous infusion

AOD 9604

300-600 mcg per injection · Once daily

Cagrilintide

1.2-4.5 mg per week (subcutaneous) · Once weekly

Dulaglutide

0.75-4.5 mg per week (subcutaneous) · Once weekly