Glucagon receptor agonists activate receptors critical for glucose regulation. While glucagon elevates blood sugar, these compounds are central to innovative...
A glucagon receptor agonist is a compound that binds to and activates glucagon receptors on cells, mimicking or enhancing the effects of the natural hormone glucagon, which primarily affects glucose metabolism.
By activating glucagon receptors, they primarily signal the liver to release stored glucose, thus increasing blood sugar levels. However, in modern therapeutic contexts, especially in combination therapies, they also influence energy expenditure and fat metabolism.
While pure glucagon receptor agonists increase blood sugar, multi-agonists incorporating glucagon receptor activation are actively researched for treating metabolic disorders like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Glucagon receptor agonists generally increase blood glucose and energy expenditure. GLP-1 receptor agonists typically lower blood glucose, slow gastric emptying, and promote satiety. Many new drugs combine both mechanisms for synergistic benefits.