Survodutide (BI 456906) is a new weight loss medication being developed by Boehringer Ingelheim and Zealand Pharma. Unlike existing drugs that only reduce appetite, Survodutide also helps your body burn more calories.
Early studies show it works particularly well for people with fatty liver disease, achieving significant weight loss and liver improvement.
What Is Survodutide?
Survodutide is different from weight loss drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy. While those medications mainly help you feel less hungry, Survodutide does two things: it reduces appetite AND increases your metabolism (the rate at which you burn calories).
Main Benefits
- Weight Loss: Patients lost an average of 19% of their body weight
- Liver Health: Reduces fat buildup in the liver by 65%
- Blood Sugar: Improves diabetes control
- Cholesterol: Lowers bad cholesterol and triglycerides
- Metabolism: Increases calorie burning throughout the day
How Survodutide Works – Dual GLP-1/Glucagon Mechanism
Think of Survodutide as working on both sides of the weight equation:
Two-Part Action
- GLP-1 Side: Makes you feel full sooner, slows digestion, helps your body make insulin properly
- Glucagon Side: Tells your body to burn stored fat, creates heat (burns calories), clears fat from your liver
It's like having both a reduced appetite and a faster metabolism at the same time.
Clinical Trial Results
In studies with 387 people, Survodutide showed impressive results:
Body Weight
Liver Disease
Current Studies
Three major trials are underway with over 14,000 participants to confirm these results and study long-term safety.
How Does Survodutide Compare?
Here's how it stacks up against other popular weight loss medications:
| Feature | Survodutide | Ozempic/Wegovy | Mounjaro |
|---|---|---|---|
| How It Works | Reduces appetite + burns fat | Reduces appetite only | Reduces appetite + slight metabolism boost |
| Weight Loss | 19% | 15% | 22% |
| Metabolism Boost | Significant | None | Small |
| Best For | Fatty liver + obesity | General weight loss | Diabetes + obesity |
Treatment for Fatty Liver Disease (MASH/NASH)
About 4 in 10 people with obesity also have fatty liver disease. Survodutide is especially promising for these patients because it directly targets liver fat.
Liver Study Results
In 156 patients with fatty liver disease:
- 2 out of 3 saw major reduction in liver fat
- Nearly half had their liver disease completely resolve
- 3 out of 4 had normal liver blood tests after treatment
This makes Survodutide potentially the first drug to treat both obesity and fatty liver disease effectively.
Important Safety Information
Critical Warning
Never take Survodutide with other GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Saxenda, or Trulicity. Taking them together can cause dangerous low blood sugar, severe stomach problems, and inflammation of the pancreas.
Who Should NOT Take Survodutide
- People with a history of pancreatitis
- Anyone with thyroid cancer in their family
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- People with severe kidney problems
When Will Survodutide Be Available?
Timeline to Market
Survodutide is still being tested and isn't available yet. Here's the expected timeline:
- Now - 2026: Finishing large safety studies
- 2026-2027: Submitting to FDA for approval
- 2027-2028: FDA review and decision
- 2028-2029: Available in pharmacies (if approved)
Expected Cost
While not finalized, similar medications cost $800-$1,200 per month. Insurance coverage will depend on FDA approval and your specific plan.
Common Side Effects and Management
What to Expect
Like other weight loss injections, the most common side effects affect digestion:
- Nausea (4 in 10 people)
- Diarrhea (3 in 10)
- Vomiting (2 in 10)
- Constipation (2 in 10)
Tips to Reduce Side Effects
Most people find side effects get better after a few weeks. To minimize discomfort: start with a low dose and increase slowly, eat smaller meals throughout the day, drink plenty of water, and consider taking the injection at bedtime.
What You Can Do Now
While Survodutide isn't available yet, there are FDA-approved options for weight loss. Talk to your doctor about current treatments and whether you might qualify for clinical trials.
Questions for Your Doctor:
- Should I be screened for fatty liver disease?
- What weight loss options are available now?
- Am I eligible for any clinical trials?
- How can I prepare for new treatments?
