Weight & metabolic
Oxyntomodulin
OXM
Oxyntomodulin is a naturally occurring gut hormone produced from the same proglucagon precursor as GLP-1, acting at both the GLP-1 and glucagon receptors. It is the biological template for the dual-agonist drug class that includes survodutide, pemvidutide and mazdutide.
Also known as: proglucagon 33-69
- Status
- Oxyntomodulin is a research compound and not approved by the FDA for human use.
- Evidence
- Early human data. Only small or early-phase studies in people so far.
- Half-life
- Approximately 12 minutes.
- How it's taken
- Subcutaneous infusion in the research setting
- Mechanism
- Incretin (GLP-1 / GIP / glucagon / amylin)
- Pathways
- GLP-1, Glucagon
How Oxyntomodulin works
Oxyntomodulin is proglucagon 33-69 — glucagon plus an eight-residue C-terminal extension. It is a relatively weak agonist at both the GLP-1 and glucagon receptors compared with the selective native hormones, but engaging both simultaneously produces a combination that neither alone achieves: GLP-1 signalling suppresses appetite and slows gastric emptying, while glucagon signalling increases energy expenditure and hepatic fat mobilisation, with the GLP-1 component offsetting glucagon-driven hyperglycaemia.
What research has looked at
- Human infusion studies showed both reduced food intake and increased energy expenditure — a combination that distinguishes it from pure GLP-1 agonism, which reduces intake but tends to lower expenditure as weight falls.
- It is the endogenous proof of concept behind the entire GLP-1/glucagon dual-agonist drug class now in late-stage development.
- Naturally elevated after bariatric surgery, alongside GLP-1 and PYY.
Evidence level: Early human data. Only small or early-phase studies in people so far. These are areas studied or reported, not promised effects.
Reported side effects and risks
- Native oxyntomodulin is degraded by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 within minutes, so it is not usable as a drug without engineering — which is precisely what the synthetic dual agonists are.
- Nausea and vomiting, consistent with GLP-1 receptor activity.
- Glucagon receptor agonism raises hepatic glucose output, and the balance between the two receptor activities determines whether net glycaemic effect is favourable.
- No native oxyntomodulin product is approved anywhere.
- Material sold as oxyntomodulin is research chemical supply with unverified identity, purity and dose accuracy.
Sources
- PubMed research on oxyntomodulin energy expenditure dual agonist · NIH · National Library of Medicine
- DrugBank record for oxyntomodulin · DrugBank
- Active clinical trials for oxyntomodulin · U.S. National Library of Medicine
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Oxyntomodulin FAQ
What is Oxyntomodulin?
Oxyntomodulin is a naturally occurring gut hormone produced from the same proglucagon precursor as GLP-1, acting at both the GLP-1 and glucagon receptors. It is the biological template for the dual-agonist drug class that includes survodutide, pemvidutide and mazdutide.
How does Oxyntomodulin work?
Oxyntomodulin is proglucagon 33-69 — glucagon plus an eight-residue C-terminal extension. It is a relatively weak agonist at both the GLP-1 and glucagon receptors compared with the selective native hormones, but engaging both simultaneously produces a combination that neither alone achieves: GLP-1 signalling suppresses appetite and slows gastric emptying, while glucagon signalling increases energy expenditure and hepatic fat mobilisation, with the GLP-1 component offsetting glucagon-driven hyperglycaemia.
Is Oxyntomodulin FDA approved?
No. Oxyntomodulin is a research compound and not approved by the FDA for human use. Evidence level: early human data. Only small or early-phase studies in people so far.
What is the half-life of Oxyntomodulin?
Reported half-life: Approximately 12 minutes.
How is Oxyntomodulin taken?
Subcutaneous infusion in the research setting.
What side effects have been reported with Oxyntomodulin?
Reported in the sources: Native oxyntomodulin is degraded by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 within minutes, so it is not usable as a drug without engineering — which is precisely what the synthetic dual agonists are; Nausea and vomiting, consistent with GLP-1 receptor activity; Glucagon receptor agonism raises hepatic glucose output, and the balance between the two receptor activities determines whether net glycaemic effect is favourable; No native oxyntomodulin product is approved anywhere; Material sold as oxyntomodulin is research chemical supply with unverified identity, purity and dose accuracy.
Educational summary compiled from the sources listed above. Not medical advice. Peptide Vault does not sell, source or recommend any compound. Talk to a qualified clinician before starting or changing anything.