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Glucagen (GLUCAGON)
Glucagen works by stimulating the release of glucose from stored energy sources in the body.
Glucagen (GLUCAGON) is a small molecule antihypoglycemic agent developed by XERIS PHARMACEUTICALS IRELAND LIMITED and currently owned by Xeris. It targets the glucocorticoid receptor and is used to treat hypoglycemic disorders, severe hypoglycaemia in patients with diabetes, and as an adjunct for gastrointestinal radiography. Glucagen was FDA approved in 1960 and is available as a generic medication. The commercial status of Glucagen is off-patent, with multiple generic manufacturers. Key safety considerations include its use in patients with diabetes and potential interactions with other medications.
At a glance
| Generic name | GLUCAGON |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Xeris |
| Drug class | Antihypoglycemic Agent |
| Target | Glucocorticoid receptor |
| Modality | Recombinant protein |
| Therapeutic area | Metabolic |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
| First approval | 1960 |
Mechanism of action
Glucagon increases blood glucose concentration by activating hepatic glucagon receptors, thereby stimulating glycogen breakdown and release of glucose from the liver. Hepatic stores of glycogen are necessary for glucagon to produce an antihypoglycemic effect. Extrahepatic effects of glucagon include relaxation of the smooth muscle of the stomach, duodenum, small bowel, and colon.
Approved indications
- Gastrointestinal Radiography Adjunct
- Hypoglycemic disorder
- Severe hypoglycaemia in patients with diabetes
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Hypoglycemia
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Hyperglycemia
- Hypertension
- Tachycardia
- Injection site edema
- Injection site pain
- Abdominal pain
- Injection site discomfort
- Injection site reaction
Key clinical trials
- To Determine Tolerability to Glucagon Infusion in Obese Subjects (PHASE1)
- Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist (GLP-1 RA) and Diet in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Patients (PHASE4)
- Tirzepatide in MetALD (PHASE2)
- Effect of a Dietary Supplement on Hormones Involved in Appetite Regulation in Overweight and Obese Adults (NA)
- Study of Liraglutide (A Weight Loss Drug) in High Risk Obese Participants With Cognitive and Memory Issues (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Effect of Prolonged (72 Hour) Glucagon Administration on Energy Expenditure in Healthy Obese Subjects (PHASE1)
- A Study of Weight Loss Intervention With Tirzepatide and Progestin Intrauterine Device to Treat Endometrial Hyperplasia and Grade 1 Endometrial Cancer (PHASE2)
- Efficacy and Safety of KAI-9531 Administered Once Weekly in Participants Living With Obesity or Overweight and Diabetes (PHASE3)
Patents
| Patent | Expiry | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 10213487 | 2036-02-16 | Formulation |
| 12370241 | 2036-02-16 | Formulation |
| 10765602 | 2039-09-23 | Formulation |
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| FDA label | Mechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions |
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
| FDA Orange Book | Patents + exclusivity |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Glucagen CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Glucagen updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Xeris portfolio CI