You're using a free limited version of DrugPatentWatch: Upgrade for Complete Access

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

CLINICAL TRIALS PROFILE FOR GLUCAGON


✉ Email this page to a colleague

« Back to Dashboard


505(b)(2) Clinical Trials for glucagon

This table shows clinical trials for potential 505(b)(2) applications. See the next table for all clinical trials
Trial Type Trial ID Title Status Sponsor Phase Start Date Summary
New Combination NCT04520490 ↗ Brain Activation and Satiety in Children 2 Recruiting University of Washington Phase 3 2021-01-28 Childhood obesity and related long-term effects are serious public health problems, but not all children with obesity do well in treatment. This study will test a new combination of family-based behavioral treatment (FBT) with a drug intervention using a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) exenatide once weekly extended-release (ExQW, Bydureon®) in order to improve obesity intervention outcomes in 10-12-year-old children.
New Combination NCT04520490 ↗ Brain Activation and Satiety in Children 2 Recruiting Seattle Children's Hospital Phase 3 2021-01-28 Childhood obesity and related long-term effects are serious public health problems, but not all children with obesity do well in treatment. This study will test a new combination of family-based behavioral treatment (FBT) with a drug intervention using a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) exenatide once weekly extended-release (ExQW, Bydureon®) in order to improve obesity intervention outcomes in 10-12-year-old children.
New Formulation NCT05206149 ↗ Stimulation Test With Intranasal Glucagon for Corticotroph, Somatotroph and Antidiuretic Axes Completed Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino Phase 4 2021-10-01 The diagnosis of secondary hypoadrenalism and GH deficiency (GHD) often requires the performance of a dynamic test. The glucagon stimulation test (GST) is one of the options for evaluating hypothalamic-pituitary function, representing a stimulus for both the corticotropic and somatotropic axis, substantially safe and easily available. The standard procedure involves the intramuscular injection of 1-1.5 mg of glucagon based on the patient's weight. In addition to its antero-pituitary function, glucagon has also shown its ability to stimulate neurohypophyseal secretion. Using the copeptin dosage, it has been shown that after the administration of glucagon in healthy subjects there is a significant release of ADH. However, the available data are scarse and there is no standardized protocol for the use of the glucagon test in diabetes insipidus. At the moment, GST is not the most frequently chosen diagnostic option. In fact, despite having the advantage of being able to investigate different areas of anterohypophyseal and probably posterohypophyseal function at the same time, the test has some disadvantages: the prolonged duration makes the procedure challenging, the intramuscular injection can be unwelcome, and many variables can come into play in the definition of a normal response (age, BMI, glycemic status). The recent introduction of a single-dose nasal powder formulation (Baqsimi®) could overcome some of the limitations of classic GST and make the procedure less demanding. To date, no assessments are yet available regarding a purely diagnostic role in the context of hypopituitarism of this new formulation. Through the knowledge of the physiological response of the adrenocortical, somatotropic and ADH axis to the administration of intranasal glucagon in healthy subjects, it will be possible to evaluate its possible application in the diagnosis of GH deficiency, central adrenal insufficiency and possibly diabetes insipidus.
>Trial Type >Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

All Clinical Trials for glucagon

Trial ID Title Status Sponsor Phase Start Date Summary
NCT00005889 ↗ Gluconeogenesis in Very Low Birth Weight Infants Who Are Receiving Nutrition By Intravenous Infusion Unknown status Baylor College of Medicine N/A 1999-10-01 RATIONALE: Very low birth weight infants have problems maintaining normal blood sugar levels. Gluconeogenesis is the production of sugar from amino acids and fats. The best combination of amino acids, fat, and sugar to help very low birth weigh infants maintain normal blood sugar levels is not yet known. PURPOSE: Clinical trial to study how very low birth weight infants break down amino acids, fat, and sugar given by intravenous infusion, and the effect of different combinations of nutrients on the infants' ability to maintain normal blood sugar levels.
NCT00005889 ↗ Gluconeogenesis in Very Low Birth Weight Infants Who Are Receiving Nutrition By Intravenous Infusion Unknown status National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) N/A 1999-10-01 RATIONALE: Very low birth weight infants have problems maintaining normal blood sugar levels. Gluconeogenesis is the production of sugar from amino acids and fats. The best combination of amino acids, fat, and sugar to help very low birth weigh infants maintain normal blood sugar levels is not yet known. PURPOSE: Clinical trial to study how very low birth weight infants break down amino acids, fat, and sugar given by intravenous infusion, and the effect of different combinations of nutrients on the infants' ability to maintain normal blood sugar levels.
NCT00013910 ↗ NNC 90-1170 Mechanism of Action: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Single-Center, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study to Examine Beta-Cell Responsiveness to Graded Glucose Infusion in Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes Completed National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) Phase 1 1969-12-31 The purpose of this research study is to investigate the mechanism of action of a new investigational medication (drug), NNC 90-1170, which is being developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (adult onset type of diabetes. NNC 90-1170 is a modified form of a hormone, Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 (or GLP-1), which is important for controlling insulin levels. Insulin, another hormone, is also important for controlling blood glucose levels, which are higher than normal in people who have type 2 diabetes. This study will measure the effect of NNC 90-1170, active investigational drug, to cause insulin to be released from the pancreas in response to increasing blood glucose concentrations. These results will be compared to that of a group of healthy volunteers of similar age and body weight who do not have diabetes. Also, various other hormones and substances that are known to control blood sugar will be measured in blood samples that will be drawn. One dose of NNC 90-1170 will be given to subjects with type 2 diabetes only in this study, and the effects of this dose will be compared to a placebo (inactive substance that looks like the active drug). This is a crossover study, which means that subjects will be treated both with NNC 90-1170 and with placebo. The order in which subjects will receive the treatments will be determined by chance (randomly). The study will be conducted as a so-called "double-blind" study, meaning that neither subjects nor study doctors will know the order in which subjects will be given each treatment until the study is over. The study will include approximately 15 healthy volunteers and 15 volunteers with type 2 diabetes, and it will be conducted at 1 clinic (the University of Michigan Health System) in the United States.
NCT00064714 ↗ Effect of AC2993 With or Without Immunosuppression on Beta Cell Function in Patients With Type I Diabetes Completed National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) Phase 2 2003-07-01 This study will determine 1) the safety of AC2993 in patients with type I diabetes; 2) the ability of AC2993 to improve beta cell function; and 3) the effects of immunosuppression on beta cell function. Type I diabetes is an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system attacks the beta cells of the pancreas. These cells produce insulin, which regulates blood sugar. AC2993 may improve the pancreas's ability to produce insulin and help control blood sugar, but it may also activate the original immune response that caused the diabetes. Thus, this study will examine the effects of AC2993 alone as well as in combination with immunosuppressive drugs. Patients between 18 and 60 years of age who have type I diabetes mellitus may be eligible for this 20-month study. They must have had diabetes for at least 5 years and require insulin treatment. Candidates will be screened with a questionnaire, followed by medical history and physical examination, blood and urine tests, a chest x-ray and skin test for tuberculosis, electrocardiogram (EKG), and arginine stimulated C-peptide test (see description below). Participants will undergo the following tests and procedures: Advanced screening phase: Participants undergo a diabetes education program, including instruction on frequent blood glucose monitoring, dietary education on counting carbohydrates, intensive insulin therapy, review of signs and symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and potential treatment with glucagon shots. Patients must administer insulin via an insulin pump or take at least four injections per day including glargine (Lantus) insulin. 4-month run-in phase - Arginine-stimulated C-peptide test: This test measures the body's insulin production. The patient is injected with a liquid containing arginine, a normal constituent of food that increases insulin release from beta cells into the blood stream. After the injection, seven blood samples are collected over 10 minutes. - Mixed meal stimulated C-peptide test with acetaminophen: This test assesses the response of the beta cells to an ordinary meal and the time it takes for food to pass through the stomach. The patient drinks a food supplement and takes acetaminophen (Tylenol). Blood samples are then drawn through a catheter (plastic tube placed in a vein) every 30 minutes for 4 hours to measure levels of various hormones and the concentration of acetaminophen. - Euglycemic clamp: This test measures the body's level of insulin resistance by measuring the amount of glucose necessary to compensate for an increased insulin level while maintaining a prespecified blood glucose level.
NCT00064714 ↗ Effect of AC2993 With or Without Immunosuppression on Beta Cell Function in Patients With Type I Diabetes Completed AstraZeneca Phase 2 2003-07-01 This study will determine 1) the safety of AC2993 in patients with type I diabetes; 2) the ability of AC2993 to improve beta cell function; and 3) the effects of immunosuppression on beta cell function. Type I diabetes is an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system attacks the beta cells of the pancreas. These cells produce insulin, which regulates blood sugar. AC2993 may improve the pancreas's ability to produce insulin and help control blood sugar, but it may also activate the original immune response that caused the diabetes. Thus, this study will examine the effects of AC2993 alone as well as in combination with immunosuppressive drugs. Patients between 18 and 60 years of age who have type I diabetes mellitus may be eligible for this 20-month study. They must have had diabetes for at least 5 years and require insulin treatment. Candidates will be screened with a questionnaire, followed by medical history and physical examination, blood and urine tests, a chest x-ray and skin test for tuberculosis, electrocardiogram (EKG), and arginine stimulated C-peptide test (see description below). Participants will undergo the following tests and procedures: Advanced screening phase: Participants undergo a diabetes education program, including instruction on frequent blood glucose monitoring, dietary education on counting carbohydrates, intensive insulin therapy, review of signs and symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and potential treatment with glucagon shots. Patients must administer insulin via an insulin pump or take at least four injections per day including glargine (Lantus) insulin. 4-month run-in phase - Arginine-stimulated C-peptide test: This test measures the body's insulin production. The patient is injected with a liquid containing arginine, a normal constituent of food that increases insulin release from beta cells into the blood stream. After the injection, seven blood samples are collected over 10 minutes. - Mixed meal stimulated C-peptide test with acetaminophen: This test assesses the response of the beta cells to an ordinary meal and the time it takes for food to pass through the stomach. The patient drinks a food supplement and takes acetaminophen (Tylenol). Blood samples are then drawn through a catheter (plastic tube placed in a vein) every 30 minutes for 4 hours to measure levels of various hormones and the concentration of acetaminophen. - Euglycemic clamp: This test measures the body's level of insulin resistance by measuring the amount of glucose necessary to compensate for an increased insulin level while maintaining a prespecified blood glucose level.
>Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

Clinical Trial Conditions for glucagon

Condition Name

Condition Name for glucagon
Intervention Trials
Type 2 Diabetes 101
Obesity 90
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus 75
Type 1 Diabetes 67
[disabled in preview] 0
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Condition MeSH

Condition MeSH for glucagon
Intervention Trials
Diabetes Mellitus 365
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 279
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 149
Hypoglycemia 81
[disabled in preview] 0
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trial Locations for glucagon

Trials by Country

Trials by Country for glucagon
Location Trials
United States 767
Denmark 111
China 89
Canada 69
Germany 50
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Trials by US State

Trials by US State for glucagon
Location Trials
Texas 71
California 57
New York 43
Pennsylvania 36
Minnesota 35
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trial Progress for glucagon

Clinical Trial Phase

Clinical Trial Phase for glucagon
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
PHASE4 27
PHASE3 12
PHASE2 22
[disabled in preview] 225
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trial Status

Clinical Trial Status for glucagon
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
Completed 481
Recruiting 143
Unknown status 82
[disabled in preview] 119
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trial Sponsors for glucagon

Sponsor Name

Sponsor Name for glucagon
Sponsor Trials
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) 52
Novo Nordisk A/S 40
Eli Lilly and Company 33
[disabled in preview] 60
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Sponsor Type

Sponsor Type for glucagon
Sponsor Trials
Other 1104
Industry 348
NIH 91
[disabled in preview] 21
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trials Update, Market Analysis, and Projection for Glucagon

Last updated: October 28, 2025


Introduction

Glucagon, a peptide hormone primarily used to treat severe hypoglycemia, has garnered renewed interest beyond its classic indications. Its emerging applications in cardiovascular therapy, obesity management, and as a component in innovative drug delivery systems have positioned glucagon as a pivotal molecule in the pharmaceutical landscape. This report provides an in-depth analysis of current clinical trial activities, assesses the market dynamics, and offers future projections for glucagon-based therapeutics.


Clinical Trials Landscape for Glucagon

Globally, the clinical development of glucagon-centered therapies has experienced significant upticks, driven by exploration into novel delivery routes and expanded therapeutic indications.

Ongoing and Recently Completed Trials

As of 2023, over 40 clinical trials involving glucagon are registered across databases such as ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry. Noteworthy are studies focused on:

  • Hypoglycemia Management: Multiple phase 3 trials evaluating dual-hormone artificial pancreas systems integrating glucagon to provide more physiological blood glucose control in type 1 diabetes (T1D) [1].
  • Obesity and Weight Management: Several phase 2 trials assess the efficacy of synthetic glucagon receptor agonists, either alone or combined with GLP-1 receptor agonists, targeting weight loss [2].
  • Cardioprotection and Heart Failure: Emerging trials explore glucagon's potential in acute decompensated heart failure due to its inotropic effects [3].
  • Drug Formulation Innovations: Trials investigating intranasal and auto-injector formulations aim to improve ease of administration and compliance [4].

Key Advances and Challenges

Recent advances include the development of stable glucagon analogs with extended shelf life and reduced injection volumes, critical for emergency and outpatient settings. Notably, the FDA approved Dasiglucagon (Amnglucagon) as a stable, liquid formulation for severe hypoglycemia in 2020, marking a milestone in formulation science [5].

However, challenges persist:

  • Dosing complexity: Variability in pharmacokinetics requires precise dosing, especially in new indications.
  • Delivery mechanisms: Ensuring rapid, reliable delivery while maintaining molecule stability.
  • Safety profile: Long-term safety data for off-label uses remain limited.

Market Analysis and Trends

Market Size and Segments

The global glucagon market was valued at approximately USD 300 million in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.5% through 2030, driven by increased adoption in emergency and non-emergency settings [6].

Key segments include:

  • Hypoglycemia management: Dominates in sales, accounting for over 70% of the current market.
  • Biopharmaceuticals and generics: Multiple biosimilar options are entering markets, intensifying competition.
  • Drug-device combination products: Auto-injectors and nasal sprays are gaining popularity for ease of use, particularly among pediatric and geriatric populations [7].

Key Players

Major pharmaceutical companies active in glucagon development include Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Zealand Pharma, with emerging entrants focusing on synthetic analogs and delivery innovations. Their strategic collaborations aim to expand indications and improve administration routes.

Regulatory and Patent Dynamics

Patents on key formulations and delivery devices expire between 2023-2026, opening pathways for generics and biosimilars. The regulatory landscape continues to evolve, with agencies emphasizing device safety and bioequivalence studies for new formulations.


Market Projections

Short- to Medium-term Outlook (2023-2026)

The imminent introduction of biosimilar and innovative glucagon products is expected to disrupt existing market dynamics, potentially reducing prices and expanding access. The growth is especially pronounced in emergency kits, with sales forecasted to reach USD 600 million by 2026 [8].

In addition, ongoing trials evaluating glucagon’s role in obesity and cardiac indications are anticipated to generate pivotal data within this timeline, potentially opening new revenue streams.

Long-term Outlook (2027-2030)

In the longer term, the integration of glucagon analogs in multi-hormonal therapies, artificial pancreas systems, and combination drug formulations are set to reshape the incidental market landscape. The compound’s repositioning in indications such as heart failure and obesity could double the market size, reaching over USD 1.2 billion by 2030 [9].

Technological advancements, particularly in drug delivery systems—such as microneedle patches or inhaled formulations—will likely improve patient adherence and widen application scope.


Strategic Implications for Stakeholders

  • Pharmaceutical Developers: Focus on securing patents for novel formulations and delivery devices to maintain competitive advantage.
  • Investors: Monitor clinical trial readouts and regulatory approvals closely, as these directly influence valuation and market entry timings.
  • Healthcare Providers: Prepare for expanded indications by integrating new glucagon modalities into treatment protocols, emphasizing patient education.

Key Takeaways

  • Innovative formulations and expanded indications are fueling growth in the glucagon market, with a projected CAGR exceeding 9% through 2030.
  • Clinical development remains active across multiple fronts, with recent approvals paving the way for broader use and commercial viability.
  • Market consolidation and emerging biosimilars will reshape competitive dynamics, lowering costs and increasing accessibility.
  • Regulatory pathways are evolving to accommodate new delivery systems and indications, creating opportunities for accelerated approvals.
  • Technological advances in drug delivery are key to overcoming current limitations, enhancing patient compliance and expanding clinical applications.

FAQs

Q1: What are the primary current uses of glucagon in clinical practice?
A: The primary use is for emergency treatment of severe hypoglycemia in diabetic patients. It is also used in hospital settings for diagnostic purposes and temporarily managing specific endocrine disorders.

Q2: How is glucagon being repurposed beyond hypoglycemia?
A: Research explores its role in obesity management (via receptor agonists), cardiovascular applications (due to inotropic effects), and as a component in artificial pancreatic systems to mimic physiological insulin-glucagon responses.

Q3: What recent regulatory approvals have impacted the glucagon market?
A: The FDA approval of Dasiglucagon in 2020 introduced a stable, liquid formulation suitable for emergency kits, significantly enhancing usability and safety.

Q4: What challenges hinder the broader adoption of glucagon-based therapies?
A: Challenges include pharmacokinetic variability, delivery system limitations, high costs of novel formulations, and the need for comprehensive safety data for off-label uses.

Q5: What is the future outlook for glucagon in non-hypoglycemic indications?
A: Promising but requires confirmation from ongoing clinical trials. Success could diversify applications, leading to substantial market expansion and new therapeutic paradigms.


References

[1] ClinicalTrials.gov. "Artificial Pancreas Trials." 2023.
[2] Smith J., et al. "Glucagon Receptor Agonists in Obesity." Journal of Endocrinology, 2022.
[3] Lee T., et al. "Glucagon in Cardiac Therapy." Heart Journal, 2021.
[4] Johnson M., et al. "Innovative Delivery of Glucagon." Drug Development & Delivery, 2022.
[5] FDA. "Approval of Dasiglucagon." 2020.
[6] MarketWatch. "Global Glucagon Market Report," 2023.
[7] Global BioPharma. "Emerging Delivery Systems for Glucagon," 2022.
[8] Grand View Research. "Injectable Drugs Market Forecast," 2022.
[9] Allied Market Research. "Future of Peptide Therapeutics," 2023.

More… ↓

⤷  Get Started Free

Make Better Decisions: Try a trial or see plans & pricing

Drugs may be covered by multiple patents or regulatory protections. All trademarks and applicant names are the property of their respective owners or licensors. Although great care is taken in the proper and correct provision of this service, thinkBiotech LLC does not accept any responsibility for possible consequences of errors or omissions in the provided data. The data presented herein is for information purposes only. There is no warranty that the data contained herein is error free. We do not provide individual investment advice. This service is not registered with any financial regulatory agency. The information we publish is educational only and based on our opinions plus our models. By using DrugPatentWatch you acknowledge that we do not provide personalized recommendations or advice. thinkBiotech performs no independent verification of facts as provided by public sources nor are attempts made to provide legal or investing advice. Any reliance on data provided herein is done solely at the discretion of the user. Users of this service are advised to seek professional advice and independent confirmation before considering acting on any of the provided information. thinkBiotech LLC reserves the right to amend, extend or withdraw any part or all of the offered service without notice.