GlucaGen® (glucagon [rDNA origin] for injection) manufactured by Novo Nordisk A/S is produced by expression of recombinant DNA in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae vector with subsequent purification.

The chemical structure of the glucagon in GlucaGen® is identical to naturally occurring human glucagon and to glucagon extracted from beef and pork pancreas. Glucagon with the empirical formula of C₁₅₃H₂₂₅N₄₃O₄₉S, and a molecular weight of 3483, is a single-chain polypeptide containing 29 amino acid residues. The structure of glucagon is

GlucaGen® 1 mg (1 unit) is supplied as a sterile, lyophilized white powder in a 2 ml vial, alone, or accompanied by Sterile Water for Reconstitution (1 ml) also in a 2 ml vial (10 pack or diagnostic kit). It is also supplied as a HypoKit with a disposable prefilled syringe containing 1 ml Sterile Water for Reconstitution. Glucagon, as supplied at pH 2.5-3.5, is soluble in water

Active Ingredient in each vial

Glucagon as hydrochloride 1 mg (corresponding to 1 unit).

Other Ingredients

Lactose monohydrate (107 mg)

When the glucagon powder is reconstituted with Sterile Water for Reconstitution (if supplied) or with Sterile Water for Injection, USP, it forms a solution of 1 mg (1 unit)/ml glucagon for subcutaneous (sc), intramuscular (im), or intravenous (iv) injection.

GlucaGen® is an antihypoglycemic agent, and a gastrointestinal motility inhibitor.

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