Cholecystokinin-8 vs Exendin-4

Head-to-head comparison of Cholecystokinin-8 (Cholecystokinin (sulfated C-terminal octapeptide, CCK-8)) and Exendin-4 (Exendin-4 (synthetic exenatide)) — benefits, dosing, side effects, research data, and where to buy.

Research Score

PropertyCholecystokinin-8Exendin-4
CategoryEndocrine PeptidesDiabetes & Metabolic
Full NameCholecystokinin (sulfated C-terminal octapeptide, CCK-8)Exendin-4 (synthetic exenatide)
Molecular Weight1143.2 Da4186 Da
Half-Life1-2 min2.4 hours
Amino AcidsDY(SO3H)MGWMDF-NH239
Typical Dosephysiologic low-picomolar-nanomolar range|research-dependent5-10 mcg twice daily
Routeendogenous secretion|research IV/SCSubcutaneous
Purity≥98%≥98%
Studies Count971800
Research StatusEndogenousClinical

Cholecystokinin-8 Benefits

  • gallbladder contraction
  • pancreatic enzyme release
  • satiety signaling

Exendin-4 Benefits

  • beta-cell survival
  • glucose-stimulated insulin secretion
  • reduced glucolipotoxicity
  • lowered HbA1c in clinical use

Cholecystokinin-8 Dosing

physiologic secretion|research-dependent

Exendin-4 Dosing

5 mcg SC twice daily for 4 weeks|increase to 10 mcg SC twice daily if tolerated|research: 0.1-1 µM in vitro or 1-10 µg/kg in animals

Cholecystokinin-8 Side Effects

  • abdominal cramping
  • nausea
  • biliary contraction

Exendin-4 Side Effects

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • injection-site reactions

Research Overview

Cholecystokinin-8

CCK-8 is a canonical gut hormone fragment with extensive documentation in digestive physiology and appetite control. Sulfation of the tyrosine residue is important for high-affinity receptor activity.

Exendin-4

Exendin-4 helped establish GLP-1 receptor biology in diabetes and remains a classic beta-cell protective peptide. Preclinical studies show reduced beta-cell apoptosis, improved insulin content, and better islet function under metabolic stress.

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Common Stacking Partners

Cholecystokinin-8 stacks with:

gallbladderpancreassatiety

Exendin-4 stacks with:

SGLT2 inhibitorsDPP-4 inhibitorsdiet and exercise
gut-hormonesatiety-peptideendocrine-peptideGLP-1 agonistbeta-cell protectionincretin