Cagrilintide
Extensively studiedLong-Acting Amylin Receptor Agonist | Weight Loss & Diabetes
Novel long-acting lipidated amylin analog functioning as dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonist for weight management and type 2 diabetes.
Molecular & research data
- Sequence
- 37-amino acid peptide
- Molecular weight
- 4,409.01 Da
- Half-life
- ~7 days (159-195 hours)
- Primary targets
- amylin-receptor
- Routes (research)
- Injectable
- Storage
- Lyophilized: -20°C frozen; Reconstituted: 2-8°C refrigerated, use within 30 days
Overview
Novel long-acting lipidated amylin analog functioning as dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonist for weight management and type 2 diabetes. Phase 3 trials demonstrate 22.7% weight loss with CagriSema combination.
Mechanism of action
Subcutaneous injection enables optimal bioavailability, targeting dual amylin and calcitonin receptors for satiety and metabolic regulation. Enhances insulin sensitivity and controls gastric emptying.
Key research findings
- FDA development candidate with extensive Phase 3 data
- Superior weight loss in combination with semaglutide (22.7%)
- Once-weekly convenience
- 2.2% HbA1c reduction with CagriSema
Research applications
Weight Loss
- Obesity (Monotherapy) — Phase 3 trials demonstrate significant weight loss.
- Obesity (CagriSema Combination) — 22.7% weight loss with CagriSema combination, surpassing existing therapies.
- Weight Loss in Diabetic Patients — 15.7% weight loss in diabetic patients with concurrent glycemic improvements.
Metabolic
- Glycemic Control — 2.2% HbA1c reduction with CagriSema versus semaglutide alone.
- Insulin Sensitivity — Amylin receptor activation enhances insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.
Appetite Control
- Satiety Enhancement — Dual pathway satiety via amylin and calcitonin receptor activation.
Cagrilintide FAQ
How much weight loss can I expect from CagriSema combination therapy?+
Phase 3 REDEFINE trials showed estimated mean weight loss of -20.4% at 68 weeks without diabetes vs -3% placebo. In diabetic patients, CagriSema achieved -13.7% weight loss vs -3.4% placebo. These are the most dramatic weight loss results seen with any approved or experimental therapy to date.
Why do 46-73% of people develop anti-cagrilintide antibodies, and does it matter?+
Anti-cagrilintide antibodies develop in roughly half of users, likely due to the peptide being foreign. Remarkably, clinical trial data showed these antibodies do NOT reduce efficacy—weight loss continues despite antibody formation. This unusual finding suggests the antibodies don't significantly neutralize the therapeutic effect.
Why is pH so critical when reconstituting cagrilintide?+
Cagrilintide's peptide structure is prone to fibril formation and aggregation at neutral pH. Maintaining pH 3.5-4.5 prevents this self-assembly into inactive clumps. Solution must remain clear; any cloudiness or particles indicate degradation, and the dose should be discarded to avoid injecting aggregated, potentially less potent or harmful material.
When will cagrilintide be available and can I get it now?+
Cagrilintide is not yet commercially available. FDA approval is expected Q1 2026. Current access is limited to clinical trial participants. Anyone claiming to sell cagrilintide now is offering an unapproved, likely research-grade product of unknown quality and purity.
References
- [1]Coadministered Cagrilintide and Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or ObesityNew England Journal of Medicine
- [2]Cagrilintide-Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity and Type 2 DiabetesNew England Journal of Medicine
- [3]Efficacy and safety of co-administered once-weekly cagrilintide 2.4 mg with once-weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg in type 2 diabetes: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, active-controlled, phase 2 trialThe Lancet
- [4]CagriSema Reduces Blood Pressure in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: REDEFINE 1Hypertension
- [5]CagriSema drives weight loss in rats by reducing energy intake and preserving energy expenditureMolecular Metabolism
Related peptides
Semaglutide
FDA-approvedFDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist
Semaglutide is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management, engineered with fatty-acid acylation for a once-weekly half-life.
Tirzepatide
FDA-approvedFDA-approved dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist
Tirzepatide is an FDA-approved dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes and weight management, producing larger average weight reduction than GLP-1-only agents in trials.
Retatrutide
Extensively studiedTriple GLP-1/GIP/Glucagon Agonist | Weight Loss & Diabetes
Novel triple hormone receptor agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors. Phase II trials demonstrated 24.2% weight loss at 48 weeks—the highest recorded for obesity medications.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-26. Information is provided for research and educational reference only — see our disclaimer.