A long-acting amylin analog with remarkable weight loss when combined with semaglutide.
Cagrilintide is a long-acting analog of amylin — a hormone co-secreted with insulin by pancreatic beta cells. Amylin reduces food intake by slowing gastric emptying, promoting satiety signals in the brain, and suppressing glucagon secretion. Cagrilintide was designed by Novo Nordisk to have a half-life long enough for once-weekly administration.
The most exciting application is as 'CagriSema' — a fixed-dose combination of cagrilintide and semaglutide in a single weekly injection. The combination targets both GLP-1 and amylin pathways simultaneously, producing additive or synergistic weight loss. This combination is being developed as a potential competitor to tirzepatide.
Neither cagrilintide alone nor CagriSema is FDA-approved. Phase 3 trials are ongoing. This is an area of active development and patients should not seek these compounds outside of clinical trials.
Phase 2 results for CagriSema showed up to 17.1% weight loss over 32 weeks — comparable to semaglutide 2.4 mg but with a different mechanism. Phase 3 trials (REDEFINE program) are evaluating 20+ mg doses with results expected in 2025–2026.
Cagrilintide alone showed 10.8% weight reduction in Phase 2. The combination approach of different mechanistic pathways (GLP-1 + amylin) may offer advantages over single-pathway agents.
📚 Key Reference: PMID: 37129873 (Phase 2 cagrilintide), PMID: 37783237 (CagriSema phase 2)
GI side effects are the primary concern, similar to GLP-1 agents but potentially amplified due to dual mechanism. Nausea and vomiting may be more prominent. Full Phase 3 safety evaluation pending. Only use within clinical trials.
NOT FDA-approved. Investigational. Do not seek outside clinical trials.