What Is Cagrilintide?
Cagrilintide is a long-acting synthetic analog of amylin — a pancreatic peptide hormone co-secreted with insulin by beta cells in response to meals. Developed by Novo Nordisk, it is engineered for once-weekly subcutaneous dosing and is being studied both as a standalone weight-loss agent and in combination with semaglutide (called CagriSema).
Mechanism of Action
Amylin acts through amylin receptors primarily in the area postrema and nucleus of the solitary tract — regions that regulate satiety. It slows gastric emptying, reduces postprandial glucagon secretion, and suppresses appetite through central mechanisms distinct from GLP-1 pathways. Cagrilintide replicates these effects with a dramatically extended half-life, enabling once-weekly dosing.
Clinical Development
Phase 2 trials demonstrated dose-dependent weight loss of up to 10.8% body weight over 26 weeks. The combination with semaglutide (CagriSema) has shown mean weight reductions approaching 22–25% body weight in Phase 3 REDEFINE trials — approaching the efficacy of bariatric surgery through complementary, largely non-overlapping hormonal mechanisms.
Quick Reference
Member reference tables summarize the compound's research parameters.
Research Indications
Research Protocols
As reported in cited literature and research-community logs (see Research Citations below), not a personal dosing recommendation.
This member section describes parameters reported in the research literature.
Peptide Interactions
This member section summarizes reported compound interactions and evidence limitations.
Reported Research Time Points
This member section summarizes reported research time points.
Safety Notes
Included for harm-reduction awareness only, in the event this compound is encountered outside its labeled research use. Inclusion here does not imply RUO Codes endorses, recommends, or instructs human use.
This member section discusses research safety considerations and uncertainties.
Quality Indicators
Research Citations
- Coadministered Cagrilintide and Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity
Garvey, W.T., Blüher, M., Contreras, C.K.O., et al., 2025, New England Journal of Medicine - Cagrilintide–Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes
Davies, M.J., Bajaj, H.S., Broholm, C., et al., 2025, New England Journal of Medicine - 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 trial
Frias, J.P., Auerbach, P., Bajaj, H.S., et al., 2023, The Lancet - Once-weekly cagrilintide for weight management in people with overweight and obesity: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled and active-controlled, dose-finding phase 2 trial
Lau, D.C.W., Erichsen, L., Francisco, A.M., et al., 2021, The Lancet - Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of concomitant administration of multiple doses of cagrilintide with semaglutide 2·4 mg for weight management: a randomised, controlled, phase 1b trial
Enebo, L.B., Berthelsen, K.K., Kankam, M., et al., 2021, The Lancet - Development of Cagrilintide, a Long-Acting Amylin Analogue
Kruse, T., Glastrup, S., Moser, C., et al., 2021, Journal of Medicinal Chemistry - Structural and dynamic features of cagrilintide binding to calcitonin and amylin receptors
Cao, J., Gholamrezaie, L., Donnelly, D., et al., 2025, Nature Communications - Cagrilintide is not associated with clinically relevant QTc prolongation: A thorough QT study in healthy participants
Gabe, M.B.N., Sonne, N., Liu, L., et al., 2024, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism - Efficacy and Safety of Cagrilintide Alone and in Combination with Semaglutide (Cagrisema) as Anti-Obesity Medications: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Dutta, D., Nagendra, L., Harish, B.G., et al., 2024, Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism - Cagrilintide: A Long-Acting Amylin Analog for the Treatment of Obesity
D'Ascanio, A.M., Mullally, J.A., Frishman, W.H., 2024, Cardiology in Review - Coadministered Cagrilintide and Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity
Garvey WT, Blüher M, Osorto Contreras CK, 2025, N Engl J Med - Comparative effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor agonists on glycaemic control, body weight, and lipid profile for type 2 diabetes: systematic review and network meta-analysis
Yao H, Zhang A, Li D, 2024, BMJ - Cagrilintide-Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes
Davies MJ, Bajaj HS, Broholm C, 2025, N Engl J Med - Weight management treatment in obesity
Rubio-Herrera MA, Mera-Carreiro S, 2025, Med Clin (Barc) - Amylin analogs for the treatment of obesity without diabetes: present and future
Panou T, Gouveri E, Popovic DS, 2024, Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol