Cagrilintide
Cagrilintide (long-acting amylin receptor agonist)
An investigational once-weekly amylin agonist studied with semaglutide (CagriSema) for powerful combined weight loss.
Overview
Cagrilintide is a long-acting amylin receptor agonist designed for weekly dosing. As part of CagriSema, a fixed combination with semaglutide, it targets amylin and GLP-1 receptors together. Phase 2 data in type 2 diabetes showed roughly 15.6% weight reduction for the combination at 32 weeks versus about 8% for cagrilintide alone and 5% for semaglutide alone. It is investigational and not approved.
Mechanism of action
Agonizes amylin receptors in the hypothalamus and brainstem to promote satiety and delay gastric emptying, complementing GLP-1 signaling.
Key studies & citations
- Human2023
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
92 adults with type 2 diabetes over 32 weeks: body weight change of -15.6% with CagriSema vs -5.1% with semaglutide alone and -8.1% with cagrilintide alone (NCT04982575).
The Lancet - Human2021
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
706 participants over 26 weeks: cagrilintide monotherapy produced 6.0% to 10.8% weight loss across doses vs 3.0% with placebo; 4.5 mg beat liraglutide 3.0 mg (10.8% vs 9.0%).
The Lancet - Human2025
Cagrilintide-Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes (REDEFINE 2)
Phase 3a, 1,206 patients: -13.7% body weight at 68 weeks with CagriSema vs -3.4% with placebo; 73.5% reached HbA1c of 6.5% or lower.
New England Journal of Medicine
Frequently asked questions
What is CagriSema?
A fixed-ratio combination of cagrilintide (an amylin agonist) and semaglutide (a GLP-1 agonist) studied for obesity.