Cagrilintide

Overview

Cagrilintide is a long-acting acylated amylin analog developed by Novo Nordisk. Amylin is a 37-amino acid peptide co-secreted with insulin from pancreatic beta cells that suppresses postprandial glucagon, slows gastric emptying, and promotes satiety. Cagrilintide's extended half-life allows once-weekly subcutaneous dosing. When combined with semaglutide (as CagriSema), the dual amylin/GLP-1 mechanism produced up to 25.2% weight loss in Phase II trials, with Phase III data anticipated in 2025–2026.

Mechanism of Action

Cagrilintide binds amylin receptors (AMY1, AMY2, AMY3 — complexes of calcitonin receptor with receptor activity-modifying proteins RAMP1-3) in the area postrema and nucleus accumbens, activating cAMP-mediated signaling. This suppresses postprandial glucagon secretion, delays gastric emptying to reduce postprandial glycemic excursions, and activates hypothalamic satiety circuits via POMC neurons. The amylin mechanism is complementary and additive to GLP-1 receptor agonism, explaining the superior weight loss of the CagriSema combination.

Potential Benefits

• Sustained appetite suppression via amylin receptor activation
• Postprandial glucagon suppression
• Gastric emptying delay reducing postprandial glucose excursions
• Significant weight loss as monotherapy (10–15%)
• Superior weight loss in combination with semaglutide (up to 25.2% in Phase II)

Research Dosage Notes

The following reflects doses used in published research studies. This is not medical advice.

Once-weekly subcutaneous injection. Phase III dose: 2.4 mg/week (as CagriSema with 2.4 mg semaglutide).

Amino Acid Sequence

Side Effects & Safety

• Nausea and vomiting (class effect)
• Injection site reactions
• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite (intended but can be excessive)

Synergistic Compounds

The following compounds have been studied alongside Cagrilintide for potential complementary or synergistic effects:

Related Peptides

Learn More

References & Further Reading

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