Overview

CagriSema is an investigational fixed-dose combination of two distinct obesity medications in a single once-weekly subcutaneous injection: cagrilintide 2.4 mg (a long-acting amylin analog, slug: cagrilintide) and semaglutide 2.4 mg (a GLP-1 receptor agonist, the same active ingredient as Wegovy, slug: semaglutide), developed by Novo Nordisk. By co-administering an amylin analog with a GLP-1 agonist, CagriSema exploits complementary satiety pathways — amylin acting in the area postrema and GLP-1 acting in the hypothalamus — producing additive weight loss superior to either component alone. The Phase 3 REDEFINE program demonstrated 22.7% mean weight loss at 68 weeks (REDEFINE 1) versus 16.1% for semaglutide monotherapy and 1.8% for placebo. Novo Nordisk filed an NDA with the FDA in December 2025; a decision is expected ~October 2026. If approved, CagriSema would be the first-ever fixed-dose GLP-1/amylin combination product and would compete directly with tirzepatide (Zepbound) and retatrutide.

Mechanism of Action

Fixed-dose GLP-1 + amylin dual agonism: semaglutide activates GLP-1R in hypothalamus and brainstem (appetite suppression, insulin secretion, glucose lowering); cagrilintide activates amylin receptors (AMY1-3) in area postrema and nucleus accumbens (postprandial glucagon suppression, gastric emptying delay, additive satiety). The two pathways are complementary and additive, producing weight loss significantly greater than either agent alone. A single once-weekly SC injection delivers both drugs simultaneously.

Potential Benefits

  • REDEFINE 1 (68 weeks, obesity): 22.7% mean weight loss vs. 16.1% semaglutide alone and 1.8% placebo
  • REDEFINE 1: 91.9% of CagriSema patients achieved ≥5% weight loss
  • REDEFINE 1: ~54% of patients with obesity reached non-obesity BMI (<30) at week 68
  • REDEFINE 2 (68 weeks, T2D): 15.7% weight loss vs. 3.1% placebo
  • REIMAGINE 2 (68 weeks, T2D): superior HbA1c reduction -1.91% vs. semaglutide -1.76%
  • REIMAGINE 2: superior weight loss 14.2% vs. semaglutide 10.2%
  • REDEFINE 4 (head-to-head vs. tirzepatide): 20.2% vs. 23.6% weight loss — clinically competitive
  • REIMAGINE 2: no weight-loss plateau at 68 weeks; 43% achieved ≥15% weight loss
  • REDEFINE 3: step-up from semaglutide to CagriSema produces additional weight loss
  • Single injection device combines both drugs — improved convenience vs. separate injections

Research Dosage Notes

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

Consult published research literature for study-specific protocols.

Routes of Administration

Subcutaneous Injection High (both components; semaglutide ~89% SC bioavailability; cagrilintide high SC bioavailability)

Once-weekly SC injection delivering both cagrilintide 2.4 mg and semaglutide 2.4 mg in a single fixed-dose device. Same injection sites as Wegovy: abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.

Stacking Protocols

Popular research stacks involving CagriSema:

Metabolic Health Stack

Combines CagriSema with MOTS-c (mitochondrial metabolism) and AOD-9604 (lipolysis) for metabolic optimization.

Reconstitution

StorageRefrigerate at 2-8°C after reconstitution. Do not freeze reconstituted solution.

Typical vial sizes: 5 mg. Add bac water slowly down the side of the vial, swirl gently — do not shake. Use insulin syringe for precise dosing.

Need exact syringe measurements?

Amino Acid Sequence

Combination product: Cagrilintide (modified 37 AA amylin sequence, acylated) + Semaglutide (31 AA GLP-1 analog, C18 fatty acid chain, Aib substitution at position 2)

Side Effects & Safety

  • Nausea (most common; class effect of both GLP-1 and amylin; typically mild to moderate)
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Decreased appetite (intended therapeutic effect)
  • Gastrointestinal adverse events are the most common AEs — diminish over time
  • Safety profile consistent with GLP-1 receptor agonist and amylin analog class
  • No new safety signals beyond individual component effects
  • Standard GLP-1 class warnings apply: thyroid C-cell tumor risk, pancreatitis (rare)
  • High completion rates in Phase 3 trials — favorable tolerability

Safety & Contraindications

This information is for educational purposes only. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any peptide.

Absolute

MTC/MEN2

Contains semaglutide (GLP-1 RA). Contraindicated in patients with personal or family history of MTC or MEN2.

Relative

Severe Gastroparesis

Dual amylin/GLP-1 mechanism significantly delays gastric emptying. Avoid in severe gastroparesis.

Relative

Pancreatitis History

GLP-1 agonists associated with acute pancreatitis. Discontinue if suspected.

Relative

Pregnancy & Lactation

Contraindicated in pregnancy. Discontinue semaglutide component at least 2 months before conception.

Drug Interactions

  • Insulin/sulfonylureas: Substantial risk of hypoglycemia due to dual mechanism. Proactive dose reduction of insulin recommended.
  • Oral medications: Significant delay in gastric emptying may reduce absorption of oral medications. Space administration appropriately.

FDA Safety Information

NDA filed with FDA; PDUFA decision expected October 2026. Combines cagrilintide 2.4mg + semaglutide 2.4mg in fixed-dose combination.

FDA Source: Bulk Drug Substances Safety Risks

Pharmacokinetics

Half-Life~7 days for both components (cagrilintide: ~7 days; semaglutide: ~7 days) — both enable once-weekly dosing
StorageRefrigerate at 2–8°C; do not freeze; protect from light; pre-filled auto-injector pen

Synergistic Compounds

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

Learn More

References & Further Reading