Cagrilintide
Amylin Analog
Cagrilintide is a long-acting amylin analogue that works differently from GLP-1 medications. By mimicking the satiety hormone amylin, it promotes fullness through distinct brain pathways. Phase 3 trials showed 11.8% weight loss as monotherapy.
The Science
What is Cagrilintide?
Cagrilintide is a long-acting analogue of amylin, a hormone naturally released by the pancreas alongside insulin after meals. Amylin promotes satiety by signaling fullness to the brain through pathways distinct from GLP-1—offering a complementary approach to appetite control.
Unlike GLP-1 receptor agonists (like semaglutide), cagrilintide targets amylin and calcitonin receptors in the brainstem.
In the Phase 3 REDEFINE 1 trial, cagrilintide monotherapy achieved 11.8% average weight loss over 68 weeks—comparable to semaglutide but with a notably lower incidence of nausea and vomiting, making it a potential option for research subjects who don’t tolerate GLP-1 medications well.
Mechanism of Action
The Amylin Pathway
Cagrilintide works through a distinct mechanism from GLP-1 medications, targeting satiety through different brain regions.
Amylin Receptor Activation
Mimics natural amylin released by the pancreas, signaling satiety to the area postrema and other brainstem regions involved in appetite control.
Delayed Gastric Emptying
Slows the rate at which food leaves the stomach, prolonging feelings of fullness after meals and reducing overall food intake.
Complementary to GLP-1
Works through different neural pathways than GLP-1, which is why combining cagrilintide with semaglutide (CagriSema) enhances weight loss beyond either alone.
Different Mechanism
Works through amylin receptors rather than GLP-1, offering an alternative pathway for research subjects who may not respond optimally to GLP-1 medications alone.
Meaningful Weight Loss
11.8% average weight loss as monotherapy in Phase 3 trials—clinically significant and comparable to first-generation GLP-1 medications.
Combination Potential
When combined with semaglutide (CagriSema), achieved 20-22% weight loss—demonstrating synergy between amylin and GLP-1 pathways.
Blood Sugar Benefits
Amylin helps regulate post-meal glucose levels, with 88% of prediabetic research subjects in trials returning to normoglycemia.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cagrilintide FDA approved?+
No, cagrilintide is not yet FDA approved. It has completed Phase 3 clinical trials (the REDEFINE program) with positive results, and Novo Nordisk is expected to seek FDA approval. Commercial availability is anticipated in 2026 at the earliest.
How does cagrilintide differ from semaglutide?+
Cagrilintide is an amylin analogue that targets amylin and calcitonin receptors, while semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. They work through different brain pathways to promote satiety. This is why combining them (CagriSema) produces greater weight loss than either alone—the mechanisms are complementary rather than redundant.
Research-Only Notice
Cagrilintide is categorized by the FDA as for research-purposes-only. It is not intended for human consumption, diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. The information above summarizes effects observed in laboratory studies to date and is provided strictly for scientific and educational reference.