What it is
Cagrilintide is a long-acting amylin analog designed to support sustainable weight management. It enhances satiety, reduces appetite, and helps regulate food intake, making a calorie deficit easier to maintain. It also helps stabilise blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity. Combined with semaglutide as CagriSema, it produces additive weight-loss effects in clinical trials.
Mechanism of action
Activates calcitonin and amylin receptors in the hindbrain, particularly in the area postrema and nucleus tractus solitarius, slowing gastric emptying and amplifying meal-related satiety signals. Acts on amylin receptors 1 and 3.
Half-life: ~6 days — supports once-weekly dosing.
Evidence summary
Phase 1/2 monotherapy trials show ~10% weight loss at high dose; combination with semaglutide (CagriSema) demonstrates additive effects. 2025 review work outlines its place in the next-generation incretin landscape.
Typical dosing protocols
- Start 0.3 mg subcutaneous weekly; titrate every 4 weeks
- Maintenance: 1.2–2.4 mg weekly
- Often co-administered with semaglutide (CagriSema)
Side effects & safety
- GI: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (peaks during titration)
- Hypoglycemia risk modest unless combined with insulin/sulfonylurea
- Injection-site irritation possible
Cited studies
- (2025). Cagrilintide lowers bodyweight through brain amylin receptors 1 and 3. Nature Communications (NLM).Read source ↗
- (2025). What clinical trials have been conducted for Cagrilintide?. Synapse / Patsnap.Read source ↗
- (2025). The next frontier in metabolic health: Cagrilintide-Semaglutide and the evolving landscape of therapies. The Innovation Medicine.Read source ↗
All content is for research and educational purposes. Peptides described are sold for laboratory research use only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any protocol.