Compound profile
Cagrilintide
Also known as CagriSema (combined with semaglutide)
Last reviewed October 2026
Educational only. A summary of published research, not medical advice or a recommendation. No doses are listed.
Quick take
An investigational long-acting analogue of amylin, a hormone released with insulin that helps you feel full.
- Class
- GLP-1 & weight-loss peptides
- Status
- Investigational
- Evidence
- Early or small human studies
- Half-life
- Not well documented
Mechanism fingerprint
What it acts on, and how. Each chip links to that pathway on the map.
Activates amylin and calcitonin receptors, slowing stomach emptying and increasing fullness.
What makes it different
Mimics amylin, a hormone released with insulin, rather than a gut hormone like GLP-1. Still in trials.
Compare side by side
Mechanism & pathways
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Agonist
Amylin receptors
Receptors for amylin, a hormone released together with insulin. They're formed from the calcitonin receptor plus a partner protein, and signal fullness and slower stomach emptying.
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Agonist
Calcitonin receptor
Receptor for calcitonin, a thyroid hormone involved in calcium balance. It's also the core of the amylin receptors.
Evidence overview
Early or small human studies
Phase 2 trials alone and with semaglutide; the combination is in Phase 3 trials (the REDEFINE program).
A breakdown into human, animal and cell studies hasn't been added for this compound yet.
Why it's used
Being developed for weight loss, mainly in combination with semaglutide.
Side effects & risks
Reported side effects
- Nausea, constipation and diarrhea
- Injection-site reactions
Risks and warnings
- Long-term safety of cagrilintide on its own is not established
- Products sold as “research use only” are not quality-controlled medicines; purity, sterility and labeled amount are not verified.
FAQ
Short answers taken from this profile.
What is Cagrilintide?
An investigational long-acting analogue of amylin, a hormone released with insulin that helps you feel full.
How does Cagrilintide work?
Activates amylin and calcitonin receptors, slowing stomach emptying and increasing fullness.
What receptors or pathways does Cagrilintide act on?
amylin receptors (agonist) and calcitonin receptor (agonist).
How is Cagrilintide different from similar compounds?
Mimics amylin, a hormone released with insulin, rather than a gut hormone like GLP-1. Still in trials.
Is Cagrilintide approved?
Not approved. Studied alone and combined with semaglutide (CagriSema) in trials by Novo Nordisk at the time of review.
What has Cagrilintide been studied for?
Being developed for weight loss, mainly in combination with semaglutide.
How strong is the evidence?
Early or small human studies. Phase 2 trials alone and with semaglutide; the combination is in Phase 3 trials (the REDEFINE program).
What are the main risks?
Long-term safety of cagrilintide on its own is not established. Products sold as “research use only” are not quality-controlled medicines; purity, sterility and labeled amount are not verified.
Sources
- Lau DCW et al. Once-weekly cagrilintide for weight management in people with overweight and obesity: a phase 2 trial. Lancet 2021.