Cagrilintide
Stronger clinical signalAlso known as: long-acting amylin analogue · CagriSema component
A long-acting amylin-receptor analogue from Novo Nordisk, studied alone and paired with semaglutide (as "CagriSema") for weight management and type 2 diabetes. Currently one of the most-discussed "next after tirzepatide/retatrutide" names in metabolic-peptide circles.
Mechanism (plain language)
Activates amylin receptors, which slow gastric emptying and reduce food intake through a mechanism distinct from—but complementary to—GLP-1 receptor agonism. Combining it with semaglutide is intended to hit appetite regulation from two hormone systems at once.
What research suggests
Randomized trials of cagrilintide alone and of the cagrilintide+semaglutide combination report substantial weight loss versus placebo and versus either component alone, with larger phase 3 data now published for adults with overweight or obesity.
Uncertainties & risks
Investigational combination as of last review, not broadly approved for general consumer use. GI adverse events (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) are common and were more frequent with the combination than placebo in trials. Long-term safety and lean-mass effects during rapid weight loss are still being characterized.
Primary sources
Secondary citations for verification. Prefer the STACKD summary above for context before opening these.
- Efficacy and safety of co-administered once-weekly cagrilintide 2.4 mg with once-weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg in type 2 diabetes
2023 · human
CagriSema produced significantly greater weight loss than semaglutide or cagrilintide alone in a phase 2 trial in type 2 diabetes.
- Coadministered Cagrilintide and Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity
2025 · human
Phase 3a trial reported an estimated -20.4% body-weight change with cagrilintide-semaglutide versus -3.0% with placebo at 68 weeks.