Summary

Cagrilintide is a long-acting amylin analogue developed by Novo Nordisk, designed to mimic the satiety hormone amylin. It is primarily being developed in combination with semaglutide as 'CagriSema' — a once-weekly co-formulation targeting both amylin and GLP-1 pathways. Phase 3 topline results (REDEFINE-2) reported in early 2025 showed CagriSema achieved superior HbA1c reduction and weight loss compared to semaglutide alone in type 2 diabetes. Cagrilintide is not a licensed medicine in the UK.

Mechanism

Cagrilintide is a long-acting amylin analogue. It mimics the endogenous hormone amylin, which is co-secreted with insulin. It promotes satiety, slows gastric emptying, and suppresses glucagon secretion, collectively reducing food intake. When combined with semaglutide (a GLP-1 receptor agonist) as CagriSema, it targets two complementary pathways for enhanced weight loss and glycaemic control.

Evidence base

Phase 3 topline results (REDEFINE-2, reported March 2025) show CagriSema achieving superior HbA1c reduction and weight loss vs semaglutide alone in type 2 diabetes. Full peer-reviewed publication is pending. Phase 2 data (Lancet 2021) demonstrated significant weight loss for cagrilintide alone and in combination with semaglutide. Evidence quality: moderate (Phase 3 topline but not yet fully published; Phase 2 peer-reviewed).

Protocols

Once-weekly subcutaneous injection. CagriSema co-formulation: cagrilintide 2.4 mg + semaglutide 2.4 mg. Cagrilintide alone: 0.3–2.4 mg once weekly. Dose titration is used to manage gastrointestinal side effects. Trial durations: 26–68 weeks.

Cagrilintide is an investigational compound, not a licensed medicine in the UK. It is not a controlled substance. Purchase and possession for research purposes is generally legal, but it cannot be marketed or sold as a medicine. The MHRA continues pharmacovigilance monitoring of metabolic agents.

Vendor notes

Cagrilintide is an investigational compound and is not widely available from research peptide vendors. Researchers should exercise caution with any vendor claiming to sell cagrilintide, as supply chain authenticity cannot be verified without third-party testing.

References

  1. Novo Nordisk. Novo Nordisk announces headline results from REDEFINE-2. Press release, March 2025. Available at: https://www.novonordisk.com/news-and-media/news-and-ir-materials/news-details.html?id=166301
  2. Lau CW, et al. Once-Weekly Cagrilintide for Weight Loss in People with Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes. Lancet 2021. DOI: 10.1016/S2213-8587(21)00152-X.
  3. ClinicalTrials.gov. REDEFINE-2 — CagriSema in Type 2 Diabetes. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov
  4. MHRA Drug Safety Update: GLP-1 Receptor Agonists. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update