Cagrilintide
| Category | Compounds |
|---|---|
| Also known as | AM833 |
| Last updated | 2026-04-14 |
| Reading time | 3 min read |
| Tags | metabolicamylin-analogweight-losspeptideresearch |
Overview
Cagrilintide is a long-acting amylin analog engineered for once-weekly subcutaneous administration. Amylin is a pancreatic hormone co-secreted with insulin that slows gastric emptying, suppresses glucagon, and promotes satiety. Native amylin aggregates and has a short half-life, which makes long-acting analogs like cagrilintide attractive research tools for metabolic disease.
Cagrilintide has been studied both as monotherapy and, more prominently, in combination with the GLP-1 agonist Semaglutide — a combination often referred to as CagriSema. Preclinical and clinical data suggest complementary mechanisms can produce weight reduction beyond what either agent achieves alone, which is one reason it is discussed alongside Tirzepatide and Retatrutide in the incretin-plus space.
In the broader peptide research landscape, cagrilintide sits with other modified amylin/pramlintide-class peptides and is often compared to Pramlintide, the earlier short-acting amylin analog used in diabetes research.
Structure / Chemistry
Cagrilintide is a 37-residue amylin analog with amino-acid substitutions (notably in regions prone to aggregation) and a C18 fatty-acid side chain that binds albumin. Albumin binding is the principal mechanism behind its extended half-life, a design strategy also used in Semaglutide and Liraglutide.
Mechanism of Action
Cagrilintide acts as a dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonist, engaging hypothalamic and brainstem circuits that regulate satiety and meal size. Effects include slowed gastric emptying, reduced postprandial glucagon, and decreased food intake. Activity overlaps but is mechanistically distinct from GLP-1 agonism, which is why combination strategies are of interest.
Research Summary
| Area | Finding | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Dose-dependent weight loss over 20 weeks | Enebo et al., Lancet 2021 |
| CagriSema | Enhanced weight loss vs. semaglutide alone | Enebo et al., Lancet 2021 |
| Preclinical | Amylin/calcitonin receptor pharmacology | Larsen et al., Diabetes Obes Metab 2021 |
| Type 2 diabetes | Glycemic and weight effects evaluated in T2D | Clinical program disclosures |
| Appetite | Reduced energy intake in controlled studies | Lau et al., Int J Obes 2021 |
Pharmacokinetics
Albumin binding via the fatty-acid side chain gives cagrilintide a half-life supporting once-weekly subcutaneous dosing. Published phase 1/2 studies explored doses from 0.16 to 4.5 mg weekly. Specific doses referenced here are historical trial parameters, not guidance.
Common Discussion Topics
- Additive vs. synergistic effects of amylin + GLP-1 combinations.
- Comparisons with Tirzepatide and Retatrutide.
- Gastric emptying effects and tolerability.
- Differences from the short-acting amylin analog Pramlintide.
- Research-only status outside registered clinical programs.
Related Compounds
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Related entries
- Amylin / Pramlintide— A synthetic analog of amylin (islet amyloid polypeptide), the pancreatic peptide co-secreted with insulin, approved as Symlin for diabetes management through effects on satiety, gastric emptying, and postprandial glucagon suppression.
- Retatrutide— An investigational triple incretin receptor agonist (GLP-1/GIP/glucagon) developed by Eli Lilly, representing the next frontier in metabolic pharmacotherapy with weight loss exceeding 24% in Phase 2 trials.
- Semaglutide— A long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes (Ozempic) and chronic weight management (Wegovy), with emerging cardiovascular, renal, and neurological research applications.
- Tesofensine— Tesofensine is a triple monoamine reuptake inhibitor studied for appetite suppression and weight loss, originally investigated for neurodegenerative disease.
- Tirzepatide— A first-in-class dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Eli Lilly, approved for type 2 diabetes (Mounjaro) and chronic weight management (Zepbound), demonstrating weight loss exceeding 20% in clinical trials.