Despite the worldwide epidemic of obesity, there remain few approved pharmacological treatment options to bridge the gap between lifestyle therapy and bariatric surgery. Cagrilintide is an amylin-analog, now being developed in combination with the GLP-1 agonist semaglutide to achieve sustained weight loss in persons with overweight and obesity.
Cagrilintide is a long‑acting synthetic analogue of the pancreatic hormone amylin, classified as an amylin receptor agonist. It targets amylin receptors and related pathways that regulate appetite, satiety, gastric emptying, and post‑meal glucose metabolism. By activating these pathways, Cagrilintide helps reduce food intake, prolong feelings of fullness, and support metabolic balance in research settings. It is also being studied in combination with GLP‑1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide for enhanced weight‑loss and metabolic effects.
Cagrilintide is evaluated primarily in clinical and preclinical research for metabolic and obesity studies. In major clinical programs such as the Phase 2 and Phase 3 “REDEFINE” trials, cagrilintide has been administered as a subcutaneous injection once weekly with a gradual dose escalation protocol to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Target doses in these protocols frequently reached 2.4 mg per week, with initial titration starting from lower doses such as 0.3–0.5 mg during the first weeks of treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What class of medication is Cagrilintide?
Cagrilintide is a long-acting synthetic analogue of the pancreatic hormone amylin, functioning as an amylin receptor agonist.
How does Cagrilintide promote weight loss?
It targets amylin receptors that control satiety and appetite, slows gastric emptying, and improves post-meal glucose metabolism, leading to reduced caloric intake and prolonged fullness.
Why is Cagrilintide combined with Semaglutide?
Combining an amylin analogue (Cagrilintide) with a GLP-1 receptor agonist (Semaglutide) leverages complementary metabolic pathways to produce synergistic and enhanced weight loss outcomes.
What is the dosing schedule for Cagrilintide in clinical trials?
It is administered once weekly via subcutaneous injection, initiating at lower doses (0.3–0.5 mg) and gradually titrating up to a target maintenance dose of up to 2.4 mg per week to minimize gastrointestinal side effects.
What are the REDEFINE clinical trials?
The REDEFINE program comprises Phase 3 clinical trials evaluating the safety, efficacy, and sustained weight reduction potential of Cagrilintide, both alone and co-administered with Semaglutide, in individuals with overweight and obesity.
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