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    §Weight LossResearch protocol

    Cagrilintide.

    Cagrilintide is a long‑acting acylated analogue of the pancreatic hormone amylin, designed for once‑weekly subcutaneous administration[1]. It activates central amylin receptors to promote satiety, ...

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    Research Use Only. PeptiJournal supports private research documentation and calculation support. It does not provide medical advice, human-use directions, or claims of safety or effectiveness.

    Cited blend guide

    This dedicated multi-material catalog entry preserves its cited table for Research Use Only reference. Component-level amounts are not converted into calculated volume, reconstitution, supply projections, or protocol prefills.

    Cited protocol & reconstitution guide

    Source-backed reference fields by phase, including any volume fields authored in the cited guide.

    Weeks 1–4 (Initiation)

    Cagrilintide 0.25 mg + Semaglutide 0.25 mg

    Component amounts0.25 mg cagrilintide + 0.25 mg semaglutide (0.5 mg combined per draw)
    Units / volume10 units (0.10 mL)

    Weeks 5–8 (Early escalation)

    Cagrilintide 0.5 mg + Semaglutide 0.5 mg

    Component amounts0.5 mg cagrilintide + 0.5 mg semaglutide (1.0 mg combined per draw)
    Units / volume20 units (0.20 mL)

    Weeks 9–12 (Mid escalation)

    Cagrilintide 1.0 mg + Semaglutide 1.0 mg

    Component amounts1.0 mg cagrilintide + 1.0 mg semaglutide (2.0 mg combined per draw)
    Units / volume40 units (0.40 mL)

    Weeks 13–16 (Late escalation)

    Cagrilintide 1.7 mg + Semaglutide 1.7 mg

    Component amounts1.7 mg cagrilintide + 1.7 mg semaglutide (3.4 mg combined per draw)
    Units / volume68 units (0.68 mL)

    Weeks 17+ (Maintenance)

    Cagrilintide 2.4 mg + Semaglutide 2.4 mg

    Component amounts2.4 mg cagrilintide + 2.4 mg semaglutide (4.8 mg combined per draw)
    Units / volume96 units (0.96 mL)

    Overview

    Overview

    Cagrilintide + Semaglutide is a dual‑agonist combination blending an amylin analog (cagrilintide) with a GLP‑1 receptor agonist (Semaglutide). Clinical trials demonstrate superior weight reduction versus either agent alone, with the combination targeting complementary satiety pathways[1][2]. This educational protocol presents a once‑weekly subcutaneous approach using a practical dilution for clear insulin‑syringe measurements. Reconstitute: Add 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water → ~3.33 mg/mL total (1

    Category
    Weight Loss
    Routes
    subcutaneous

    Mechanism

    Cagrilintide

    Mechanism of action

    Mechanism of action

    Cagrilintide mimics amylin , a hormone the pancreas releases with insulin to tell the brain that the body is full. The compound is engineered to last about 7-8 days in the body so it can be dosed once a week, instead of needing multiple injections like the natural hormone. Pharmacologically, cagrilintide is a dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonist (DACRA) — meaning it activates two related receptor systems at once. Amylin receptors are concentrated in brain regions that handle fullness signals, including the area postrema and hypothalamus. When cagrilintide activates them, appetite drops and the sensation of fullness lasts longer between meals. Animal evidence suggests this pathway also helps preserve lean mass during weight reduction, although the human data is still maturing. The calcitonin receptor adds a second effect. It slows gastric emptying — meaning food leaves the stomach more slowly — which extends post-meal fullness. It is also linked to lower glucagon release after meals, which can improve glycemic stability. GLP-1 drugs (semaglutide, tirzepatide) act on a different receptor system that overlaps but is not identical to amylin signaling. Stacking the two creates additive appetite suppression rather than redundant signaling. This is the pharmacological basis for CagriSema : in REDEFINE 1, the combination produced 20.4% mean weight loss versus 11.8% for cagrilintide alone and 14.9% for semaglutide alone.

    Key research findings
    • 01

      Cagrilintide is a long-acting, once-weekly amylin analog (an amylin/calcitonin receptor agonist) studied as an injectable clinical candidate (mechanistic / human study).

    • 02

      In adults with overweight or obesity, cagrilintide as a single agent produced dose-dependent body-weight reduction in controlled trials (human study, Phase 2).

    • 03

      In the Phase 3a REDEFINE program, the co-formulation with semaglutide (CagriSema) was associated with roughly 20% mean body-weight reduction at 68 weeks, versus about 11.5% for cagrilintide alone and about 14.9% for semaglutide alone (human study; reported 2025, New England Journal of Medicine).

    • 04

      Gastrointestinal effects were the most commonly observed effects in research with the combination (human study observation).

    • 05

      As of early-to-mid 2026, the developer indicated a regulatory filing for the semaglutide combination was planned; cagrilintide as a standalone agent remained investigational.

    Primary source: REDEFINE 1 (Phase 3a, NEJM 2025): Garvey et al., n=3,417, 68 weeks. Cagrilintide monotherapy: 11.8% mean weight loss vs 2.3% placebo. CagriSema: 20.4% vs semaglutide 14.9%. Trial-product estimand. REDEFINE 2 (Phase 3a, NEJM 2025): Davies et al., n=1,206, 68 weeks, T2D + BMI ≥27. CagriSema: 13.7% body-weight reduction and 1.91 percentage-point HbA1c reduction vs placebo. REDEFINE 4 (Phase 3, Feb 2026 readout): Open-label vs tirzepatide. CagriSema: 23.0% at 84 weeks vs tirzepatide 15 mg: 25.5%. Noninferiority endpoint not met. Lancet 2021 Phase 2 (monotherapy): Lau et al., n=706, 26 weeks. Cagrilintide 0.3-4.5 mg vs liraglutide 3 mg/day. 4.5 mg arm: 10.8% mean loss; 2.4 mg arm: 9.7%; liraglutide: 9.0%; placebo: 3.0%. Lancet 2021 Phase 1b (cagri + sema): Enebo et al., n=96, 20 weeks. Established additive effect of cagrilintide + semaglutide vs semaglutide alone (17.1% vs 9.8%). Lancet 2023 Phase 2 (T2D): Frias et al., n=92, 32 weeks. CagriSema: 15.6% weight loss and 2.2 pp HbA1c reduction. Cagrilintide alone: 8.1%. Semaglutide alone: 5.1%. Mechanism and pharmacology: Kruse et al. (J Med Chem 2021) characterized the C-20 fatty diacid spacer that extends the half-life. Fletcher et al. (Nature Communications 2025) mapped cagrilintide binding to amylin and calcitonin receptors structurally. Cardiovascular signal: Gabe et al. (Diabetes Obes Metab 2024) found no clinically relevant QTc prolongation. REDEFINE 3 cardiovascular outcomes trial is ongoing (~7,000 participants). Evidence Gap

    Pharmacokinetic profile

    Literature reference (RUO)

    Single-dose plasma curve over 24h. Shaded band = commonly-cited therapeutic window. Illustrative only.

    Researched Effects

    Researched benefits

    Areas of active research and investigation. Results may vary and are based on preclinical or early clinical data.

    ✨

    Weight reduction: Phase 2 trials report mean body‑weight loss of ~15–17% at 32 weeks with the combination, exceeding Semaglutide monotherapy[2].

    ✨

    Glycemic control: In type 2 diabetes, HbA1c reductions were observed alongside weight loss[1].

    Protocol Reference

    Protocol reference

    Research Use Only. PeptiJournal supports private research documentation and calculation support. It does not provide medical advice, human-use directions, or claims of safety or effectiveness.
    subcutaneous

    Commonly cited research range: 0.6–4.5 mg, weekly.

    Reference figures reported in the research literature — not a dosing recommendation. For interactive vial math and scheduling, see the Calculator and Schedule tabs.

    Cited protocol & reconstitution guide

    Source-backed reference fields by phase, including any volume fields authored in the cited guide.

    Weeks 1–4 (Initiation)

    Cagrilintide 0.25 mg + Semaglutide 0.25 mg

    Component amounts0.25 mg cagrilintide + 0.25 mg semaglutide (0.5 mg combined per draw)
    Units / volume10 units (0.10 mL)

    Weeks 5–8 (Early escalation)

    Cagrilintide 0.5 mg + Semaglutide 0.5 mg

    Component amounts0.5 mg cagrilintide + 0.5 mg semaglutide (1.0 mg combined per draw)
    Units / volume20 units (0.20 mL)

    Weeks 9–12 (Mid escalation)

    Cagrilintide 1.0 mg + Semaglutide 1.0 mg

    Component amounts1.0 mg cagrilintide + 1.0 mg semaglutide (2.0 mg combined per draw)
    Units / volume40 units (0.40 mL)

    Weeks 13–16 (Late escalation)

    Cagrilintide 1.7 mg + Semaglutide 1.7 mg

    Component amounts1.7 mg cagrilintide + 1.7 mg semaglutide (3.4 mg combined per draw)
    Units / volume68 units (0.68 mL)

    Weeks 17+ (Maintenance)

    Cagrilintide 2.4 mg + Semaglutide 2.4 mg

    Component amounts2.4 mg cagrilintide + 2.4 mg semaglutide (4.8 mg combined per draw)
    Units / volume96 units (0.96 mL)

    Titration protocol

    1. Weeks 1–4 (Initiation)Start
      Cagrilintide 0.25 mg + Semaglutide 0.25 mg once weekly

      Titration steps up every 4 weeks across roughly the first 16 weeks. Fix one weekday and keep it for the whole schedule.

    2. Weeks 5–8 (Early escalation)Build
      Cagrilintide 0.5 mg + Semaglutide 0.5 mg once weekly

      Hold this step the full 4 weeks before stepping up.

    3. Weeks 9–12 (Mid escalation)Build
      Cagrilintide 1.0 mg + Semaglutide 1.0 mg once weekly

      Hold this step the full 4 weeks. Rotate injection sites between weekly draws.

    4. Weeks 13–16 (Late escalation)Build
      Cagrilintide 1.7 mg + Semaglutide 1.7 mg once weekly

      Hold this step the full 4 weeks before moving to the maintenance step.

    5. Weeks 17+ (Maintenance)Maintenance
      Cagrilintide 2.4 mg + Semaglutide 2.4 mg once weekly

      Fixed-ratio pre-blend: both compounds come from a single 0.96 mL draw, so no second syringe or staggered timing is needed. Use a 1 mL U-100 syringe at this volume and keep rotating sites. One 10 mg combined vial at 2.0 mL yields 2 full maintenance draws with about 0.4 mg combined residual.

    Storage & Handling

    Storage requirements(typical for most peptides)

    ❄️
    Lyophilized (powder)
    -20°C (frozen)

    Can be stored for extended periods. Protect from moisture.

    🧊
    Reconstituted
    2-8°C (refrigerated)

    Store in refrigerator door. Never freeze after reconstitution.

    ⏱️
    Stability window
    28-30 days after reconstitution

    Label vials with reconstitution date. Discard if cloudy.

    Reconstitution steps

    1. 01🌡️Wash your hands and lay out a clean work surface
    2. 02🧴Wipe the rubber stopper of the vial with an alcohol swab and let it dry
    3. 03💉Draw 1 mL bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe — this 5 mg vial yields 5 mg/mL.
    4. 04💧Inject the bacteriostatic water down the inside wall of the peptide vial — do not spray directly onto the lyophilized powder
    5. 05🔄Swirl gently until the powder is fully dissolved; do not shake
    6. 06🏷️Refrigerate at 36–46 °F (2–8 °C), protected from light, and use within the supplier-specified stability window
    7. 07❄️Important: This guide is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. For research use only. Not for human consumption.

    Additional storage notes

    Lyophilized

    Store at −20 °C (−4 °F) in dry, dark conditions; minimize moisture exposure.

    Reconstituted

    Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); use within 30 days and avoid freeze–thaw .

    Allow vials to reach room temperature before opening to reduce condensation uptake.

    Clinical Evidence

    Clinical evidence

    Studied in clinical trials for body-weight-reduction endpoints, including in combination with GLP-1 receptor agonists.

    REDEFINE 1 (Phase 3a, NEJM 2025): Garvey et al., n=3,417, 68 weeks. Cagrilintide monotherapy: 11.8% mean weight loss vs 2.3% placebo. CagriSema: 20.4% vs semaglutide 14.9%. Trial-product estimand. REDEFINE 2 (Phase 3a, NEJM 2025): Davies et al., n=1,206, 68 weeks, T2D + BMI ≥27. CagriSema: 13.7% body-weight reduction and 1.91 percentage-point HbA1c reduction vs placebo. REDEFINE 4 (Phase 3, Feb 2026 readout): Open-label vs tirzepatide. CagriSema: 23.0% at 84 weeks vs tirzepatide 15 mg: 25.5%. Noninferiority endpoint not met. Lancet 2021 Phase 2 (monotherapy): Lau et al., n=706, 26 weeks. Cagrilintide 0.3-4.5 mg vs liraglutide 3 mg/day. 4.5 mg arm: 10.8% mean loss; 2.4 mg arm: 9.7%; liraglutide: 9.0%; placebo: 3.0%. Lancet 2021 Phase 1b (cagri + sema): Enebo et al., n=96, 20 weeks. Established additive effect of cagrilintide + semaglutide vs semaglutide alone (17.1% vs 9.8%). Lancet 2023 Phase 2 (T2D): Frias et al., n=92, 32 weeks. CagriSema: 15.6% weight loss and 2.2 pp HbA1c reduction. Cagrilintide alone: 8.1%. Semaglutide alone: 5.1%. Mechanism and pharmacology: Kruse et al. (J Med Chem 2021) characterized the C-20 fatty diacid spacer that extends the half-life. Fletcher et al. (Nature Communications 2025) mapped cagrilintide binding to amylin and calcitonin receptors structurally. Cardiovascular signal: Gabe et al. (Diabetes Obes Metab 2024) found no clinically relevant QTc prolongation. REDEFINE 3 cardiovascular outcomes trial is ongoing (~7,000 participants). Evidence Gap

    1. 01Cagrilintide is a long-acting, once-weekly amylin analog (an amylin/calcitonin receptor agonist) studied as an injectable clinical candidate (mechanistic / human study).
    2. 02In adults with overweight or obesity, cagrilintide as a single agent produced dose-dependent body-weight reduction in controlled trials (human study, Phase 2).
    3. 03In the Phase 3a REDEFINE program, the co-formulation with semaglutide (CagriSema) was associated with roughly 20% mean body-weight reduction at 68 weeks, versus about 11.5% for cagrilintide alone and about 14.9% for semaglutide alone (human study; reported 2025, New England Journal of Medicine).
    4. 04Gastrointestinal effects were the most commonly observed effects in research with the combination (human study observation).
    5. 05As of early-to-mid 2026, the developer indicated a regulatory filing for the semaglutide combination was planned; cagrilintide as a standalone agent remained investigational.

    Evidence maturity varies by compound; much peptide research is preclinical (in vitro or animal-model). Where human data are limited, findings should be read as research observations, not clinical conclusions.

    References

    Literature references

    Published research articles and sources related to Cagrilintide.

    1. 01
      Garvey WT, Blüher M, Osorto Contreras CK, et al. Coadministered Cagrilintide and Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity (REDEFINE 1). New England Journal of Medicine (2025)
      et al. (2025)
    2. 02
      Davies MJ, Bajaj HS, Broholm C, et al. Cagrilintide-Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes (REDEFINE 2). New England Journal of Medicine (2025)
      et al. (2025)
    3. 03
      Lau DCW, Erichsen L, Francisco AM, et al. Once-weekly cagrilintide for weight management in people with overweight and obesity: a Phase 2 trial. The Lancet (2021)
      et al. (2021)
    4. 04
      Enebo LB, Berthelsen KK, Kankam M, et al. Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of cagrilintide with semaglutide for weight management: a Phase 1b trial. The Lancet (2021)
      et al. (2021)
    5. 05
      Frias JP, Deenadayalan S, Erichsen L, et al. Efficacy and safety of co-administered once-weekly cagrilintide 2.4 mg with semaglutide 2.4 mg in type 2 diabetes: a Phase 2 trial. The Lancet (2023)
      et al. (2023)
    6. 06
      Kruse T, Hansen JL, Dahl K, et al. Development of Cagrilintide, a Long-Acting Amylin Analogue. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry (2021)
      et al. (2021)
    7. 07
      Fletcher MM, Belousoff MJ, Harikumar KG, et al. Structural and dynamic features of cagrilintide binding to calcitonin and amylin receptors. Nature Communications (2025)
      et al. (2025)
    8. 08
      Dehestani B, Stratford NR, le Roux CW. Amylin as a Future Obesity Treatment. Journal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome (2021)
      et al. (2021)
    9. 09
      Dutta D, Nagendra L, Harish BG, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Cagrilintide Alone and in Combination with Semaglutide (CagriSema) as Anti-Obesity Medications: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism (2024)
      et al. (2024)
    10. 10
      D'Ascanio AM, Mullally JA, Frishman WH. Cagrilintide: A Long-Acting Amylin Analog for the Treatment of Obesity. Cardiology in Review (2024)
      et al. (2024)
    11. 11
      Novo Nordisk (press release). CagriSema 2.4 mg / 2.4 mg demonstrated 22.7% mean weight reduction in adults with overweight or obesity in REDEFINE 1, published in NEJM. PR Newswire (2025)
      et al. (2025)
    12. 12
      Novo Nordisk (press release). Novo Nordisk files for FDA approval of CagriSema (December 18, 2025). PR Newswire (2025)
      et al. (2025)
    13. 13
      ClinicalTrials.gov. REDEFINE 1 (NCT05567796), REDEFINE 2 (NCT05394519), REDEFINE 3 (NCT05669755), REDEFINE 4 (NCT06131437), REDEFINE 11 (NCT07011667), REIMAGINE 2 (NCT06065540). U.S. National Library of Medicine (2026)
      et al. (2026)
    Search PubMed for Cagrilintide

    Observed Effects

    Observed effects in cited research

    Observed Effects (From Clinical Trials)
    • In the Lancet 2021 Phase 2 trial (n=706), at the highest 4.5 mg/week dose, 88% of participants reported at least one observed effect and 63% reported a GI-specific event. Across all doses, GI events were reported in 41-63% of cagrilintide groups versus 32% with placebo.
    • Nausea
      47%
    • Injection-site reactions
      43%
    • Constipation
      21%
    • Fatigue
      20%
    • Allergic reactions (any)
      10%
    • Vomiting
      8%
    • Loose stools
      7%
    • Headache
      7%
    • Indigestion
      4%
    • Incidence was lower at lower doses. Discontinuation due to adverse events was about 4% across all dose groups.
    Gallstones
    • One Phase 2 participant at 4.5 mg/week developed acute cholelithiasis (gallstones). Gallstone risk is a known class-level signal with rapid weight loss.
    Anti-cagrilintide antibodies
    • 46-73% of Phase 2 participants developed anti-cagrilintide antibodies by week 26. Phase 2 datasets did not show a clear effect on weight-loss efficacy or safety.
    Cardiovascular safety
    • A thorough QT study found no clinically relevant QTc prolongation, even at supratherapeutic doses. Long-term cardiovascular outcomes are still being evaluated in REDEFINE 3.
    Injection-site reactions
    • Mild redness or swelling at the injection site is common, especially during early titration. Rotating sites each week reduces local irritation.
    Theoretical and Class-Level Risks
    • These have not been confirmed in cagrilintide trials but are flagged because they appear in related amylin or GLP-1 class data: pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, severe hypoglycemia (mainly when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas), and acute kidney injury secondary to dehydration from severe nausea or vomiting.

    Research Considerations

    Research considerations

    Research Use Only - not for human or veterinary therapeutic use. Investigational compound currently in clinical development; not approved for general use. Consult a licensed healthcare professional for any clinical decisions.

    • Cagrilintide is investigational. It is studied in adults with overweight or obesity (BMI 27 or higher in REDEFINE 1) and in adults with type 2 diabetes (REDEFINE 2 and REIMAGINE 2). The published trials excluded several populations and conditions; that exclusion list is the most useful guide to who research planning should not include.
    • Phase 3 REDEFINE/REIMAGINE protocols typically excluded participants with: Type 1 diabetes; history of pancreatitis; severe gastroparesis; pregnancy or breastfeeding; recent major cardiovascular events; active malignancy; severe renal or hepatic impairment; personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2 (a class-level GLP-1 caution that may extend to combination products).
    • Because cagrilintide slows gastric emptying, it can change how oral medications are absorbed. Drugs with narrow therapeutic windows (warfarin, levothyroxine, oral contraceptives, certain seizure medications) deserve clinician oversight. Insulin and other glucose-lowering drugs may need adjustment to reduce hypoglycemia risk.
    • Cagrilintide is not approved for individual self-administration. Anyone with metabolic, cardiac, GI, hepatic, or renal disease — or who is pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy — should not consider it without licensed clinical care.

    Factors noted in the research literature; not patient-specific medical advice.

    Regulatory Status

    Regulatory status

    RUO

    Research Use Only. PeptiJournal supports private research documentation and calculation support. It does not provide medical advice, human-use directions, or claims of safety or effectiveness.

    Comparisons

    Comparisons

    CompoundMechanismRouteStatus
    CagrilintidethisA long-acting acylated amylin analog that activates central amylin (calcitonin-family) receptors to promote satiety and slow gastric emptying.subcutaneousInvestigational / RUO
    L-CarnitineAn amino acid derivative essential for transporting long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria for beta-oxidation and energy production.subcutaneousInvestigational / RUO
    MazdutideA long-acting dual agonist of GLP-1 and glucagon receptors, combining GLP-1 appetite/glycemic signaling with glucagon-mediated energy expenditure.subcutaneousInvestigational / RUO
    MOTS-CA 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded in the 12S rRNA region of mtDNA that activates AMPK and influences nuclear stress-response gene expression, studied for metabolic homeostasis.subcutaneousInvestigational / RUO
    RetatrutideAn investigational triple-receptor agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors, combining appetite regulation, insulinotropic activity, and increased energy expenditure.subcutaneousInvestigational / RUO
    CartalaxA synthetic tripeptide bioregulator (Ala-Glu-Asp) studied for gene-regulatory activity in connective and cartilage tissue, with proposed anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects.subcutaneousInvestigational / RUO
    CerebrolysinA porcine brain-derived preparation of low-molecular-weight neuropeptides and free amino acids studied for neurotrophic activity supporting neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, and modulation of neuroinflammation.subcutaneousInvestigational / RUO

    Attributes shown for research comparison only; not a statement of efficacy or therapeutic equivalence.

    FAQ

    Frequently asked questions

    Research-use notice

    Research Use Only. This educational content and calculation support is intended for private research documentation. It does not provide medical advice, human-use directions, or claims of safety or effectiveness.

    Cited guide source: View source

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