Cagrilintide
About
Cagrilintide, also known as AM833, is a synthetic peptide based on human amylin that acts as a dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonist (DACRA). Amylin is a pancreatic hormone co-secreted with insulin that reduces post-meal glucagon, slows gastric emptying, and increases satiety; calcitonin regulates calcium homeostasis and may influence blood glucose. Developed by Novo Nordisk, cagrilintide has been studied for obesity and type 2 diabetes, including in combination with semaglutide (CagriSema).
Research Applications
- Weight management
- Appetite regulation
- Combination use with semaglutide (CagriSema)
Mechanism of Action
Cagrilintide activates amylin and calcitonin receptors to suppress appetite, slow postprandial gastric emptying, and inhibit glucagon secretion outside of hypoglycemic states.
Molecular Info
- Class
- Peptide
- Basis
- Long-acting analog of human amylin (37-amino-acid hormone)
- Mechanism
- Dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonist (DACRA)
- Primary research areas
- Appetite suppression, weight management, and glycemic control
Dosing Guidance
- Range
- Published references cite a maximum of 4.5 mg weekly, with research starting near 0.25-0.3 mg weekly and escalating over roughly 16 weeks; comparable efficacy was reported at 2.4 mg and 4.5 mg weekly.
- Frequency
- Once weekly with gradual escalation in the cited trials.
- Timing
- Timing is not consistently defined across the available research references.
- Cycle length
- Cycle length is not consistently defined across the available research references.
- Notes
- These details are educational context only. Protocol values are examples and should not be treated as medical instructions.
Known Risks
- Mild-to-moderate gastrointestinal side effects most common in trials
- Discontinuation due to side effects reported around 10% at the highest dose
Regulatory & Evidence Status
- Evidence level
- Investigational; evidence comes largely from ongoing clinical trials, including in combination with semaglutide. Long-term safety is not established.
- FDA status
- Not approved; under clinical investigation.
References
Amylin as a Future Obesity Treatment
Journal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome · 2021
DOI: 10.7570/jomes21071
The Calcitonin Receptor Plays a Major Role in Glucose Regulation as a Function of Dual Amylin and Calcitonin Receptor Agonist Therapy
The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics · 2020
DOI: 10.1124/jpet.119.263392
Amylin, Another Important Neuroendocrine Hormone for the Treatment of Diabesity
International Journal of Molecular Sciences · 2024
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031517
Future therapies for obesity
Clinical Medicine · 2023
DOI: 10.7861/clinmed.2023-0144
A new era for oral peptides: SNAC and the development of oral semaglutide for the treatment of type 2 diabetes
Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders · 2022
DOI: 10.1007/s11154-022-09735-8
Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes in Youth
European Endocrinology · 2023
DOI: 10.17925/EE.2023.19.1.38
Cagrilintide: A Long-Acting Amylin Analog for the Treatment of Obesity
Cardiology in Review · 2024
DOI: 10.1097/CRD.0000000000000513
Amylin and GLP-1 target different populations of area postrema neurons that are both modulated by nutrient stimuli
Physiology & Behavior · 2013
DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2013.02.006
Mediators of Amylin Action in Metabolic Control
Journal of Clinical Medicine · 2022
DOI: 10.3390/jcm11082207
Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of concomitant administration of multiple doses of cagrilintide with semaglutide 2·4 mg for weight management: a randomised, controlled, phase 1b trial
The Lancet · 2021
DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00845-X
Once-weekly cagrilintide for weight management in people with overweight and obesity: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled and active-controlled, dose-finding phase 2 trial
The Lancet · 2021
DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(21)01751-7
Efficacy and safety of co-administered once-weekly cagrilintide 2·4 mg with once-weekly semaglutide 2·4 mg in type 2 diabetes: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, active-controlled, phase 2 trial
The Lancet · 2023
DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(23)01163-7
A Review of Incretin Therapies Approved and in Late-Stage Development for Overweight and Obesity Management
Endocrine Practice · 2024
DOI: 10.1016/j.eprac.2023.12.010
For research and educational purposes only. Not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide. All calculations should be independently verified.
