Cagrilintide: what the research shows
A copy of amylin, a fullness hormone, being developed alongside semaglutide.
Also known as Half of CagriSema
At a glance
20.4%
average weight lost in 68 weeks, combined with semaglutide
REDEFINE 1 trial, 3,417 adults · placebo: 3.0%
Not approved yet. Combined with semaglutide as CagriSema, it has been submitted to the FDA, with a decision expected in late 2026.
What is Cagrilintide?
Cagrilintide is a long-acting copy of amylin, a hormone your pancreas releases together with insulin after you eat.
How does Cagrilintide work?
Amylin tells the brain you’ve had enough to eat and slows down how fast the stomach empties. It works through different receptors from GLP-1, which is why it is being combined with semaglutide.
What does the research show?
- In a phase 2 trial, 706 adults took different doses of cagrilintide alone. They lost 6.0% to 10.8% of their body weight on average, depending on the dose, compared with 3.0% on placebo.
- In the REDEFINE 1 trial of 3,417 adults, cagrilintide combined with semaglutide (CagriSema) led to 20.4% average weight loss over 68 weeks, compared with 3.0% on placebo.
- In a head-to-head trial reported in February 2026, CagriSema led to about 23% weight loss, compared with about 25% on tirzepatide (Zepbound).
Known risks and side effects
- Like GLP-1 medicines, it mainly causes stomach side effects such as nausea, constipation and diarrhea.
- It is not approved, and long-term safety is still being studied.
Is Cagrilintide approved?
Tested in people, but not approved as a medicine.
Not approved yet. Combined with semaglutide as CagriSema, it has been submitted to the FDA, with a decision expected in late 2026.
From the community
Watch: Cagrilintide and related science
Start with the compound discussion, then use the background lesson to understand its biology. Each card explains its connection. Recordings may predate later findings or regulatory changes.
Dr Kidd
CagriSema: semaglutide plus cagrilintide
An explanation of the combination and earlier study findings. Later head-to-head results are linked in our article.
Dr Kidd · medical education channel
Discusses the compound
Discusses semaglutide plus cagrilintide and earlier results. Our source links cover the later head-to-head trial.
Ohio State Wexner Medical Center
What is a GLP-1 agonist, and how does it work?
A hospital explainer of GLP-1 signalling, appetite and blood-sugar regulation.
Allison L. Rhodes, MD · obesity medicine
Related biology
Background on GLP-1 signalling for understanding Cagrilintide. It does not demonstrate benefits of this compound or formulation.
Ohio State Wexner Medical Center
Avoiding weight regain after GLP-1 medication
Clinical context for weight maintenance after GLP-1 treatment. It does not test CBL-514 or other experimental add-ons.
University hospital patient education
Related biology
Background on weight maintenance after GLP-1 treatment for understanding Cagrilintide. It does not demonstrate benefits of this compound or formulation.
Sources and references
- Once-weekly cagrilintide for weight management in people with overweight and obesity: a phase 2 trialLau et al. · The Lancet · 2021
- Coadministered Cagrilintide and Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity (REDEFINE 1)Garvey et al. · New England Journal of Medicine · 2025
- REDEFINE 4: CagriSema and tirzepatide head-to-head resultsNovo Nordisk · original sponsor announcement · February 23, 2026
VETUD Learn explains published research in plain language. It is general information, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or changing any treatment.
In the research shop
Check the catalog for related laboratory research materials. These products are separate from the approved medicines and clinical trial formulations discussed here.
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