In a head-to-head trial, Zepbound beat CagriSema
Novo Nordisk’s next-generation combination led to 23% weight loss, but Lilly’s tirzepatide reached about 25%.
The study at a glance
- CagriSema is
- Semaglutide combined with cagrilintide, a copy of the hormone amylin
- Compared with
- Zepbound (tirzepatide)
- How long
- 84 weeks
- Result
- About 23% vs about 25% average weight loss
- Status
- Filed for FDA approval; decision expected in late 2026
The research, explained
CagriSema is Novo Nordisk’s next weight-loss medicine. It combines semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, with cagrilintide, a copy of amylin. Amylin is a hormone released with insulin after meals that also tells the brain you’re full.
In a phase 3 trial that pitted it directly against Eli Lilly’s Zepbound (tirzepatide), people on CagriSema lost about 23% of their body weight over 84 weeks. People on Zepbound lost about 25%.
Novo had already applied for FDA approval before the result came out. A decision is expected in late 2026.
Read the profiles of tirzepatide, semaglutide and cagrilintide. Research materials for tirzepatide and semaglutide are listed in the research shop, separate from the approved medicines.
What does this mean?
Both medicines produced large weight losses. The trial shows how fast the field is moving, and how high the bar has become for new medicines.
What don’t we know yet?
Full trial details, side-effect comparisons and the FDA’s decision are still to come.
Watch and learn
Understand the CagriSema combination and the semaglutide/tirzepatide names. The earlier CagriSema explainer is not a report of the later REDEFINE 4 head-to-head result.
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
Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy and Zepbound: which is which?
How the brand names relate to semaglutide and tirzepatide and their prescribed uses. Older recordings may not cover later indications or formulations.
Allison L. Rhodes, MD · obesity medicine
Discusses the compound
Discusses Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, Cagrilintide or its clinical context. Read the original studies linked here for the exact formulation, population and outcomes.
National Institute of Mental Health
Different types of clinical research
An introduction to the different questions and designs used in studies involving people.
NIMH · US National Institutes of Health
Research skills
Helps you judge the study design or uncertainty in Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, Cagrilintide research; it is not a trial of the compound.
Sources and references
- 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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