Cagrilintide
Also called AM833
An investigational long-acting amylin analogue for weight management. It is not a GLP-1 drug and is not the same as CagriSema, which combines it with semaglutide.
Overview
What it is
A modified, more stable version of amylin, a pancreatic hormone that promotes fullness. It acts on amylin and calcitonin receptors.
How it works
It extends amylin's fullness signal to reduce appetite and food intake, a different pathway from GLP-1.
What the research shows
A 26-week phase 2 trial in 706 adults without diabetes found 6.0% to 10.8% average weight loss across doses versus 3.0% with placebo (liraglutide: 9.0%). In REDEFINE 1, cagrilintide alone was compared with semaglutide alone and the combination. The open-label REDEFINE 4 trial found CagriSema did not meet non-inferiority against tirzepatide 15 mg (23.0% vs 25.5% at 84 weeks).
Studied for
- Weight management alonephase 2
- Weight management with semaglutidephase 3, as CagriSema
Safety and regulatory status
Safety and side effects
In phase 2, digestive side effects affected 41% to 63% on cagrilintide versus 32% on placebo; nausea was most common, plus constipation, diarrhea and injection-site reactions. Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down needs medical attention.
Regulatory status
Not FDA approved; FDA states it cannot be used in compounding. A CagriSema application was submitted in December 2025 with a decision expected late 2026.
Mixing and dosing reference
Reference information only. Read before using this section.
Cagrilintide (5 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
- Vial
- 5 mg Cagrilintide
- Add diluent
- 1 mL
- Concentration
- 5 mg/mL
- 1 unit (U-100)
- 50 mcg in 0.01 mL
- Route
- Subcutaneous
Phase 2 4.5 mg Target Arm
| Week/Phase | Peptide Amount | U-100 Units | Volume | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 0.6 mg | 12 units | 0.12 mL | Once weekly |
| Weeks 3–4 | 1.2 mg | 24 units | 0.24 mL | Once weekly |
| Weeks 5–6 | 2.4 mg | 48 units | 0.48 mL | Once weekly |
| Week 7 onward in the 26-week trial | 4.5 mg | 90 units | 0.90 mL | Once weekly |
How to mix
- Clean the vial stopper with an alcohol swab and gather sterile supplies.
- Add 1 mL bacteriostatic water slowly down the inside wall of the vial.
- Gently swirl or roll until fully dissolved. Do not shake.
- Label the vial 5 mg/mL with the preparation date and keep it refrigerated.
Administration technique
- The published cagrilintide studies used subcutaneous administration. General subcutaneous technique includes cleaning the vial stopper and skin, allowing alcohol to dry, placing the needle into subcutaneous tissue, injecting slowly, and rotating sites to reduce repeated local irritation.
- Use a new sterile syringe and needle for every administration.
- Confirm the concentration before translating milligrams into milliliters or U-100 units.
- Rotate among appropriate subcutaneous sites instead of repeatedly using the same location.
- Place used needles immediately into an approved sharps container; never recap or reuse them.
Protocol source: PeptideDosages.com
Common questions
Is cagrilintide the same as CagriSema?
No. CagriSema adds semaglutide.
Is it better than tirzepatide?
CagriSema did not match tirzepatide 15 mg in REDEFINE 4; it beat tirzepatide 5 mg in a different trial.
Is it a GLP-1?
No. It acts on amylin receptors.
Found in these blends
Related in Metabolic Health
Sources and further reading (6)
- Kruse T, et al. Development of cagrilintide, a long-acting amylin analogue. J Med Chem, 2021.
- Lau DCW, et al. Once-weekly cagrilintide for weight management: phase 2. Lancet, 2021.
- Garvey WT, et al. Coadministered cagrilintide and semaglutide (REDEFINE 1). NEJM, 2025.
- Novo Nordisk. REDEFINE 4 topline results, Feb 2026.
- FDA. Concerns with unapproved drugs used for weight loss.
- Source summary: PeptideDosages.com research overview (rewritten for NVO).