Cagrilintida

Cagrilintide acts as an agonist at amylin receptors (AMYR) and the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor. Its mechanism includes:

• Appetite reduction: Acts on the area postrema of the brainstem, modulating satiety signals.
• Delayed gastric emptying: Slows stomach emptying, prolonging fullness.
• Glycemic modulation: May improve glucose control by reducing caloric intake.
• Synergy with GLP-1: In combination with GLP-1 agonists (e.g., semaglutide), enhances weight loss through complementary pathways.

• Obesity and overweight: Indicated for body weight reduction in adults with obesity or overweight with comorbidities.
• Glycemic control: Potential use in type 2 diabetes, though its main focus is weight loss.
• Combination therapy: Under development as part of CagriSema (cagrilintide + semaglutide) for enhanced efficacy.

Main effects include significant body weight reduction (up to 15-20% in combination), decreased appetite, improved satiety, and possible improvement in glycemic profile. The most common adverse effects are gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Injection site reactions, abdominal pain, and fatigue have also been reported. Rarely, hypoglycemia may occur, especially in combination with other antidiabetic drugs.

Cagrilintide is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the active substance or any excipients. It is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to lack of data. Caution is advised in patients with a history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, or severe gastrointestinal disorders. It may interact with drugs affecting gastrointestinal motility. The most common adverse effects are gastrointestinal and tend to decrease over time. Renal and hepatic function monitoring is recommended during treatment. Safety in individuals under 18 years has not been established.

Cagrilintide is not approved by any regulatory agency (FDA, EMA, etc.) as of 2025. It is in phase 3 clinical trials for obesity and overweight, mainly in combination with semaglutide (CagriSema). Phase 2 results have shown promising efficacy, but no approval application has been submitted yet.

Typical dose in clinical trials is 0.3 mg to 0.6 mg subcutaneously once weekly, titrated based on tolerability. In combination with semaglutide (CagriSema), doses of 2.4 mg semaglutide and 0.6 mg cagrilintide weekly have been used. Dosing should be individualized and under medical supervision.

Store refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C. Do not freeze. Protect from light. Once opened, the vial or pen may be kept at room temperature (up to 30°C) for a maximum of 30 days. Keep out of reach of children.