Cagrilintide

Cagrilintide is a once-weekly research peptide developed by Novo Nordisk.

It is a long-acting analogue of amylin, the hormone the pancreas releases with insulin to signal fullness after eating. [Source: Peptide Dosing Protocols]

Cagrilintide is a long-acting analogue of amylin, a hormone released by the pancreas alongside insulin to signal fullness after eating. It is designed to enhance satiety, prolong the feeling of fullness, and slow gastric emptying. This mechanism is particularly beneficial for individuals with obesity or type 2 diabetes, as it helps regulate appetite and food intake.

The pharmacological action of cagrilintide involves binding to amylin and calcitonin receptors, which are crucial for mediating the effects of amylin in the body. Research by Fletcher et al. (Nature Communications 2025) has mapped the structural binding of cagrilintide to these receptors, providing insights into its mechanism of action. Additionally, Kruse et al. (J Med Chem 2021) characterized the C-20 fatty diacid spacer that extends the half-life of cagrilintide, allowing for its once-weekly dosing regimen.

Cagrilintide has undergone extensive clinical trials, including Phase 3 studies such as REDEFINE 1 and REDEFINE 2, which demonstrated significant weight loss and improvements in glycemic control compared to placebo. For instance, Garvey et al. (NEJM 2025) reported an 11.8% mean weight loss in the cagrilintide monotherapy group versus 2.3% in the placebo group. These studies highlight the potential of cagrilintide as an effective treatment for obesity and type 2 diabetes, although it is still investigational and not yet FDA-approved. [Source: Peptide Dosing Protocols]

Provider notes: [PDP compound] cagrilintide