Peptide profile · Weight Management
Cagrilintide
Long-acting amylin analog that supercharges satiety signals, delivering powerful appetite suppression and up to 10-15% weight loss with convenient once-weekly dosing.
Written by Michael Carroll — Owner, Director of Research · Reviewed by the Peptide Initiative Research Team
Dose timeline
0.3 mg
First 1-2 weeks before stepping up
2.4 mg
Ongoing
4.5 mg
Ongoing
Half-life
159-195 hours (~7-8 days)
Bioavailability
~100% (subcutaneous)
Molecular weight
4409 g/mol
Evidence level
Strong human trials
01 · Compound profile
Scientific & efficacy data
Molecular formula
C194H312N54O59S2
Primary benefits
Exceptional appetite suppression through dual amylin and calcitonin receptor activation, creating powerful and sustained satiety signals
Impressive 10-15% weight loss alone, or 20%+ when combined with semaglutide in the CagriSema combination
Uniquely designed to complement GLP-1 medications through an independent mechanism, dramatically enhancing results when combined
Amino acid sequence
Lys-Cys-Asn-Thr-Ala-Thr-Cys-Ala-Thr-Gln-Arg-Leu-Ala-Asn-Phe-Leu-Val-Arg-Ser-Ser-Asn-Asn-Leu-Gly-Pro-Val-Leu-Pro-Pro-Thr-Asn-Val-Gly-Ser-Asn-Thr-Tyr-NH2 (acylated with C18 diacid via gamma-Glu linker)02 · Dosing
How much do I take?
0.3 mg, titrated to 2.4 mg · once weekly
Subcutaneous: A small injection into the fatty layer just under the skin — the same way insulin is given.
Bioavailability High — most of the dose reaches your bloodstream, just more gradually than an IV.
Best time to take
Same day each week, any time of day that works for your schedule
With food?
Can be taken with or without food - choose whatever is most convenient
If stacking
When combining with semaglutide (CagriSema), both can be injected on the same day. The combination is designed to be taken together for synergistic effects.
＋ Increase if
- +You have tolerated the current dose well for at least 4 weeks
- +Weight loss has slowed or plateaued
- +Appetite suppression effects have diminished
- +You want enhanced results and can handle potential increased side effects
－ Decrease if
- −Experiencing persistent nausea that affects quality of life
- −GI side effects are severe or not improving after 2 weeks
- −Rapid weight loss exceeding 2-3 lbs per week
- −Feeling excessively full or unable to eat adequate nutrition
✓ Signs of right dose
- ✓Gradual, steady weight loss of 1-2 lbs per week
- ✓Noticeably reduced appetite without severe nausea
- ✓Feeling satisfied with smaller portions
- ✓Manageable or no side effects
Dosing Calculator
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03 · Suitability
Is this right for me?
Best for weight loss & appetite control
Best for
Weight loss and appetite control
Cagrilintide excels at reducing hunger by mimicking amylin, a hormone your pancreas naturally releases after meals. Phase 2 trials showed people losing up to 10.8% of body weight with cagrilintide alone - and that's without combining it with other medications.
Boosting GLP-1 medication results
When you hit a plateau with semaglutide or want even better results, cagrilintide adds a second satiety pathway. The CagriSema combination achieved over 20% weight loss in clinical trials - significantly more than either drug alone.
People who want once-weekly convenience
Unlike older amylin medications that required three daily injections, cagrilintide's extended half-life of about a week means you only inject once weekly. Set a reminder on your phone and you're done.
Those seeking natural-feeling appetite reduction
Cagrilintide works by enhancing your body's own fullness signals rather than forcing you to eat less. Many users report feeling genuinely satisfied with smaller meals rather than fighting willpower battles.
Metabolic health improvement
Beyond weight loss, cagrilintide helps with blood sugar control and metabolic markers. It slows stomach emptying and reduces post-meal glucose spikes, making it valuable for people with or at risk for type 2 diabetes.
Consider alternatives if
Do not use if
Use with caution if
Not sure?
Compare Cagrilintide with similar peptides to find the best fit for your goals.
04 · Administration
How do I use it?
Subcutaneous injection
Reconstitution — what you need
Example
5mg vial + 1mL BAC water = 5mg/mL concentration. Each 0.1mL (10 units) contains 0.5mg cagrilintide.
For 2.4mg dose at 5mg/mL concentration: draw 0.48mL (48 units on insulin syringe). For easier math, many use 2mL water with 5mg vial for 2.5mg/mL.
Route
Subcutaneous injection once weekly
Best sites
Technique
- 01Wash hands thoroughly and clean injection site with alcohol swab
- 02Let the alcohol dry completely - this reduces stinging
- 03Pinch the skin to create a fold for easier injection
- 04Insert needle at a 45-90 degree angle depending on body composition
- 05Inject the medication slowly over 5-10 seconds
- 06Hold for 10 seconds before removing needle, then release skin
Storage · before reconstitution
Store in refrigerator at 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C). Keep in original packaging to protect from light. Never freeze. Can tolerate brief room temperature exposure during shipping but return to refrigeration promptly.
Storage · after reconstitution
Refrigerate immediately after mixing with bacteriostatic water. Do not freeze reconstituted solution. Use within 28 days of first puncture. Keep vial upright to minimize contamination risk.
Signs of degradation
Sample daily schedule
05 · Safety
Is it safe?
4 common side effects · 3 serious
Cagrilintide has been studied in multiple Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials involving thousands of participants. The safety profile is generally favorable, with most side effects being GI-related (nausea, constipation, diarrhea) that improve with time and gradual dose escalation. Serious adverse events are rare, and the drug was well-tolerated even at the highest studied doses.
Phase 2 trials included over 700 participants with follow-up periods up to 26 weeks. Phase 3 REDEFINE trials enrolled over 3,400 participants with 68-week follow-up. The combination with semaglutide (CagriSema) showed similar tolerability to semaglutide alone.
Common side effects · experienced by some users
Less common
These typically resolve with continued use or dose adjustment.
Stop and seek help if
- ×Severe allergic reaction (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
- ×Persistent severe nausea or vomiting not improving with dose reduction
- ×Signs of pancreatitis (severe abdominal pain radiating to back)
- ×Planned pregnancy or positive pregnancy test
- ×Inability to maintain adequate nutrition despite dose adjustments
- ×Any concerning symptoms your healthcare provider advises stopping for
Always consult your healthcare provider before stopping or modifying your dose. Do not stop abruptly without medical guidance, especially if you are also on diabetes medications.
With other peptides
- ✓Semaglutide — Designed to be combined - the CagriSema combination shows enhanced weight loss through complementary mechanisms
- ✓Tirzepatide — May be combined, but both affect appetite strongly - monitor for excessive appetite suppression
- ✓BPC-157 — Generally safe to combine for gut support during weight loss
- !Pramlintide — Do NOT combine - both are amylin analogs with overlapping mechanisms
With medications
- !Insulin — Increases hypoglycemia risk - insulin dose may need reduction, especially post-meal doses
- !Sulfonylureas — Increased hypoglycemia risk - may need dose adjustment with provider guidance
- ✓Metformin — Generally safe to combine - may provide complementary metabolic benefits
- ✓Oral medications — Slowed gastric emptying may affect absorption timing - take critical meds separately
With supplements
- ✓Protein supplements — Highly recommended to maintain muscle mass during weight loss
- ✓Fiber supplements — Can help with constipation - take with plenty of water
- ✓Multivitamins — Recommended as reduced food intake may limit nutrient intake
- ✓Electrolytes — Helpful if experiencing GI side effects to prevent dehydration
06 · Effectiveness
How do I know it's working?
Strong human trials · first signs week 1-4
Evidence level
Strong human trials
(Phase 3 or FDA approved)
How it works
Cagrilintide is a lab-made version of amylin, a hormone your pancreas releases right after you eat. Think of amylin as your body's natural 'I'm full' signal - it tells your brain to stop eating and slows down how fast food leaves your stomach so you feel satisfied longer. The problem with natural amylin is it only lasts about 15-20 minutes. Cagrilintide is specially designed to last about a week, so you only need one injection and the fullness signals keep working day after day.
Cagrilintide is a lipidated 37-amino acid amylin analog with dual agonist activity at both amylin receptors (AMY1-3) and calcitonin receptors (CTR). The C18 diacid fatty acid chain attached via a gamma-glutamate linker enables non-covalent albumin binding, extending the half-life to 159-195 hours and permitting once-weekly dosing. The peptide activates receptors in the area postrema and nucleus of the solitary tract, promoting meal-ending satiation through descending neural pathways to hypothalamic feeding centers. Secondary mechanisms include delayed gastric emptying, suppression of postprandial glucagon secretion, and potential effects on energy expenditure through preventing compensatory metabolic adaptation. When combined with GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide, the complementary receptor activation produces synergistic effects on weight loss through independent but convergent satiety pathways.
What to expect
Week 1-4
What you might notice
- •Gradually decreasing appetite
- •Feeling full sooner during meals
- •Some nausea or GI discomfort (this is normal and usually improves)
- •Initial weight loss of 2-5 lbs
- •Changes in food preferences or cravings
What's normal
- •GI side effects are common early on - they typically improve
- •Appetite changes may be subtle at starting doses
- •Weight loss is just beginning - be patient
What's next
- →Continue at starting dose for the full titration period
- →Track any side effects to discuss with your provider
- →Prepare for potential dose increase after 4 weeks
Week 5-12
What you might notice
- •More pronounced appetite suppression
- •Steady weight loss of 1-2 lbs per week
- •GI side effects typically improving or resolved
- •Eating significantly smaller portions naturally
- •Reduced food noise and cravings
What's normal
- •Weight loss accelerates as dose increases
- •Your relationship with food begins to change
- •Some fluctuation week-to-week is normal
What's next
- →Continue dose titration per your provider's guidance
- →Focus on protein intake to preserve muscle mass
- →Consider adding or optimizing exercise routine
Week 13-26
What you might notice
- •Cumulative weight loss of 8-12% of starting weight
- •Sustained appetite control without constant effort
- •Improved metabolic markers on bloodwork
- •Better energy levels and mobility
- •Established new eating patterns
What's normal
- •Weight loss rate may slow but should continue
- •You've adapted to your new normal around food
- •Results are becoming visible to others
What's next
- →Discuss maintenance strategy with provider
- →Consider combination with semaglutide if results plateau
- →Continue healthy lifestyle habits for best results
Month 6+
What you might notice
- •Total weight loss potential of 10-15% alone, 20%+ with combination therapy
- •Sustained appetite control feels natural
- •Significant improvements in metabolic health markers
- •Maintained weight loss with continued treatment
What's normal
- •Weight may stabilize at a new set point
- •Continued treatment typically needed to maintain results
- •Periodic adjustments may be needed
What's next
- →Maintain treatment for long-term success
- →Regular follow-up with healthcare provider
- →Continue lifestyle modifications that support your results
Signs it's working · Weight loss indicators
- ✓Clothes fitting more loosely
- ✓Scale showing consistent weekly weight reduction
- ✓Reduced waist circumference
- ✓Visible changes in body composition
- ✓Need to tighten belt or buy smaller sizes
Signs it's working · Appetite and eating changes
- ✓Feeling satisfied with smaller portions
- ✓Reduced interest in snacking between meals
- ✓Less food noise and obsessive food thoughts
- ✓Natural preference for lighter, smaller meals
- ✓Ability to stop eating when full
Signs it's working · Metabolic improvements
- ✓Better blood sugar readings (if monitored)
- ✓Improved fasting glucose on lab work
- ✓More stable energy throughout the day
- ✓Reduced post-meal sluggishness
- ✓Better cholesterol and triglyceride levels
Not seeing results? Common reasons
- •Dose too low - may need to increase to therapeutic levels (2.4mg or higher)
- •Not enough time - meaningful results typically take 8-12 weeks at adequate doses
- •Calorie-dense liquid calories bypassing satiety signals - watch smoothies, alcohol, sugary drinks
- •Eating through fullness signals - pay attention to your body's cues
- •Inconsistent dosing schedule - must be same day each week for optimal levels
- •Unrealistic expectations - 1-2 lbs per week is healthy, sustainable weight loss
Key research
07 · Clinical trials
Tested in people
68 registered studies, 11 still enrolling.
68
registered studies
11
recruiting now
21
phase 3 or 4
9
with published results
By phase
A trial spanning two phases is counted in both, so these can sum above the total. Observational studies carry no phase.
What kind of research
About 35,373 people took part in the studies that actually administered Cagrilintide. Observational studies analyse the records of people already taking it — nobody was given anything for the study, so they are counted separately and cannot show cause and effect.
Most recent
A Research Study to Compare Two Different Versions of Injectable CagriSema in People With Type 2 Diabetes
Novo Nordisk A/S
NN9838-4968
Novo Nordisk A/S
A Research Study to See How Much CagriSema Lowers Blood Sugar and Body Weight Compared to Placebo in Children and Adolescents With Type 2 Diabetes
Novo Nordisk A/S
Sources: ClinicalTrials.gov, the EU Clinical Trials Information System and ISRCTN, deduplicated so a study registered twice is counted once. A study is counted when Cagrilintide is named as an intervention; studies that only mention it in passing are not.
08 · Questions
Frequently asked
How is cagrilintide different from semaglutide?+
They work through completely different mechanisms. Semaglutide mimics GLP-1, while cagrilintide mimics amylin - both are natural satiety hormones but they activate different receptors in your brain. Think of them as two different volume knobs for your hunger signals. That's why combining them (CagriSema) works so well - you're turning down appetite through two separate pathways.
When will cagrilintide be FDA approved?+
Novo Nordisk submitted CagriSema (the combination of cagrilintide and semaglutide) to the FDA in 2025 based on successful Phase 3 trials. Approval is anticipated, but exact timing depends on the FDA review process. Cagrilintide alone is currently being studied for its own dedicated approval pathway.
Can I use cagrilintide by itself or does it need to be combined with semaglutide?+
Cagrilintide works effectively on its own - the Phase 2 trial showed 10.8% weight loss with cagrilintide alone at the highest dose. However, the combination with semaglutide (CagriSema) produces even better results - around 20% weight loss. Your provider can help determine which approach is right for your goals.
What if I'm already on semaglutide - can I add cagrilintide?+
Yes, that's actually the strategy behind CagriSema. If you've plateaued on semaglutide or want enhanced results, adding cagrilintide targets a complementary satiety pathway. Clinical trials show the combination significantly outperforms either drug alone for weight loss.
How long until I notice results with cagrilintide?+
Most people notice reduced appetite within the first 1-2 weeks. Meaningful weight loss typically becomes apparent by weeks 4-8 as doses are titrated up. Maximum results are seen over 6-12 months of consistent use. Remember, healthy weight loss of 1-2 pounds per week is both safe and sustainable.
Are the side effects better or worse than GLP-1 medications?+
The side effect profiles are similar - both primarily cause GI symptoms like nausea and constipation. Some data suggests cagrilintide may be slightly better tolerated, with lower rates of nausea in head-to-head comparisons. Most side effects improve within the first few weeks and can be minimized with gradual dose increases.
Will I regain weight if I stop taking cagrilintide?+
Like other weight loss medications, stopping cagrilintide typically leads to weight regain because the underlying biology driving weight gain remains. These medications are designed for long-term use. Maintaining weight loss usually requires ongoing treatment combined with sustained lifestyle changes.
Is cagrilintide safe for people with diabetes?+
Yes, cagrilintide has been studied specifically in people with type 2 diabetes. It can improve blood sugar control in addition to promoting weight loss. However, if you're on insulin or sulfonylureas, doses may need adjustment to prevent low blood sugar. Always work with your healthcare provider.