Cagrilintide
Cagrilintide (AM833) is a novel long-acting lipidated amylin analog that acts as a dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonist.
Also known as: Long-Acting Amylin Receptor Agonist, Weight Loss & Diabetes
Overview
Cagrilintide (AM833) is a novel long-acting lipidated amylin analog that acts as a dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonist. Developed for weight management and type 2 diabetes treatment, it shows superior weight loss potential when combined with semaglutide (CagriSema), with recent Phase 3 trials demonstrating up to 22.7% weight reduction.
Key Benefits
- Superior Obesity Treatment
- Type 2 Diabetes Weight Management
- Sustained Weight Maintenance
FDA development candidate, extensive Phase 3 data, superior weight loss in combination with semaglutide, once-weekly convenience
Mechanism of Action
Subcutaneous injection provides optimal bioavailability of lipidated amylin analog, targeting dual amylin and calcitonin receptors for satiety and metabolic effects
Pharmacokinetics
Peak plasma concentration: 2 days. Elimination half-life: 7.5 days. Largely cleared by: ~37.5 days.
Research Protocols Injectable
| Goal | Dose | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight Loss (Monotherapy) | 2.4 mg weekly | Once weekly | Subcutaneous |
| Weight Loss (CagriSema) | 2.4 mg + semaglutide 2.4 mg | Once weekly | Subcutaneous |
| Type 2 Diabetes Management | 2.4 mg weekly | Once weekly | Subcutaneous |
| Dose Escalation Protocol | 0.25 mg → 0.5 mg → 1.0 mg → 1.7 mg → 2.4 mg | Weekly increases over 16 weeks | Subcutaneous |
| Combination Diabetes Therapy | 2.4 mg + SGLT2 inhibitor | Once weekly | Subcutaneous |
| Cardiovascular Risk Reduction | 2.4 mg weekly | Once weekly | Subcutaneous |
Research protocols from published literature — not dosing recommendations.
Peptide Interactions
- Semaglutide — Synergistic: CagriSema combination demonstrates enhanced weight loss (22.7% vs 16.1% semaglutide alone) and improved glycemic control through complementary GLP-1 and amylin pathways.
- Tirzepatide — Compatible: No known direct interactions. Both are effective weight loss agents with different mechanisms - cagrilintide targets amylin/calcitonin receptors while tirzepatide targets GLP-1/GIP receptors.
- Retatrutide — Use Caution: Both cause significant GI effects (gastroparesis, nausea). Cagrilintide (amylin agonist) and Retatrutide (triple GLP-1/GIP/glucagon agonist) have different mechanisms but compounded GI side effects create substantial risk. Not recommended without specialist supervision.
- Liraglutide — Compatible: Phase 2 trials show similar efficacy profiles with no adverse interactions. Both GLP-1 agonists and amylin analogs work through distinct satiety pathways.
- Insulin — Monitor Combination: Monitor glucose levels closely as cagrilintide affects gastric emptying and may alter insulin absorption timing. May require insulin dose adjustments in diabetic patients.
- Metformin — Compatible: Well-tolerated combination demonstrated in Phase 2/3 trials. No pharmacokinetic interactions observed between cagrilintide and metformin.
- SGLT2 Inhibitors — Compatible: Clinical trials included patients on SGLT2 inhibitors with no safety concerns. Both mechanisms complement each other for diabetes and weight management.
- Pramlintide — Avoid Combination: Both are amylin receptor agonists with overlapping mechanisms. Combination would provide no additional benefit and may increase risk of gastrointestinal side effects.
- Oral Contraceptives — Requires Timing: Delayed gastric emptying may affect absorption of oral contraceptives. Space administration by 1 hour before cagrilintide injection.
Peptide Instructions Injectable
Supplies:
- Pre-filled pen injector (when approved)
- Bacteriostatic water (standard BAC water acceptable for <30 days use)
- Optional: 0.6% acetic acid to adjust pH to ~4.0 for optimal stability
- Alcohol swabs for injection site preparation
- Sharps disposal container
How to Reconstitute Injectable
- 1Reconstitute slowly down side of vial, swirl gently (don't shake)
- 2Verify solution is clear - any cloudiness or particles indicates fibril formation, discard immediately
- 3Store refrigerated (2-8°C), inspect for clarity before each injection
- 4Allow to reach room temperature 15-30 minutes before injection
- 5Inject subcutaneously in abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, rotating sites weekly
What to Expect Injectable
Week 1-2: Gastrointestinal adaptation period, mild nausea possible during dose escalation. Week 4-8: Early weight loss becomes apparent (2-5%), appetite reduction noticeable. Week 12-26: Significant weight loss acceleration (10-15%), improved satiety signals. Week 26+: Peak efficacy achieved (15-23% weight loss), sustained weight loss maintenance with continued therapy.
Side Effects & Safety
Most common side effects are gastrointestinal (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) during initial weeks. Anti-cagrilintide antibodies develop in 46-73% of patients but do not affect efficacy. No clinically significant QT prolongation observed in thorough QT studies. Only 57.3% of patients achieved maximum 2.4 mg dose in REDEFINE 1 trial. Formulation must be maintained at acidic pH (3.5-4.5) to prevent fibril formation and deamidation. Reconstituted solutions should be inspected for cloudiness or particles before each use.
Most common side effects are gastrointestinal (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) during initial weeks. Anti-cagrilintide antibodies develop in 46-73% of patients but do not affect efficacy. No clinically significant QT prolongation observed in thorough QT studies. Only 57.3% of patients achieved maximum 2.4 mg dose in REDEFINE 1 trial. Formulation must be maintained at acidic pH (3.5-4.5) to prevent fibril formation and deamidation. Reconstituted solutions should be inspected for cloudiness or particles before each use.
Community Insights
Cagrilintide should be stored at Store frozen at -20°C, protect from light, do not shake.
Molecular Information
References
- Coadministered Cagrilintide and Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity
- Cagrilintide–Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes
- Structural and dynamic features of cagrilintide binding to calcitonin and amylin receptors
- REDEFINE 1 Trial - Phase 3 Weight Loss
- REDEFINE 2 Trial - Phase 3 Type 2 Diabetes
- Cagrilintide is not associated with clinically relevant QTc prolongation: A thorough QT study in healthy participants
- Efficacy and Safety of Cagrilintide Alone and in Combination with Semaglutide (Cagrisema) as Anti-Obesity Medications: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Cagrilintide: A Long-Acting Amylin Analog for the Treatment of Obesity
- Thorough QT Study - Cardiac Safety
- Efficacy and safety of co-administered once-weekly cagrilintide 2·4 mg with once-weekly semaglutide 2·4 mg in type 2 diabetes: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, active-controlled, phase 2 trial
- Phase 2 Type 2 Diabetes Combination Study
- Once-weekly cagrilintide for weight management in people with overweight and obesity: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled and active-controlled, dose-finding phase 2 trial
- Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of concomitant administration of multiple doses of cagrilintide with semaglutide 2·4 mg for weight management: a randomised, controlled, phase 1b trial
- Development of Cagrilintide, a Long-Acting Amylin Analogue
- Phase 2 Dose-Finding Monotherapy Trial
- Phase 1b Safety and Pharmacokinetics Study
Research reference only. Not medical advice.