Cagrilintide
Also known as: NN9838
Molecular Identifiers
Molecular Formula
C194H312N54O59S2
CAS Number
1415456-99-3
PubChem CID
171397054UNII
AO43BIF1U8
Molecular Weight
3948 Da
Overview
Long-acting amylin analog with a molecular weight of approximately 3,948 Da. Developed for obesity treatment, it mimics the effects of endogenous amylin, promoting satiety and delayed gastric emptying with a weekly half-life.
In phase 3 clinical trials for obesity treatment, developed by Novo Nordisk. Studied in combination with semaglutide (CagriSema) with results of up to 22% weight loss in phase 2 studies.
Cagrilintide is a long-acting amylin analog whose clinical appeal lies in obesity management. Acting on amylin receptors, it delays gastric emptying, suppresses postprandial glucagon, and promotes central satiety via the area postrema, reducing caloric intake. Acylation with a C20 fatty acid enables a weekly half-life, in line with modern GLP-1 analogs.
The spotlight on Cagrilintide comes from its combination with semaglutide — the protocol known as CagriSema —, which in phase 2 studies showed weight losses superior to those obtained with semaglutide alone. The compound is in phase 3 clinical trials conducted by Novo Nordisk, with no regulatory approval as a medication yet; current access is limited to research contexts and to off-label compounding in some markets, with gradual dose escalation to reduce nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort.
Within the amylin family, it is the long-acting counterpart of pramlintide (a daily amylin analog approved as Symlin), with a weekly dosing schedule compatible with modern analogs. Combined with semaglutide in the CagriSema protocol, it positions itself as an amylin-incretin alternative to multi-receptor strategies like tirzepatide and retatrutide, with a distinct mechanism (amylin + GLP-1) instead of simultaneous agonism of multiple incretin receptors.
KCNTATCATQRLAEFLRHSSNNFGPILPPTNVGSNTP Lys(N-eicosanedioyl-Glu)-Cys-Asn-Thr-Ala-Thr-Cys-Ala-Thr-Gln-Arg-Leu-Ala-Glu-Phe-Leu-Arg-His-Ser-Ser-Asn-Asn-Phe-Gly-Pro-Ile-Leu-Pro-Pro-Thr-Asn-Val-Gly-Ser-Asn-Thr-Pro-NH2 Modified peptide — fatty acid-acylated amylin analog for extended half-life
Half-life
~7 days
Administration Route
Subcutaneous
Category
Metabolic & Fat Loss
Mechanism of Action
- Amylin receptor agonism (AMY1, AMY2, AMY3)
- Delayed gastric emptying
- Suppression of postprandial glucagon secretion
- Promotion of satiety via central signaling in the area postrema
- Reduction of caloric intake
Dosage Protocol
Data compiled from the literature. This does not constitute medical advice.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose | 1.2-4.5 mg per week (subcutaneous) |
| Frequency | Once weekly |
| Timing | Same day and time each week |
| Duration | 16+ weeks (with gradual dose escalation) |
Reported Side Effects
Adverse effects described in the literature. Severity and frequency vary between individuals.
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Injection site reactions
Product Properties
| Purity | >98% |
| Appearance | White to off-white lyophilized powder |
| Solubility | Soluble in water and bacteriostatic water |
| Source | Solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) with C20 fatty acid acylation |
| Storage | Lyophilized: -20°C for up to 2 years, 2-8°C for up to 6 months. Reconstituted: 2-8°C for up to 4 weeks. Protect from light and moisture. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. |
Presentations & Preparation
Vials of Cagrilintide found in the research market:
Reconstitution
- Diluent: Bacteriostatic water
- Volume: According to vial concentration
- Slowly inject the diluent against the vial wall
- Gently swirl until fully dissolved — never shake
- Gradual dose escalation recommended for tolerability
Storage
- Lyophilized: Refrigerated 2-8°C
- Reconstituted: Refrigerated 2-8°C (up to 30 days)
- Protect from direct light
- Do not freeze after reconstitution
Scientific Studies
Published studies on Cagrilintide.
Coadministered Cagrilintide and Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity
Garvey WT, Blüher M, Osorto Contreras CK, Davies MJ, Winning Lehmann E, Pietiläinen KH, Rubino D, Sbraccia P, Wadden T, Zeuthen N, Wilding JPH, et al.
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
Frias JP, Deenadayalan S, Erichsen L, Knop FK, Lingvay I, Macura S, et al.
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
Lau DCW, Erichsen L, Francisco-Ziller N, Johannesen J, Kloverpris S, Krogh P, et al.
Related Peptides
5-Amino-1MQ
50 mg per capsule · 1-2 times daily
Adipotide
0.03 mg/kg body weight (Phase 1 trial starting dose) · Once daily
AICAR
0.1 mg/kg/min by intravenous infusion (CABG trial dose) · Single continuous infusion
AOD 9604
300-600 mcg per injection · Once daily
Dulaglutide
0.75-4.5 mg per week (subcutaneous) · Once weekly
Exenatide
5-10 mcg per injection (subcutaneous) · Twice daily (Byetta) or once weekly (Bydureon)