Cagrillitide

🔬 Mechanism of Action

Cagrilintide is a long-acting analogue of the hormone amylin (which is co-secreted with insulin from pancreatic β-cells). It works by:

• Binding amylin / calcitonin-receptor pathways → promoting satiety and reducing food intake.  
• Slowing gastric emptying (thereby prolonging fullness).  
• When combined with a GLP-1 receptor agonist (e.g., Semaglutide), targeting complementary pathways of appetite regulation and energy metabolism.  

✅ Key Potential Benefits (From Clinical Trials)

• In a large Phase 3 trial (REDEFINE 1) of adults with overweight/obesity (without diabetes), the combination of cagrilintide + semaglutide achieved mean weight reductions of ~20.4% versus ~3.0% in placebo at ~68 weeks.  
• Cagrilintide alone (monotherapy) in early trials produced mean weight loss around ~11.8% vs ~2.3% with placebo over ~68 weeks.  
• Beyond weight loss: improvements in cardiometabolic parameters have been reported, including reduced waist circumference, improvements in lipid profile, reductions in systolic blood pressure, improved HbA1c (in pre-diabetes) and markers of inflammation.  
• As a once-weekly therapy (in trials) — which improves convenience vs more frequent dosing paradigms.  

⚠️ Important Caveats & Research Status

• Cagrilintide remains investigational — not currently approved for general medical use.
• Most data come from clinical-trial settings with lifestyle interventions alongside drug therapy — real-world results may differ.
• Side effects: Gastrointestinal (nausea, vomiting, constipation) were common in trials. In the combination trial ~79.6% of participants in the combo group had GI adverse events vs ~39.9% in placebo.  
• Long-term safety and effects (beyond trial durations) are still under evaluation.
• Use of this information must clearly state research context and not imply approved therapeutic claims.