Cagrilintide
A long-acting analogue of amylin, studied for its role in the satiety signal — a mechanism distinct from that of the GLP-1 family of molecules.
What if the satiety signal did not travel only through the GLP-1 pathway? Cagrilintide explores another hormonal family, that of amylin, with distinct receptors and signalling logic.
- Research Use Only
- Molecule under study
- Living document
- Current research state
- Cagrilintide alone: in clinical development, not approved as monotherapy. CagriSema (cagrilintide + semaglutide): REDEFINE / REIMAGINE phase 3 programme, filed with the FDA in December 2025, regulatory decision pending.
- Current clinical phase
- Cagrilintide alone: phase 2 — not approved · CagriSema: phase 3, regulatory review under way
- Last update
- 22 août 2026 · Fiche v1.1
- Living document
- Updated regularly as research progresses.
What is Cagrilintide?
Cagrilintide is a synthetic analogue of amylin, a hormone the pancreas releases at the same time as insulin after a meal.
Natural amylin disappears from the body very quickly. Cagrilintide was chemically modified (acylation) to remain active far longer, which allows weekly administration in clinical trials.
It is studied in the field of metabolism and appetite regulation. It is not a finished product with guaranteed effects: it is a molecule under study, presented here for educational and reference purposes (Research Use Only).
Names you may come across
You may come across the informal abbreviation "Cagri" in some discussions. In the earliest scientific publications, the molecule also appears under the development code AM833. CagriSema, however, is not another name for Cagrilintide: it refers to the Cagrilintide + Semaglutide combination.
The official name, used in scientific publications and clinical trials.
The development code used in the earliest publications.
An informal abbreviation found in some discussions. It refers to the same molecule.
The name of the fixed cagrilintide + semaglutide combination. It is not a synonym: it is a combination of two molecules.
Understanding it simply
To understand cagrilintide, it is enough to follow what happens in the body after a meal.
Two messengers leave at the same time
After a meal, the pancreas releases insulin, but also a second, more discreet hormone: amylin. The first handles sugar, the second contributes to the message "that's enough, I've eaten".
A messenger that lasts
Natural amylin lasts only a few minutes. Cagrilintide is a modified copy designed to remain present much longer: in studies, the message is therefore carried more durably.
A different point of entry
GLP-1 family molecules take one route; amylin takes another. Both lead to the same brain crossroads of satiety, which explains researchers' interest in combining them.
La molécule ne donne pas d'ordre nouveau : elle ressemble à un messager que le corps connaît déjà et se fixe sur la même « serrure ». C'est pourquoi l'organisme la comprend naturellement.
The message "I've eaten enough" circulates more effectively: this is what explains researchers' interest in appetite.
What research shows today
Science advances step by step. We clearly distinguish what is firmly established from what remains under study.
- Documented mechanism: agonism of the amylin receptors (AMY1-3) and of the calcitonin receptor. — établi
- Phase 2 monotherapy trial published in a peer-reviewed journal (The Lancet, 2021). — établi
- CagriSema (cagrilintide + semaglutide combination): phase 3 results reported — REDEFINE in obesity, REIMAGINE 2 in type 2 diabetes (2026). — établi
- CagriSema: registration dossier filed with the FDA in December 2025; no regulatory decision issued as of this page's update date. — en cours
- Cagrilintide alone: no marketing authorisation in any country — the combination's status does not apply to the single molecule. — en cours
- Long-term data and extended tolerability profile still being gathered. — en cours
Documented mechanism and a published phase 2 monotherapy trial. Advanced development concerns the fixed combination with semaglutide (CagriSema): Cagrilintide alone remains in development, approved in no country.
What the research shows
- Cagrilintide is an agonist of the amylin receptors (AMY1-3) and of the calcitonin receptor, documented in the scientific literature.
- A randomised, controlled phase 2 monotherapy trial was published in The Lancet in 2021.
- The combination with semaglutide (CagriSema) has been studied in phase 1b trials, a phase 2 trial in type 2 diabetes, and then the phase 3 REDEFINE programme, whose first results have been published.
- The phase 3 REIMAGINE 2 trial, reported in February 2026, presents CagriSema results in adults with type 2 diabetes.
- Its mechanism is distinct from that of GLP-1 receptor agonists: these are two different pharmacological families.
What still remains to be studied
- CagriSema: a registration dossier was filed with the FDA in December 2025; the regulatory review is under way as of this page's update date.
- Cagrilintide alone: no marketing authorisation exists in any country. The combination's regulatory status does not apply to it.
- The long-term tolerability profile, across large populations, continues to be evaluated.
- The share genuinely attributable to cagrilintide within the CagriSema combination is still being analysed.
- Whether effects persist after discontinuation, and long-term strategies, remain open questions.
What we know today
Not all information carries the same weight of evidence. We therefore present it across three clearly distinct levels, from the most solid to the most indicative.
What scientific publications show
Scientific evidence- The phase 2 monotherapy trial reports a dose-dependent weight reduction versus placebo over 26 weeks in people with overweight or obesity.
- Combination trials describe a stronger effect than either molecule used alone, with a mainly gastrointestinal adverse-event profile.
- Publications describe a central action on brainstem areas involved in fullness, as well as a slowing of gastric emptying.
What some professionals report
Documented- Trial investigators stress the importance of gradual dose escalation to limit digestive effects.
- The literature stresses that these data come from supervised trials with medical follow-up and cannot be transposed outside that setting.
What the community reports
Field observations- Field observations describe reduced appetite and earlier satiety, often reported as less abrupt than those mentioned with GLP-1 molecules.
- Combinations with other metabolic molecules circulate in discussions outside the clinical setting; they rest on no published trial.
Observations reported by professionals and the community do not constitute scientific evidence. Only publications and clinical trials are authoritative. In case of doubt, the advice of a qualified healthcare professional prevails.
How does Cagrilintide work?
Cagrilintide acts like amylin: it binds to receptors formed by the calcitonin receptor together with accessory proteins. The correct reading is hierarchical — receptors first, then signalling, and finally the physiological effects studied.
Cagrilintide
Cellular signalling and central brainstem pathways (area postrema, nucleus of the solitary tract)
- Satiété
The satiety signal is relayed to the centres that integrate information coming from the digestive tract.
- Prise alimentaire
Regulation of food intake described in preclinical work and published trials.
- Vidange gastrique
Modulation of gastric emptying rate: a downstream physiological effect, not a receptor.
The reading is hierarchical: the molecule binds to receptors, which triggers signalling; the physiological effects listed at the bottom are downstream consequences, not receptors.
- 1Amyline · Cerveau
The fullness signal is relayed to the brain centres that regulate food intake.
- 2Vidange · Estomac
The stomach contents move on more slowly: satiety lasts longer.
- 3Glucagon · Pancréas
Amylin contributes to modulating glucagon secretion after a meal.
Each mimicked signal acts at a precise point in metabolism. It is their combined action that defines the studied profile of the molecule.
This pathway is distinct from the GLP-1 pathway. It is precisely this complementarity that motivated the combination trials.
Going deeper: structure and pharmacology
For readers who want to go further: structure, pharmacology and development rationale, without simplification.
Structure and duration of action
Cagrilintide is an acylated analogue of human amylin. The lipid chain grafted onto the molecule allows it to bind to circulating albumin, which greatly slows its elimination. This is the same design logic used for other weekly analogues. Native amylin, by contrast, has a half-life of only a few minutes.
AMY1, AMY2, AMY3 receptors
There is no standalone "amylin" receptor. The calcitonin receptor (CTR) pairs with modifying proteins (RAMP1, RAMP2, RAMP3) to form the AMY1, AMY2 and AMY3 receptors respectively. Cagrilintide is described as a non-selective agonist of these receptors, with activity on the calcitonin receptor itself as well.
Central site of action
Preclinical work locates the main action in the brainstem, notably the area postrema and the nucleus of the solitary tract — areas that integrate signals from the digestive system and contribute to fullness. This location explains why the effect is described as a satiety signal rather than a suppression of hunger.
Pharmacological complementarity with GLP-1
GLP-1 and amylin are two independent pathways converging on the regulation of food intake. Combination trials were designed on this hypothesis: adding two distinct signals rather than amplifying a single one. This is the scientific rationale behind CagriSema.
What the data does not yet tell us
The exact contribution of each component within the combination, the durability of results after discontinuation, and the tolerability profile over several years remain open questions. Any reading of this profile must take these limits into account.
Compare: clinical setting versus outside the clinical setting
Two very different realities circulate under the same name. Telling them apart is essential to read the available information correctly.
Fixed combination developed by a laboratory: cagrilintide + semaglutide.
Combination described in biohacking discussions, with no structured development.
Phase 1b, 2 and 3 trials published or ongoing, with a protocol, a comparator and medical follow-up.
No published clinical trial evaluating this combination. Individual observations only.
Adding two distinct pathways: amylin and GLP-1.
Extrapolation of the previous reasoning to a multi-agonist molecule still in development.
Adverse events recorded, quantified and published; supervised dose escalation.
Unknown safety profile: no interaction or combined tolerability data is available.
Dossier filed with the FDA in December 2025, review under way. No approval to date, and this status concerns the combination only, never Cagrilintide alone.
Outside any regulatory or clinical framework.
PHL presents this distinction for information only. Describing an observed practice is neither endorsing nor recommending it: no combination for human use is proposed or suggested here.
Timeline des essais cliniques
A molecule under study progresses step by step. Here, simply, is where the research currently stands.
- Discovery· 1987Completed
Identification of amylin
Amylin (IAPP) is identified as a hormone co-secreted with insulin, opening the way to research on stabilised analogues.
- Preclinical· 2019-2020Completed
Characterisation of AM833
The work describes a long-acting acylated analogue and its activity on amylin and calcitonin receptors.
- Phase 1b· 2021Completed
First combination with semaglutide
A phase 1b trial evaluates the tolerability and pharmacological behaviour of administering the two molecules together.
- Phase 2· 2021Completed
Monotherapy — dose finding
A 26-week randomised controlled trial published in The Lancet evaluates cagrilintide alone and reports a dose-dependent weight reduction.
- Phase 2· 2023Completed
Combination in type 2 diabetes
A phase 2 trial evaluates the cagrilintide + semaglutide combination in people with type 2 diabetes.
- Phase 3· 2025Completed
REDEFINE programme (obesity)
The phase 3 REDEFINE trials evaluate CagriSema at large scale. Published results report a marked effect on weight, with mainly gastrointestinal adverse events.
- Phase 3· 2026Completed
REIMAGINE 2 (type 2 diabetes)
Results reported in February 2026 show, in adults with type 2 diabetes, greater HbA1c reduction and weight loss than the comparator.
- Regulatory· Depuis décembre 2025Ongoing
CagriSema regulatory filing
A registration dossier for CagriSema (cagrilintide + semaglutide combination) was filed with the FDA in December 2025; no decision has been issued as of this page's update date. Cagrilintide alone is approved in no country.
Les analyses disponibles
The theory is put to the test. Here are the independent analyses already published for Cagrilintide, available in the Analyses Library.
The analyses for this molecule are currently being compiled.
Ouvrir la bibliothèque des analysesQuestions fréquentes
Is cagrilintide a medicine I can use?
No. It is a molecule under study, presented here for reference work (Research Use Only). No dosage or recommendation for human use is provided in this profile. The advice of a qualified healthcare professional prevails in all circumstances.
What is the difference from GLP-1 family molecules?
They are two distinct pharmacological families. GLP-1 molecules mimic an intestinal hormone; cagrilintide mimics amylin, a pancreatic hormone co-secreted with insulin. Both pathways converge on the regulation of food intake, but they use different receptors.
Are cagrilintide and CagriSema the same thing?
No. Cagrilintide is a molecule. CagriSema is a fixed combination of two molecules: cagrilintide and semaglutide. The vast majority of recent data concerns the combination, not the molecule alone.
What is known about the cagrilintide + retatrutide combination?
To be studied: no clinical publication evaluates this combination to date. It is described in discussions outside the clinical setting, with no protocol, no tolerability data and no follow-up. PHL mentions it solely to clarify the information landscape: this is neither an endorsement nor a suggestion of use.
What adverse effects are reported in the trials?
Established: published trials mainly report digestive effects (nausea, bowel disturbances), especially early in the study and during dose increases, as well as injection-site reactions. To be studied: the full profile across large populations and over time is still being evaluated. This information does not replace medical advice.
Why do studies speak of weekly administration?
Because the molecule was designed to stay active for a long time: its lipid chain allows it to bind to blood albumin, which slows its elimination. This is a pharmacological characteristic described in the publications, not a usage instruction.
Where does the research stand today?
In phase 3 for the CagriSema combination, with regulatory procedures under way. Cagrilintide used alone remains at phase 2 and is not approved anywhere.
Why do researchers remain cautious?
Because confirming an effect is one step, and demonstrating long-term safety is another. Established: the mechanism and medium-term results are documented. To be studied: tolerability over several years and what becomes of the results after discontinuation. This caution is the mark of an honest scientific approach.
Publications scientifiques
Sélection de publications réelles et vérifiables permettant de comprendre le Cagrilintide. Cette bibliographie s'enrichira au fil des publications.
Glossaire
- Amyline (IAPP)
- Hormone pancréatique co-sécrétée avec l'insuline après un repas, associée au signal de rassasiement.
- Analogue
- Molécule de synthèse construite à partir d'une hormone naturelle, modifiée pour être plus stable ou plus durable.
- Acylation
- Ajout d'une chaîne lipidique sur une molécule ; elle se lie alors à l'albumine du sang, ce qui prolonge fortement sa durée d'action.
- RAMP
- Protéine accessoire qui, associée au récepteur de la calcitonine, forme les récepteurs sensibles à l'amyline (AMY1 à AMY3).
- Area postrema
- Zone du tronc cérébral qui reçoit les signaux issus du tube digestif et participe à la régulation de la prise alimentaire.
- Vidange gastrique
- Vitesse à laquelle le contenu de l'estomac passe vers l'intestin.
- Association fixe
- Combinaison de deux molécules développée et évaluée comme un seul produit dans les essais cliniques.
- Research Use Only
- Destiné à des travaux de référence et de recherche, sans usage médical ni promesse de résultat.
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Read next
Sheets that are thematically close. These links serve reading and discovery — they suggest no combined use.
Fiche de référence — version 1.1, mise à jour le 22 août 2026. The complete regulatory and scientific framework is gathered in the « Information importante » en tête de fiche.