Amylin Receptor Agonist
Cagrilintide
Also known as: AM833
A long-acting synthetic analog of amylin, a pancreatic satiety hormone, developed by Novo Nordisk. Not yet FDA-approved on its own, though a combination product with semaglutide (CagriSema) has advanced through Phase 3 trials.
Overview
Cagrilintide is a long-acting synthetic analog of amylin, a hormone co-secreted with insulin by the pancreas that contributes to satiety signaling — a distinct hormonal target from the GLP-1/GIP/glucagon mechanisms of semaglutide, tirzepatide, and retatrutide. It's being developed by Novo Nordisk both as a standalone agent and, more prominently, in combination with semaglutide under the name CagriSema.
Proposed Mechanism of Action
As an amylin receptor agonist, cagrilintide slows gastric emptying and promotes satiety through a different receptor pathway than GLP-1 agonists — the rationale for combination products like CagriSema is that amylin and GLP-1 signaling produce additive appetite-suppressing effects through non-overlapping mechanisms.
Research Context
The cited Phase 2 trial tested five cagrilintide doses (0.3 to 4.5 mg weekly) against both placebo and liraglutide (an older, approved GLP-1 drug) as an active comparator, over a 26-week treatment period. Cagrilintide produced significant, dose-dependent weight reduction and was reported as well tolerated. Since this trial, cagrilintide has primarily advanced in combination with semaglutide (CagriSema), which has its own separate, more recent Phase 3 trial data.
Regulatory Status
Cagrilintide alone is not FDA-approved. The combination product CagriSema has been through Phase 3 trials but, as of this writing, is not yet an approved prescription product — meaning there is currently no regulated, pharmacy-grade version of cagrilintide available at all, standalone or combined.
Limitations of the Current Evidence
- The cited trial is a Phase 2, dose-finding study over 26 weeks — shorter and smaller than the pivotal Phase 3 trials that exist for semaglutide and tirzepatide.
- Most current public and research interest in cagrilintide centers on the combination product (CagriSema) rather than cagrilintide as a standalone agent — if that's what you're actually trying to research, look specifically for the CagriSema trial literature rather than extrapolating from this monotherapy trial.
Research-Setting Dosing (as reported in literature)
| Route | Range (as reported) | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subcutaneous injection | 0.3–4.5 mg | Once weekly, with up to a 6-week dose-escalation phase | Phase 2 trial (Lau et al., 2021), 26-week treatment period. Doses tested: 0.3, 0.6, 1.2, 2.4, and 4.5 mg once weekly, compared against once-daily liraglutide 3.0 mg (active control) and placebo. |
Figures above are extracted directly from the cited preclinical/research literature. They describe what researchers administered to study subjects (frequently animal models) — they are not human dosing recommendations and are not medical advice.
Cited Studies
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 AM, Satylganova A, le Roux CW, McGowan B, Pedersen SD, Pietiläinen KH, Rubino D, Batterham RL · The Lancet · 2021
Human clinical trial (Phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo- and active-controlled, dose-finding)View source →
Last updated August 1, 2026