Weight
Cagrilintide
Metabolic
38
Amino acids
Molecular weight
Peptide
Type
Cagrilintide is a long-acting synthetic analog of amylin, a pancreatic hormone co-secreted with insulin, developed by Novo Nordisk for once-weekly subcutaneous dosing. It activates amylin receptors (AMY1–AMY3) in the hypothalamus and area postrema to suppress appetite, slow gastric emptying, and reduce post-prandial glucagon. It is being studied as a standalone treatment for obesity and in combination with semaglutide (CagriSema) in Phase 3 trials.
Top researched benefits
Overview of Cagrilintide
Cagrilintide is a non-selective agonist at amylin receptors AMY1–AMY3, which are expressed in the hypothalamus and area postrema; receptor activation enhances satiety signaling, slows gastric emptying, and suppresses post-prandial glucagon secretion. Fatty acid conjugation enables reversible albumin binding, extending its half-life to approximately 7–8 days and enabling once-weekly dosing.
weight loss
- Phase 3 trials demonstrate significant weight loss.
- 22.7% weight loss with CagriSema combination, surpassing existing therapies.
- 15.7% weight loss in diabetic patients with concurrent glycemic improvements.
metabolic
- 2.2% HbA1c reduction with CagriSema versus semaglutide alone.
- Amylin receptor activation enhances insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.
appetite control
- Dual pathway satiety via amylin and calcitonin receptor activation.
Typical Dose
2.4mg per injection (maintenance dose)
Frequency
once weekly
Cycle Duration
Titrate from 0.25mg to 2.4mg over 17 weeks; continue at maintenance dose
Storage
Lyophilized: −20°C. Reconstituted: 2–8°C for up to 30 days; do not refreeze.
Chemical Makeup
Key benefits
Produces 11.8% mean body weight reduction as monotherapy over 68 weeks, with 31.6% of patients achieving >15% weight loss
Combined with semaglutide (CagriSema), achieves mean body weight reduction of 20.4% over 68 weeks, with 60% of patients losing ≥20% body weight
Suppresses appetite centrally via amylin receptors in the hypothalamus and area postrema, reducing food intake without requiring caloric restriction effort
Slows gastric emptying, blunting post-meal glucose spikes and extending the duration of satiety after meals
Community interest
This peptide is still gaining traction in the community.
Amylin Analog | Obesity & Metabolic Health
This overview is informational and based on aggregated descriptions from studies and user reports.
Was it helpful?YesNoCagrilintide Molecular Information
View the scientifc details of Cagrilintide.
38
Amino Acids
Cagrilintide
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?
Position 1
Lys
Lys
Position 2
Cys
Cys
Position 3
Asn
Asn
Position 4
Thr
Thr
Position 5
Ala
Ala
Position 6
Thr
Thr
Position 7
Cys
Cys
Position 8
Ala
Ala
Position 9
Thr
Thr
Position 10
Gln
Gln
Position 11
Arg
Arg
Position 12
Leu
Leu
Position 13
Ala
Ala
Position 14
Glu
Glu
Position 15
Phe
Phe
Position 16
Leu
Leu
Position 17
Arg
Arg
Position 18
His
His
Position 19
Ser
Ser
Position 20
Ser
Ser
Position 21
Asn
Asn
Position 22
Asn
Asn
Position 23
Phe
Phe
Position 24
Gly
Gly
Position 25
Pro
Pro
Position 26
Ile
Ile
Position 27
Leu
Leu
Position 28
Pro
Pro
Position 29
Pro
Pro
Position 30
Thr
Thr
Position 31
Asn
Asn
Position 32
Val
Val
Position 33
Gly
Gly
Position 34
Ser
Ser
Position 35
Asn
Asn
Position 36
Thr
Thr
Position 37
Pro
Pro
Position 38
Molecular Weight
4409DaChain Length
38Amino AcidsType
PeptideCagrilintide Protocols
Cagrilintide is a dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonist (DACRA) — a long-acting amylin analogue with a half-life of approximately 184 hours (~7.7 days) — administered exclusively by once-weekly subcutaneous injection into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Developed by Novo Nordisk and studied as both monotherapy and as CagriSema (combined with semaglutide 2.4 mg), it drives satiety and delays gastric emptying through area postrema amylin receptors that are distinct from the hypothalamic GLP-1 pathway.
| Goal | Dosage | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Establish tolerability at the lowest effective dose before escalation, minimising amylin receptor-mediated nausea during the initial induction phase | 0.25 | 1 week range | SubQ |
| Progress to a dose that begins producing measurable amylin receptor satiety signalling while maintaining GI tolerability established during titration | 0.5 | 1 week range | SubQ |
| Achieve moderate amylin and calcitonin receptor activation sufficient for clinically meaningful appetite suppression and gastric emptying delay | 1 | 1 week range | SubQ |
| Sustain the 2.4 mg maintenance dose used in REDEFINE 1 monotherapy, which produced 11.8% mean body-weight reduction at 68 weeks; this is also the target dose in CagriSema combination protocols | 2.4 | 1 week range | SubQ |
| Reach the maximum dose studied in the Phase 2 dose-finding trial (Lau et al.; doses 0.3–4.5 mg), where 4.5 mg produced 10.8% weight loss at 26 weeks — superior to liraglutide 3.0 mg (9.0%); this dose has not been carried forward as the primary dose in Phase 3 REDEFINE trials | 4.5 | 1 week range | SubQ |
| Pair Cagrilintide 2.4 mg with semaglutide 2.4 mg to activate complementary amylin/calcitonin and GLP-1 pathways simultaneously, as evaluated in REDEFINE 1 where the combination achieved 20.4% body-weight reduction vs. 11.8% for cagrilintide alone at 68 weeks | 2.4 | 1 week range | SubQ |
Reconstitution Instructions
Materials needed:
Steps to reconstitute
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling vials or syringes
- Wipe the rubber stopper of the Cagrilintide vial and the bacteriostatic water vial with an alcohol swab and allow to air dry for 10 seconds
- Draw 2.0 mL of bacteriostatic water into a 1–3 mL mixing syringe to achieve a concentration of 2.5 mg/mL (for a 5 mg vial)
- Insert the needle into the Cagrilintide vial at an angle and slowly inject the water down the inside wall of the vial — never shoot it directly onto the powder
- Gently swirl the vial in slow circles for 30–60 seconds until the powder is fully dissolved — do not shake the vial
- Inspect the solution: it should be clear and colorless with no visible particles; discard if cloudy, discolored, or particulate matter is visible
- Label the reconstituted vial with the date, concentration, and your initials; store at 2–8°C and use within 28–30 days
- When ready to inject, clean the chosen injection site with an alcohol swab and allow 10 seconds to dry
- Pinch a fold of skin between thumb and index finger at the injection site (abdomen, outer thigh, or back of upper arm, rotating each week)
- Insert the insulin syringe needle at a 90° angle (or 45° for leaner individuals) and depress the plunger slowly and steadily
- Hold the needle in place for 5–10 seconds after full depression, then withdraw smoothly and release the skin fold — do not rub the site
- Dispose of the needle in a sharps container immediately after use
Cagrilintide Cycle
The Cagrilintide Cycle section explains how long a typical cycle lasts and what to expect during each phase. Over time, your body can become less responsive with continuous use.
Taking breaks between cycles may help maintain effectiveness and support better overall results.
- Week 1-2
- Gastrointestinal adaptation; mild nausea possible during dose escalation
- Week 4-8
- Early weight loss (2-5%); noticeable appetite reduction
- Week 12-26
- Significant weight loss acceleration (10-15%); improved satiety signals
- Week 0-0
- Peak efficacy (15-23% weight loss); sustained maintenance with continued therapy
Dosing tools
Cagrilintide Peptide Dosage Calculator
Calculate peptide doses with our visual syringe guide.
mg
Enter the total amount of peptide in the vial in milligrams (as stated on the label).
The dose you want to inject per administration, in mcg or mg.
1,000 mcg = 1 mg
1 mL
2 mL
3 mL
5 mL
Custom
Volume of bacteriostatic water you add to reconstitute the powder. Use BAC water for preservation.
Injection Results
Based on your vial and dilution inputs.
Cagrilintide
SINGLE COMPOUNDVolume per injection
0.05
mL
Concentration
10.00
mg/mL
Doses per vial
20
doses
Total injections per vial
20 injections
How it works
Based on a 10 mg Cagrilintide vial diluted with 1 mL of bacteriostatic water, each 500 mcg injection equals 0.05 mL.
1mL / 100 units
5 units
0.050 mL
Reference Guide
Dosing Cycle
- Peptide
- Cagrilintide
- Dosing
- 2.4mg per injection (maintenance dose)
- Dosing Frequency
- once weekly
- Cycle Duration
- Titrate from 0.25mg to 2.4mg over 17 weeks; continue at maintenance dose
- Storage
- Lyophilized: −20°C. Reconstituted: 2–8°C for up to 30 days; do not refreeze.
Note: Triple agonist; microdose for fewer side effects
Reconstitution Tips
- Use bacteriostatic water (BAC) — contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol for preservation
- Inject water slowly — aim down the vial wall, not directly onto powder
- Never shake — gently swirl or roll the vial until dissolved
- Store properly — refrigerate at 2-8°C after reconstitution
- Use within 28 days — most reconstituted peptides remain stable for about 4 weeks
- Keep sterile — always clean vial tops with alcohol before drawing
Peptide Interactions
Research suggestions of Cagrilintide interactions with other common peptides and substances.
Weight
GLP-3
Metabolic
GLP-3
MONITOR
Compounded GI side effects create substantial risk without specialist supervision.
Weight
GLP-1
Metabolic
GLP-1
SYNERGISTIC
CagriSema combination achieves enhanced weight loss through complementary GLP-1 and amylin pathways.
Side effects
Monitor: Be careful when combining Cagrilintide with GLP-3.
Contraindications
Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding
Not yet commercially available (FDA approval expected Q1 2026)
Stop signs
Severe persistent nausea/vomiting preventing hydration
Pancreatitis signs (severe abdominal pain radiating to back)
Severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis
Significant injection site reactions or abscess formation
Bad signs
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Frequently asked questions
What is a peptide dosage calculator?
A peptide dosage calculator is a free tool that converts your vial size, bacteriostatic water volume, and target dose into an exact syringe draw volume. Instead of doing the reconstitution math by hand, you enter three inputs and instantly get the concentration of your solution and how many milliliters or syringeunits to draw. This calculator works for single peptide compounds and multi-peptide blends.
How do I calculate peptide dosage from a vial?
To calculate your peptide dose, divide the total peptide content of your vial in micrograms by the volume of bacteriostatic water you added in milliliters. This gives you your solution concentration in mcg/mL. Then divide your target dose by that concentration to get your draw volume. For example, a 5mg (5,000 mcg) vial reconstituted with 2mL of BAC water gives a concentration of 2,500 mcg/mL. A 250 mcg dose would require drawing 0.1mL. This calculator automates all of those steps instantly.
How much Bacteriostatic water should I add to a peptide vial?
Most people add 2mL to 3mL of bacteriostatic water per vial, but the right amount depends on the dose you want to draw and the syringe size you are using. Adding 1mL to a 5mg vial gives you a concentration of 5,000 mcg/mL, making each dose very small in volume. Adding 2mL gives you 2,500 mcg/mL, which is easier to measure on a standard insulin syringe. A general guideline is to choose a volume that puts your typical dose somewhere between 10 and 30 units on a U-100 syringe. Use the calculator above to test different water volumes and find what works for your dose.
How are peptides different from proteins?
Both are made of amino acids, but peptides are much smaller than proteins. Because of their tiny size, peptides can act like tiny messengers in the body, sending specific signals to your cells to tell them exactly what to do.
CagrilintideResearch References
Cagrilintide is a phase 3 compound
Cagrilintide
Cagrilintide is a phase 3 compound
REDEFINE 1 Trial - Phase 3 Weight Loss
3,417 adults with obesity; 22.7% weight loss with CagriSema vs 2.4% placebo. New England Journal of Medicine.
2025
REDEFINE 2 Trial - Phase 3 Type 2 Diabetes
1,206 adults; 15.7% weight loss; 73.5% achieved HbA1c ≤6.5%. New England Journal of Medicine.
2025
Phase 2 Type 2 Diabetes Combination Study
32 weeks; 15.6% weight loss; 2.2% HbA1c reduction with CagriSema. The Lancet.
2023
Calculate peptide dosages
Learning how to calculate a peptide dose? Use our beginner-friendly peptide dosage, blend, and accumulation calculators. Enter vial size, reconstitution volume, and target dose to get exact draw volumes instantly. No guesswork, just clear guidance that helps prevent common mistakes.
