Cagrilintide is a long-acting, lipidated analogue of amylin, a peptide hormone of the pancreas. It was developed by Novo Nordisk, whose chemists designed it to overcome the two practical problems of n...
Cagrilintide is a long-acting, lipidated analogue of amylin, a peptide hormone of the pancreas. It was developed by Novo Nordisk, whose chemists designed it to overcome the two practical problems of native amylin: its strong tendency to form amyloid fibrils and the short half-life that forces the older analogue pramlintide to be injected several times a day.[1] Pepitiva supplies cagrilintide as a lyophilized powder (≥98% purity, CAS 1415456-99-3) for in vitro and preclinical research.[8]
Why researchers study cagrilintide
Amylin reduces food intake through brain pathways that are distinct from those of GLP-1. That makes cagrilintide useful on its own, as a probe of the amylin system, and in combination with GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide, where the two mechanisms add together.[2][5]
Development status
Cagrilintide is investigational. It has been studied alone and, most extensively, coadministered with semaglutide (the combination known as CagriSema) in phase 3 trials published from 2025 onward.[5][6]
For research use only. Not for human consumption.
Quality & Storage
≥98% purity. Lyophilized Powder. Storage: -20°C. For research purposes only.
Mechanism of Action
Amylin and calcitonin receptors
Amylin signals through receptors formed by the calcitonin receptor paired with a receptor activity-modifying protein (RAMP). A 2025 mouse study showed that cagrilintide's weight-lowering effect depends on the amylin receptors AMY1R and AMY3R: in mice lacking RAMP1 and RAMP3, its potency was impaired. In normal mice it reduced food intake in the first days of treatment and activated neurons in the dorsal vagal complex and the lateral parabrachial nucleus, brainstem areas that regulate satiety.[2]
Design
Native amylin readily forms amyloid fibrils, which makes it difficult to formulate. The structure-activity work that produced cagrilintide aimed for a stable molecule, and lipidation extended its duration of action so that it could be given once weekly in clinical studies.[1][3] Formula C194H312N54O59S2, molecular weight 4409 g/mol.[8]
Combination with GLP-1 receptor agonism
In the first combination study, cagrilintide exposure rose in proportion to dose when given with semaglutide, and the combination was well tolerated, with mostly mild to moderate gastrointestinal events.[4]
Research Applications
Clinical research highlights
Phase 2, cagrilintide alone (2021): 706 participants with overweight or obesity received one of several doses. Weight fell by 6.0% to 10.8% against 3.0% with placebo, and the highest dose produced more weight loss than liraglutide (10.8% versus 9.0%).[3]
Phase 1b with semaglutide (2021): 96 participants; acceptable safety and dose-proportional exposure, supporting larger trials.[4]
REDEFINE 1, phase 3 (2025): 3417 adults with overweight or obesity. Body weight changed by −20.4% with cagrilintide-semaglutide against −3.0% with placebo at 68 weeks; gastrointestinal events were mostly transient and mild to moderate.[5]
REDEFINE 2, phase 3 (2025): 1206 adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Body weight changed by −13.7% against −3.4% with placebo, and 73.5% reached HbA1c of 6.5% or less against 15.9%.[6]
Type 2 diabetes, phase 2 (2023): the combination was compared with each component alone in a randomized trial.[7]
Laboratory research applications
Amylin receptor pharmacology: AMY1R and AMY3R signaling and the role of RAMP proteins.[2]
Satiety circuits: brainstem neurons of the dorsal vagal complex and the parabrachial nucleus.
Peptide stability and formulation: strategies against amyloid fibril formation.
The clinical findings above come from studies of the investigational drug and are summarized as scientific background only. This product is sold for laboratory research and is not intended for human or veterinary use.
Storage & Handling Guidelines
Proper storage and handling are essential to maintain peptide integrity and ensure reliable research results. All Pepitiva Biolabs peptides are supplied as lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder, which provides excellent long-term stability when stored correctly. Store lyophilized peptides at -20°C for long-term storage or 2-8°C for short-term use. Once reconstituted, peptide solutions should be stored at 2-8°C and used within the timeframe specified in the product documentation. Always use sterile bacteriostatic water for reconstitution and handle peptides in a clean laboratory environment to prevent contamination. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, as thermal stress can cause peptide degradation and loss of biological activity.
Quality Control & Certification
This product is manufactured under strict quality control protocols and has been verified through comprehensive analytical testing. Each batch undergoes reverse-phase HPLC analysis for purity determination and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) for molecular identity confirmation. A detailed Certificate of Analysis (COA) is available for download, documenting purity percentage, molecular weight verification, appearance, and recommended storage conditions. Pepitiva Biolabs maintains batch-level traceability from synthesis through delivery, ensuring complete transparency and quality assurance for your research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cagrilintide?
A long-acting, lipidated analogue of the pancreatic hormone amylin, developed by Novo Nordisk. It acts on amylin receptors in the brain that regulate satiety.
What is CagriSema?
The name used for cagrilintide coadministered with the GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide. In the REDEFINE 1 phase 3 trial, the combination reduced body weight by 20.4% at 68 weeks, against 3.0% with placebo.
How is cagrilintide different from pramlintide?
Pramlintide is an earlier amylin analogue with a short half-life that requires several injections a day. Cagrilintide was designed to be stable and long-acting, allowing once-weekly use in clinical studies.
Which receptors does cagrilintide act on?
Amylin receptors, which are calcitonin receptors paired with RAMP proteins. Its weight-lowering effect in mice depended on AMY1R and AMY3R.
What is the CAS number and molecular weight of cagrilintide?
CAS 1415456-99-3. Molecular formula C194H312N54O59S2, molecular weight 4409 g/mol (PubChem CID 171397054).
How should cagrilintide be stored?
Keep the lyophilized powder at −20 °C, protected from light and moisture.
Is this product approved for human use?
No. This product is intended exclusively for in vitro scientific research and laboratory use. It is not approved for human or veterinary use, not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, and should not be administered to humans or animals under any circumstances.
How do I reconstitute this peptide?
Add sterile bacteriostatic water slowly to the vial, directing the stream against the glass wall rather than directly onto the lyophilized powder. Gently swirl the vial until the powder is fully dissolved — do not shake vigorously. The recommended reconstitution volume depends on your desired concentration. Refer to the product documentation for specific guidance.
Can I get a Certificate of Analysis (COA)?
Yes. A Certificate of Analysis is included with every order and is also available for download from the product page. The COA documents HPLC purity, mass spectrometry identity confirmation, batch number, production date, and storage recommendations.
Scientific References
Kruse T, Hansen JL, Dahl K, et al. Development of Cagrilintide, a Long-Acting Amylin Analogue. J Med Chem. 2021;64(15):11183-11194. PubMed
Carvas AO, et al. Cagrilintide lowers bodyweight through brain amylin receptors 1 and 3. EBioMedicine. 2025;118:105836. PubMed
Lau DCW, Erichsen L, Francisco AM, 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. Lancet. 2021;398(10317):2160-2172. PubMed
Enebo LB, Berthelsen KK, Kankam M, et al. Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of concomitant administration of multiple doses of cagrilintide with semaglutide 2·4 mg for weight management: a randomised, controlled, phase 1b trial. Lancet. 2021;397(10286):1736-1748. PubMed
Garvey WT, et al. Coadministered Cagrilintide and Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2025;393(7):635-647. PubMed
Davies MJ, et al. Cagrilintide-Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes. N Engl J Med. 2025;393(7):648-659. PubMed
Frias JP, 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. Lancet. 2023;402(10403):720-730. PubMed
PubChem. Cagrilintide, CID 171397054: C194H312N54O59S2, 4409 g/mol, CAS 1415456-99-3. Source
Sources are peer-reviewed publications indexed in PubMed and trial registrations on ClinicalTrials.gov. Each citation was checked against its PubMed record.
For research use only. Not for human consumption.
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