CagriSema
Investigational combination of a long-acting amylin analog and semaglutide.
Also known as: Cagrilintide and semaglutide, Cagri/Sema
CagriSema is a single-injection combination of cagrilintide and semaglutide being developed by Novo Nordisk. It is designed to activate both the amylin and GLP-1 receptor pathways in a single weekly dose and is in phase 3 clinical trials for weight management and type 2 diabetes.
Key facts
- Composition
- Cagrilintide plus semaglutide
- Originator
- Novo Nordisk
- Regulatory status
- Investigational; not approved
- Development phase
- REDEFINE phase 3 program
- Administration
- Once-weekly subcutaneous injection in trials
What is CagriSema?
CagriSema combines two peptides in one injection. One component is cagrilintide, a long-acting amylin analog. The other is semaglutide, the GLP-1 receptor agonist marketed separately as Ozempic and Wegovy. The rationale is that amylin and GLP-1 act through different receptor pathways and produce complementary effects on appetite and glucose control.
Novo Nordisk originally developed cagrilintide and semaglutide as independent molecules and later created a fixed combination intended to test whether activating both receptors in one product produces greater effects than semaglutide alone.
Mechanism of action
CagriSema simultaneously activates amylin receptors and GLP-1 receptors. The proposed effect is additive or synergistic action on satiety and gastric emptying, with semaglutide also contributing glucose-dependent insulin secretion and central appetite effects that amylin alone does not produce.
- •Semaglutide component: stimulates glucose-dependent insulin release, slows gastric emptying, acts on hypothalamic appetite centers
- •Cagrilintide component: activates amylin receptors in the hindbrain, promotes satiety, slows gastric emptying
- •Combined effect is being studied for potential additive weight and glucose outcomes
Clinical trial history
A phase 2 study of CagriSema in adults with type 2 diabetes was published in The Lancet in 2021. Results in obesity from a separate phase 1b trial were published earlier and supported the decision to advance the combination to phase 3.
The REDEFINE program consists of multiple phase 3 trials. REDEFINE 1 evaluated CagriSema for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight, with Novo Nordisk reporting topline results in late 2024. REDEFINE 2 focused on adults with type 2 diabetes.
Safety and regulatory context
Adverse events reported in CagriSema trials have been primarily gastrointestinal, reflecting the effects of both components on gastric motility. The compound is investigational and has no approved prescribing information. Material sold as a research blend is intended for laboratory use only and is not cleared for human administration.
Research sourcing
CagriSema is listed by our research partner, GLP1 Research Lab, which supplies lyophilized peptides for laboratory use. Listings include product identifiers relevant to research documentation.
View CagriSema listing at GLP1 Research LabAffiliate partnership. Metabolic Playbook may earn a commission on purchases made through this link at no additional cost to the researcher.