Long-acting amylin analogue (incretin / obesity research) Limited Human Data

Cagrilintide

Also Known As: AM833, NN9838

Cagrilintide is a long-acting, albumin-binding amylin analogue developed by Novo Nordisk (development codes AM833 / NN9838). It is designed as a once-weekly anti-obesity agent and is being clinically evaluated in combination with semaglutide (CagriSema). Limited human data — preclinical and Phase 1/2 reports. Research use only.

Cagrilintide – peptide vial product image

Identity & Chemistry

Amino Acid Sequence
Long-acting acylated amylin analogue (Novo Nordisk development code AM833 / NN9838). 37-residue peptide derived from human amylin with substitutions and a C16 fatty-diacid side chain conjugated via a glutamate spacer for albumin binding and prolonged half-life. Full sequence not publicly disclosed at audit date 2026-05-12.
Molecular Formula
Not publicly disclosed at audit date 2026-05-12
Molecular Weight
≈ 4,931 Da (Novo Nordisk disclosures; vendor SDS sheets quote 4,900–4,950 Da)
CAS Number
1845782-26-0
IUPAC Name
Not publicly disclosed at audit date 2026-05-12

Mechanism of Action

Studies report that cagrilintide is an agonist at the amylin (CTR/RAMP) and calcitonin receptors and induces satiety, delayed gastric emptying and weight loss. Observed in research settings.

Cagrilintide is reported as a long-acting amylin receptor agonist whose C16 fatty-diacid acylation binds human serum albumin, enabling a half-life suitable for once-weekly dosing. In combination with the GLP-1 agonist semaglutide, an additive weight-loss effect is reported.

Molecular Targets

  • Amylin receptor (calcitonin receptor + RAMP1/2/3 complex)
  • Calcitonin receptor (CTR)

Signaling Pathways

  • Central satiety signalling (area postrema → hypothalamus)
  • Delayed gastric emptying

Research Applications

Cagrilintide is in multiple Novo Nordisk Phase 1 and Phase 2 studies as monotherapy and in combination with semaglutide (CagriSema). Limited human data.

Obesity (overweight without diabetes) — Phase 2

Phase II

Studies report dose-dependent weight loss with once-weekly cagrilintide monotherapy over 26 weeks.

— Lau et al. 2021, Lancet 398(10317):2160-2172 (PMID 34774198)

Obesity — CagriSema combination (Phase 1b)

Phase I

Studies report additional weight loss when cagrilintide is combined with semaglutide 2.4 mg over 20 weeks compared with semaglutide alone.

— Enebo et al. 2021, Lancet 397(10286):1736-1748 (PMID 33894838)

Clinical Status

Regulatory Status
Cagrilintide is NOT approved — by the FDA, EMA or any other regulator. Investigational compound in the Novo Nordisk pipeline.
Highest Trial Phase
Phase 3 as part of CagriSema (combination with semaglutide)
Sponsor
Novo Nordisk

Safety Profile

Observed in research settings

Limited human data. In published Phase 1/2 studies, gastrointestinal adverse events (nausea, vomiting) were reported as the most common, consistent with the amylin class. Observed in research settings.

Adverse Events Reported in Studies

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Injection-site reactions

References

  1. Lau DCW, Erichsen L, Francisco AM, Satylganova A, le Roux CW, McGowan B, Pedersen SD, Pietiläinen KH, Rubino D, Batterham RL 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 The Lancet 2021;398(10317):2160-2172. 2021 .

    DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(21)01751-7 PMID: 34774198 View Source

  2. Enebo LB, Berthelsen KK, Kankam M, Lund MT, Rubino DM, Satylganova A, Lau DCW 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 The Lancet 2021;397(10286):1736-1748. 2021 .

    DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00845-X PMID: 33894838 View Source

  3. Frias JP, Deenadayalan S, Erichsen L, Knop FK, Lingvay I, Macura S, Mathieu C, Pedersen SD, Davies M 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 The Lancet 2023;402(10403):720-730. 2023 .

    DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(23)01163-7 PMID: 37364590 View Source

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cagrilintide approved?
No. Cagrilintide is an investigational compound from Novo Nordisk and is not approved by the FDA, EMA or any other regulator.
How does cagrilintide differ from pramlintide?
Pramlintide (Symlin®) is an older amylin analogue injected three times daily. Cagrilintide is a once-weekly, albumin-binding amylin analogue with a substantially longer half-life.

Related Peptides

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Fixed-dose Amylin/CTR Agonist + GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Combination (Incretin Class)

Investigational once-weekly fixed-dose combination of cagrilintide (long-acting amylin/calcitonin receptor agonist) and semaglutide (long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist) developed by Novo Nordisk; U.S. FDA NDA submitted in December 2025.

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