CagriSema: cagrilintide + semaglutide

Key facts

Aliases	Cagrilintide + semaglutide
Class	Amylin analogue + GLP-1-agonist
Molecular weight (Da)	4409.0 + 4113.6
Half-life (indicative)	~7 d (both)
Research status	In clinical research

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✦ In short

CagriSema research: how the fixed combination of cagrilintide and semaglutide is studied for weight in the REDEFINE trials. RUO.

Research context (RUO): CagriSema is a fixed combination of the amylin analogue cagrilintide and the GLP-1 analogue semaglutide, developed by Novo Nordisk and studied in the REDEFINE trials into obesity. All materials on this page are supplied exclusively for in-vitro laboratory research.

CagriSema research: cagrilintide and semaglutide combined

Overview of the two components in CagriSema and their research focus.

Around the CagriSema research there has been a great deal of interest in recent years, and not without reason: it is the first fixed, weekly combination of two hormone pathways — an amylin analogue and a GLP-1 analogue — that has been tested in large phase 3 studies in obesity. Where individual GLP-1 peptides already showed impressive results, with CagriSema scientists investigate whether combining two complementary mechanisms in one molecule pair leads to even stronger metabolic effects. This pillar summarises what the studies actually reported — strictly within a research framework.

What is CagriSema?

CagriSema is not a single peptide, but a fixed combination of two separate substances administered together weekly: cagrilintide (a long-acting amylin analogue) and semaglutide (the well-known GLP-1 receptor agonist analogue). In the studies, each component was used at a dose of 2.4 mg, which is why the formulation is often referred to as “CagriSema 2.4 mg / 2.4 mg”. The idea is that two independent satiety and metabolic routes complement each other — an approach that in the broader field of peptide blends is receiving increasing attention.

How does CagriSema work? — the mechanism

The two building blocks act on different hormone systems. Semaglutide mimics the gut hormone GLP-1: in research it is associated with delayed gastric emptying, increased satiety via the brainstem and effects on glucose metabolism. Cagrilintide mimics amylin, a hormone released by the beta cells of the pancreas alongside insulin; amylin analogues are studied for their role in satiety and in regulating food intake via separate receptors in the brainstem.

The underlying hypothesis in CagriSema research is that the simultaneous engagement of both the GLP-1 and the amylin pathway leads to an additive or synergistic effect on body weight, greater than what each peptide shows on its own. Precisely that was scrutinised in the REDEFINE programmes. Those who want to understand the individual mechanisms of action more deeply will find more in the pillars Cagrilintide research and semaglutide research.

What is CagriSema studied for?

The clinical focus lies with weight regulation and metabolic health. The most important research areas, as reported in the phase 3 literature:

Weight reduction in obesity (REDEFINE 1): in this study of 3,417 adults with overweight or obesity without type 2 diabetes, researchers reported an average weight loss of 22.7% with CagriSema over 68 weeks, compared to 2.3% with placebo (with full adherence). Regardless of adherence, this was 20.4% versus 3.0%.
Deeper responders: in REDEFINE 1, 40.4% of the CagriSema group achieved a weight loss of at least 25%, and 23.1% reached 30% or more — figures considered exceptional in this type of research.
Metabolic outcomes in type 2 diabetes (REDEFINE 2): a parallel study investigated the combination in participants with type 2 diabetes and reported, alongside weight loss, improvements in the long-term blood sugar measure HbA1c.
Shift in BMI category: more than half (50.7%) of the CagriSema participants in REDEFINE 1 dropped below a BMI of 30, versus 10.2% in the placebo group.

Interesting detail: although the results were clinically relevant, the 22.7% remained just below the 25% target expected by analysts, which in 2024 and 2025 led to much discussion about CagriSema's precise place alongside other GLP-1 peptides. For the broader context of this kind of research, the pillar on fat-loss peptides a good addition.

CagriSema in laboratory research: handling & dissolving

Because CagriSema consists of two separate components, researchers in practice often deal with two lyophilised (freeze-dried) peptides that are reconstituted separately. Both are usually dissolved with bacteriostatic or sterile water; the exact choice of reconstitution fluid and concentration depends on the research protocol. Practical background on this can be found in the pillars reconstitute peptides and dissolve peptide: which liquid. Reconstituted peptides are stored refrigerated and protected from light to limit degradation in the research.

Quality & purity

Every relevant batch is independently HPLC-tested by an external laboratory; the certificate of analysis (CoA) is publicly verifiable per batch. For combination research this is extra important: if two components are studied together, the identity and purity of both must be established to keep the measurement data reliable. In the pillar why we rejected a batch you can read what that control looks like in practice.

Frequently asked questions about CagriSema research

What is the difference between CagriSema and semaglutide alone?
CagriSema adds a second substance to semaglutide (GLP-1): cagrilintide (amylin). Research studies whether this second pathway strengthens the metabolic effects compared to semaglutide alone.

What does “REDEFINE” mean in CagriSema research?
REDEFINE is the name of Novo Nordisk's phase 3 study programme. REDEFINE 1 focused on obesity without diabetes, REDEFINE 2 on participants with type 2 diabetes.

How much weight loss did REDEFINE 1 show?
Researchers reported on average 22.7% weight loss over 68 weeks with full adherence, compared to 2.3% with placebo. These are study results, not commitments about any individual use.

Is cagrilintide the same as a GLP-1 peptide?
No. Cagrilintide is an amylin analogue and works via a different receptor system than GLP-1 analogues such as semaglutide. The combination in CagriSema specifically engages both pathways at the same time.

Why did CagriSema not reach the 25% target?
The reported 22.7% was clinically relevant, but remained just below the 25% expected by market analysts. This is a subject of ongoing scientific discussion, not a judgement about the substance itself.

What may I use CagriSema from Peplife for?
Exclusively for in-vitro laboratory research. It is not intended for human or animal use and not for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

CagriSema research: cagrilintide + semaglutide combined