What it is
Cagrilintide is a long-acting version of amylin, a hormone released by the pancreas alongside insulin after meals. Amylin signals fullness to the brain, slows stomach emptying and dampens glucagon. It acts on different receptors from GLP-1 medicines, which is why the two are being combined.
Trial results
| REDEFINE 1 (68 weeks, no diabetes) | Average weight loss |
|---|---|
| CagriSema (cagrilintide + semaglutide) | 22.7% |
| Semaglutide 2.4 mg alone | 16.1% |
| Cagrilintide 2.4 mg alone | 11.8% |
| Placebo | 2.3% |
In REDEFINE 2, in people with type 2 diabetes, CagriSema produced 15.7% average weight loss, compared with 3.1% on placebo.
Side effects
Mostly stomach-related, similar to GLP-1 medicines: nausea, constipation, diarrhoea and vomiting, mainly during dose increases. Cagrilintide alone appears to cause less nausea than full-dose GLP-1 medicines.
Approval status
- Novo Nordisk submitted CagriSema to the US FDA in December 2025. A decision is expected in 2026.
- As of October 2026, neither cagrilintide nor CagriSema is approved by the FDA or by Kenya's Pharmacy and Poisons Board.
- Products sold as "cagrilintide" outside approved channels are not regulated medicines, and their content cannot be guaranteed.
Talk it through with a doctor
Whether any of these medicines is right for you depends on your health, your history and your goals. The first phone consultation is free, and there is no obligation.
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