Cagrilintide vs Semaglutide
An amylin agonist versus a GLP-1 agonist, the two halves of CagriSema.
Cagrilintide (long-acting amylin receptor agonist)
An investigational once-weekly amylin agonist studied with semaglutide (CagriSema) for powerful combined weight loss.
Semaglutide (GLP-1 receptor agonist)
A long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management, with proven cardiovascular risk reduction.
| Attribute | Cagrilintide | Semaglutide |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Metabolic | Metabolic |
| FDA status | Investigational, not FDA-approved | FDA-approved (Ozempic, Rybelsus for T2D; Wegovy injection, Wegovy pill approved Dec 2025, and Wegovy HD 7.2 mg approved Mar 2026 for weight management) |
| Half-life | ~7 days | ~7 days |
| Molecular weight | ~3,700 Da | 4,113.6 Da |
| Mechanism | Agonizes amylin receptors in the hypothalamus and brainstem to promote satiety and delay gastric emptying, complementing GLP-1 signaling. | Activates the GLP-1 receptor, increasing insulin secretion when glucose is elevated, suppressing glucagon, slowing gastric emptying, and acting on hypothalamic appetite centers to reduce food intake. |
| Legal status (US) | Investigational, not approved | FDA-approved, prescription only |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Cagrilintide and Semaglutide?
Cagrilintide: An investigational once-weekly amylin agonist studied with semaglutide (CagriSema) for powerful combined weight loss. Semaglutide: A long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management, with proven cardiovascular risk reduction.
Which has stronger research evidence, Cagrilintide or Semaglutide?
Cagrilintide is rated Moderate and Semaglutide is rated Strong for evidence level in this database. Evidence level reflects the quality of published research, not a recommendation.
Are Cagrilintide and Semaglutide FDA-approved?
Cagrilintide: Investigational, not FDA-approved. Semaglutide: FDA-approved (Ozempic, Rybelsus for T2D; Wegovy injection, Wegovy pill approved Dec 2025, and Wegovy HD 7.2 mg approved Mar 2026 for weight management).
Evidence levels reflect the quality of published research, not a recommendation. This comparison is educational and is not medical advice.