How is amylin different from GLP-1?

Amylin and GLP-1 are both peptide hormones that influence digestion and appetite, but they act through separate receptor families and are secreted from different locations. Amylin is co-released with insulin from pancreatic beta cells, while GLP-1 is released from enteroendocrine L cells in the gut.

CagriSema is a fixed-ratio combination of cagrilintide and semaglutide in a single injection, developed by Novo Nordisk. It is being evaluated in the REDEFINE phase 3 program to compare combination therapy against semaglutide alone.

Has pramlintide established the amylin approach?

Pramlintide is a short-acting amylin analog approved by the FDA in 2005 as Symlin for use with insulin in diabetes. It established that amylin receptor activation can produce meaningful effects on postprandial glucose and appetite, but its short duration required multiple daily injections. Cagrilintide is designed for weekly administration.

GLP-1 & Metabolic

Cagrilintide

Long-acting amylin receptor analog in clinical development by Novo Nordisk.

Also known as: AM833, long-acting amylin analog

Published: April 10, 2026•Updated: April 10, 2026

Research use only. This page is an informational reference about a compound that may be available as a research chemical. Material sold for research is not cleared for human administration and is not a substitute for medical advice or an approved medication. See safety notes below.

Cagrilintide is a modified amylin analog designed for once-weekly administration. Amylin is a pancreatic hormone co-secreted with insulin that influences meal termination and gastric emptying. Cagrilintide is being studied both as a standalone agent and in combination with semaglutide.

Key facts

Class: Long-acting amylin receptor agonist
Originator: Novo Nordisk (development code AM833)
Regulatory status: Investigational; not approved for any use
Parent hormone: Amylin, co-secreted with insulin from pancreatic beta cells
Administration in trials: Once-weekly subcutaneous injection

What is cagrilintide?

Cagrilintide is a synthetic peptide based on the human amylin sequence. Native amylin is produced by pancreatic beta cells alongside insulin and acts to slow gastric emptying, reduce glucagon release after meals, and promote satiety. Native amylin has poor solubility and a short half-life, which limits its therapeutic use.

Researchers at Novo Nordisk modified the amylin sequence to improve solubility and attached a fatty acid chain that allows reversible binding to albumin. These modifications extend the half-life enough to support once-weekly subcutaneous administration.

Mechanism of action

Amylin receptors are found throughout the brainstem and hypothalamus and are part of the same receptor family as calcitonin. Activation of these receptors by amylin and by amylin analogs produces effects on appetite and digestion that complement those produced by GLP-1.

•Promotes satiety through activation of amylin receptors in the area postrema and other hindbrain nuclei
•Slows gastric emptying, which contributes to post-meal glucose and satiety effects
•Suppresses glucagon secretion after meals
•Does not directly stimulate insulin secretion at physiologic concentrations

Clinical trial history

A phase 1b/2a trial of cagrilintide as monotherapy for weight management was published in The Lancet in 2021, reporting dose-dependent reductions in body weight at 26 weeks. Subsequent development has focused on combination with semaglutide, marketed in trials as CagriSema.

The REDEFINE program comprises phase 3 trials of CagriSema in obesity and in type 2 diabetes. Novo Nordisk reported phase 3 REDEFINE-1 results for obesity in late 2024. As of late 2024, cagrilintide on its own had not been approved by any regulator.

Safety and regulatory context

Reported adverse events in cagrilintide trials have been predominantly gastrointestinal, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, consistent with its mechanism of slowing gastric emptying. Injection site reactions have also been reported.

Cagrilintide is investigational and has no approved prescribing information. Material labeled as research cagrilintide is intended for laboratory use only and is not cleared for human administration.

Research sourcing

Cagrilintide 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 Cagrilintide listing at GLP1 Research Lab

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