CagriSema

CagriSema is a fixed-dose combination of cagrilintide (a long-acting amylin analog) and semaglutide (a GLP-1 receptor agonist), developed by Novo Nordisk. By combining two distinct appetite-regulating pathways — amylin and GLP-1 — CagriSema aims to achieve greater weight loss than either agent alone by targeting complementary mechanisms of satiety and energy balance.

Amylin is a hormone co-secreted with insulin by pancreatic beta cells. It acts in the brain to promote satiety, slow gastric emptying, and suppress glucagon secretion. Cagrilintide is a long-acting analog of amylin with modifications that extend its half-life for once-weekly dosing. In standalone trials, cagrilintide demonstrated meaningful weight loss and glycemic benefits. Combining it with semaglutide leverages two distinct receptor pathways to potentially amplify appetite reduction.

The REDEFINE phase 3 clinical trial program is evaluating CagriSema for both obesity and type 2 diabetes. Phase 2 results showed that the combination produced approximately 15-17% weight loss at 32 weeks, with the suggestion of continued weight loss if the treatment duration were extended. Initial phase 3 data for CagriSema in type 2 diabetes showed HbA1c reductions of up to 2.2% and weight loss exceeding semaglutide alone.

CagriSema represents Novo Nordisk's strategy to maintain competitive advantage as the obesity treatment landscape evolves. By building on the established efficacy of semaglutide and adding the complementary amylin pathway, Novo Nordisk aims to offer superior weight loss outcomes. The combination is administered as a single once-weekly subcutaneous injection, maintaining the convenience of the weekly dosing regimen that patients and providers have embraced with semaglutide.