Description
Chemical Identity
CagriSema is a fixed-dose combination of two peptides: cagrilintide (a long-acting amylin receptor agonist, 37 amino acids) and semaglutide (a GLP-1 receptor agonist, 31 amino acids), developed by Novo Nordisk. The combined molecular weight is approximately 8,144 Da. Cagrilintide features a Cys2-Cys7 disulfide bond and a C18 fatty diacid conjugation at Lys1 enabling albumin binding and extended half-life (~160 hours). Semaglutide contains an Aib2 substitution for DPP-IV resistance and a C18 fatty diacid at Lys26 providing a half-life of approximately 168 hours. Both components support once-weekly subcutaneous administration.
CagriSema is also known by the following designations: Cagrilintide/Semaglutide and NNC0174-0833.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Components | Cagrilintide 2.4 mg + Semaglutide 2.4 mg |
| Combined Molecular Weight | ~8,144 Da |
| CAS Number | Not assigned (combination product) |
| Administration | Once-weekly subcutaneous injection |
| Research Status | Phase 3 / NDA Filed |
Research Overview
CagriSema has been investigated in Phase 3 clinical trials for chronic weight management and type 2 diabetes with obesity. The dual mechanism combines two complementary pathways: semaglutide activates GLP-1 receptors to suppress appetite, slow gastric emptying, and enhance insulin secretion, while cagrilintide activates amylin receptors (AMY1 and AMY3) to promote satiety, reduce glucagon secretion, and slow gastric emptying through a distinct neuronal pathway. The combination targets both the GLP-1 and amylin arms of appetite regulation, producing greater weight loss than either component alone.
Key areas of published research include:
- REDEFINE 1 Phase 3 Trial (Obesity): The pivotal REDEFINE 1 trial evaluated CagriSema in adults with obesity (BMI 30 or greater, or 27 or greater with comorbidities) over 68 weeks. CagriSema achieved 20.4% mean body weight reduction compared to 14.9% with semaglutide alone, 11.5% with cagrilintide alone, and 3.0% with placebo. Approximately 60% of CagriSema participants achieved 20% or greater weight loss. The combination demonstrated statistically significant superiority over each individual component.
- Dual Receptor Mechanism: The clinical advantage of CagriSema over semaglutide alone is attributed to the complementary actions of amylin and GLP-1 receptor agonism on distinct neuronal populations in the hypothalamus and brainstem. Amylin acts primarily on the area postrema and nucleus of the solitary tract, while GLP-1 engages broader hypothalamic and mesolimbic circuits. The convergent but non-redundant satiety signaling produces additive weight loss.
- REDEFINE 2 Trial (Type 2 Diabetes): CagriSema has also been evaluated in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity, where the combination demonstrated both weight loss and glycemic control improvements, supporting its utility across the metabolic disease spectrum.
Novo Nordisk has filed for FDA approval for CagriSema for chronic weight management. CagriSema is currently an investigational product that has not received regulatory approval.
Specifications
All CagriSema supplied by Prescott Bio Canada is manufactured to research-grade standards.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Purity | >98% (HPLC) |
| Form | Lyophilized powder |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
| Storage (lyophilized) | -20°C, protected from light |
| Storage (reconstituted) | 2-8°C, use within 30 days |
| Solubility | Soluble in bacteriostatic water, sterile water, or normal saline |
Each vial is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA) documenting purity, identity, and endotoxin testing.
Research Applications
CagriSema is supplied exclusively for in vitro and in vivo laboratory research. Published experimental applications include:
- Investigation of dual amylin/GLP-1 receptor co-agonism and additive effects on appetite regulation
- Study of convergent satiety signaling pathways in hypothalamic and brainstem neuronal circuits
- Examination of combination incretin-based approaches for metabolic syndrome and body composition research
- Research into fatty acid conjugation strategies for extended peptide half-life and weekly dosing pharmacokinetics
Researchers should consult the primary literature and institutional review protocols before designing experiments with CagriSema.
Storage and Handling
Lyophilized powder: Store at -20°C in the original sealed vial, protected from light and moisture. Under these conditions, CagriSema maintains stability for up to 24 months.
Reconstituted solution: Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water or sterile water to the desired concentration. Store reconstituted CagriSema at 2-8°C and use within 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Handling precautions: This product is intended for research use only (RUO). Not for human or veterinary diagnostic or therapeutic use. Handle using standard laboratory safety practices including appropriate PPE.