What Is CagriSema?
CagriSema is a combination injectable medication being developed by Novo Nordisk for the treatment of obesity and metabolic disease. It combines two active components:
- Semaglutide (a GLP-1 receptor agonist, used in Wegovy)
- Cagrilintide (an amylin analogue)
CagriSema is not currently licensed, prescribed, or available in the UK. It remains an investigational treatment undergoing Phase 3 clinical trials.
The aim of CagriSema is to enhance weight loss by combining appetite suppression through GLP-1 with additional satiety signalling through amylin pathways.
How Does CagriSema Work for Weight Loss?
CagriSema works by targeting two complementary hormonal systems involved in appetite regulation and fullness.
GLP-1 (Semaglutide)
Semaglutide:
- Reduces appetite
- Slows gastric emptying
- Improves blood sugar control
- Increases feelings of fullness
This is the same mechanism used in Wegovy and Ozempic and is well established in weight loss medicine.
Amylin (Cagrilintide)
Amylin is a naturally occurring hormone released alongside insulin after meals. It:
- Enhances satiety
- Reduces meal size
- Slows digestion
- Helps regulate appetite independently of GLP-1
By combining these two mechanisms, CagriSema aims to provide stronger and more sustained appetite control than GLP-1 therapy alone.
Why CagriSema Is Different From Existing Weight Loss Injections
Most current weight loss injections focus on GLP-1 alone or GLP-1 combined with GIP.
CagriSema takes a different approach by combining:
- GLP-1 for appetite suppression and metabolic control
- Amylin for enhanced satiety and meal-size reduction
This makes CagriSema particularly interesting for patients who:
- Experience hunger returning on GLP-1 alone
- Struggle with portion control despite reduced appetite
- Require stronger satiety signalling
Rather than increasing metabolic rate, as some newer drugs aim to do, CagriSema focuses on deep appetite and satiety control.
