Cagrilintide

Cagrilintide, a synthetic derivative of amylin, exhibits prolonged activity in comparison to its natural counterpart. Researchers are currently investigating its potential applications in managing both obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, either as a standalone treatment or in combination with semaglutide, known as cagrilintide/semaglutide. This innovative combination therapy aims to synergistically enhance therapeutic outcomes through dual mechanisms of action, targeting both metabolic control and weight management. Preliminary studies have shown promising results, prompting further exploration into the efficacy and safety profile of cagrilintide/semaglutide in clinical trials.

Cagrilintide, a sustained-release version of amylin, is utilized to manage obesity and type 2 diabetes independently and alongside semaglutide, branded as cagrilintide/semaglutide.

Aminos description: Cagrilintide is a long-acting, non-selective amylin analogue  currently at the forefront of peptide research. Improving upon prior amylin analogues like pramlintide, it was developed to have an extended half-life while also preventing amylin protein aggregation. 

Amylin is a 37 amino acid peptide primarily produced by pancreatic beta cells.  It is secreted along with insulin, and the similarities between the two render the synthesis and excretion similar..Amylin has been shown to have effects in a variety of tissues — not only the stomach and pancreas, but also the central nervous and cardiovascular systems.

Cagrilintide was developed to build upon the experiences of the first amylin analogue — pramlintide. While pramlintide did exhibit efficacy and desired activity, its short half-life and undesirable side effect profile left much room for improvement. Cagrilintide has a number of chemical alterations to enhance its potency, stability, and half-life, including a similar albumin-binding mechanism as semaglutide. As a relatively newly developed peptide, the research possibilities with cagrilintide are vast.

Research Studies:

1. Kruse T, Hansen JL, Dahl K, et al. Development of cagrilintide, a long-acting amylin analogue. J Med Chem. 2021;64(15):11183-11194. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00565
2.  D’Ascanio AM, Mullaly JA, Firshman WH. Cagrilintide: A long-acting amylin analog for the treatment of obesity. Cardiol Rev.2024;32(1):83-90. doi: 10.1097/CRD.0000000000000513
3.  Eržen S, Tonin G, Jurišić Eržen D, Klen J. Amylin, another important neuroendocrine hormone for the treatment of obesity. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25:1417. doi: 10.3390/ijms25031517