Comparison

Semaglutide vs Cagrilintide

GLP-1 receptor agonist versus amylin analog, the two halves of CagriSema.

Semaglutide

Established

Brand names: Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus

Long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management, with established cardiovascular benefit.

Full Semaglutide profile

Cagrilintide

Clinical

Long-acting amylin analog that slows gastric emptying and enhances satiety, typically paired with semaglutide (CagriSema).

Full Cagrilintide profile

Attribute	Semaglutide	Cagrilintide
Category	Incretin / GLP-1 Compounds	Incretin / GLP-1 Compounds
Evidence tier	Established	Clinical
FDA status	FDA-approved (T2D and chronic weight management). Removed from FDA shortage list in early 2025, limiting compounded versions.	Investigational as monotherapy; CagriSema in Phase III.
Mechanism	Semaglutide is a GLP-1 analog that slows gastric emptying, increases satiety, enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion, and suppresses glucagon. Its 94% homology with native GLP-1 and albumin binding extend half-life to approximately 7 days, enabling weekly dosing.	Cagrilintide is an acylated amylin analog with extended half-life. It acts on amylin and calcitonin receptors to slow gastric emptying, suppress glucagon, and increase satiety via area postrema signaling.
Key benefits	Significant weight loss (10–17% of body weight in STEP trials) Improved glycemic control in type 2 diabetes Reduced major adverse cardiovascular events (SELECT trial) Appetite and food-noise reduction	Additive weight loss when combined with GLP-1 agonists Reduced food cravings and portion size Preserved lean mass in some trials
Dosage range	0.25 – 2.4 mg weekly	0.16 – 2.4 mg weekly
Frequency	Weekly	Weekly
Route	SubQ	SubQ
Common side effects	Nausea (most common, dose-dependent), Constipation or diarrhea, Delayed gastric emptying, Fatigue during titration	Nausea, Appetite suppression can be substantial

Educational reference only, not medical advice. Data reflects each compound’s profile page; see individual profiles for references and full safety information.

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