Cagrilintide and Semaglutide combination therapy (Cagrisema) is a fixed-dose combination therapy consisting of a long-acting amylin analogue, Cagrilintide, and a GLP-1 receptor agonist, Semaglutide, designed for once-weekly subcutaneous injection. This combination therapy is designed to reduce weight and improve blood sugar control through different mechanisms of action.
R&D background and clinical trial results
Cagrisema was developed by Novo Nordisk. The results of its Phase 3 clinical trial REDEFINE-1 showed that overweight or obese patients without type 2 diabetes had an average weight loss of 22.7% when treated with Cagrisema for 68 weeks. 12 The primary endpoint of this trial was achieved, indicating that Cagrisema has a significant effect in weight loss. In addition, the results of Cagrisema’s second pivotal Phase 3 trial REDEFINE-2, which targets obese or overweight adult patients with type 2 diabetes, are expected to be announced in the first half of 2025.
Mechanism of drug action
Cagrilintide is a long-acting amylin analog that plays a role in blood sugar regulation by slowing gastric emptying and promoting satiety, thereby preventing blood sugar levels from rising after meals. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that stimulates insulin secretion and inhibits glucagon secretion, while delaying gastric emptying and suppressing appetite. The combined use of these two drugs is intended to work together through different physiological mechanisms to achieve better weight loss and blood sugar control effects.
