Cagrilintide 5 mg

Cagrilintide is a synthetic peptide‑based analogue of the naturally occurring hormone amylin — engineered to have a longer duration of action and stronger effects on appetite and metabolism than native amylin. It’s being actively studied in clinical trials for weight management and metabolic disease, especially obesity and type 2 diabetes, but as of early 2026 it is not yet FDA‑approved as a standalone drug. 

🧬 What Cagrilintide Is

• Type: Synthetic long‑acting amylin analogue (peptide).  
• Core inspiration: Based on amylin (also known as islet amyloid polypeptide), a pancreatic hormone secreted with insulin that reduces appetite, slows gastric emptying, and influences glucagon release.  
• Modifications: Cagrilintide incorporates structural changes (including fatty acid linkage for albumin binding) that extend its half‑life, allowing once‑weekly administration in clinical protocols.  
• Receptor activity: It acts as a dual agonist for amylin and calcitonin receptors (often described as a DACRA), giving it broader appetite and metabolic effects than native amylin.  

⚙️ How It Works

Cagrilintide influences several physiological pathways related to eating and metabolism:

🍽️ Appetite Suppression

It activates receptors in brain regions (like the area postrema and hypothalamic pathways) that signal satiety, helping reduce hunger and overall food intake. 

⏱️ Slowing Gastric Emptying

Cagrilintide slows the rate at which food leaves the stomach, which increases feelings of fullness after meals. 

🌡️ Metabolic Effects

By mimicking amylin, it can also modulate glucagon secretion and support improved glucose control, which makes it of particular interest in type 2 diabetes research.