Description
Cagrilintide is a synthetic, long-acting acylated peptide research reagent that functions as a dual agonist of the amylin and calcitonin receptors. Chemically, it is a stable analogue of human amylin (islet amyloid polypeptide), modified to prevent fibril formation and extend half-life in experimental assays. It is used extensively in investigational workflows involving the regulation of energy homeostasis and the delay of gastric emptying in non-human models.
Distinct from native amylin, Cagrilintide is engineered with a specific fatty acid side chain promoting albumin binding. It is widely utilized in laboratory settings to study the downstream effects of amylin receptor activation in the hindbrain (area postrema) and its synergistic potential when co-administered with GLP-1 (e.g., Semaglutide) or GIP receptor agonists in models of metabolic dysfunction and obesity.
Biochemical Characteristics
Chemically, Cagrilintide is characterized by its dual affinity for amylin and calcitonin receptors and its lipophilic modification.
- Sequence/Structure: Acylated peptide analogue (modified human amylin backbone).
- Permeability: Designed to interact with circumventricular organs (CVOs) such as the area postrema, which lack a complete blood-brain barrier.
- Stability: Supplied as a lyophilized salt to ensure long-term stability and prevent hydrolytic degradation or fibrillation during storage.
- Specificity: Acts as a non-selective agonist for both the amylin receptor (AMY) and the calcitonin receptor (CTR), allowing for comparative research against selective agonists.
Chemical Properties
| Property |
Specification |
| Molecule Name |
Cagrilintide |
| Synonyms |
AM833; Long-acting Amylin Analogue |
| CAS Number |
1415456-99-3 |
| Molecular Formula |
$C_{171}H_{267}N_{43}O_{53}$ (Free base approximation) |
| Molecular Weight |
~3973.4 g/mol |
| Form |
Lyophilized Powder |
| Purity |
≥99% (Verified via HPLC) |
| Solubility |
Soluble in water and organic solvents (refer to SDS) |
| Documentation |
COA available per lot; SDS available |
Cagrilintide is strictly for laboratory research and is commonly employed in the following investigational areas:
Combinatorial Metabolic Research (CagriSema)
Cagrilintide is frequently utilized in combination with Semaglutide (GLP-1 RA) to study the “CagriSema” effect. Researchers utilize this pairing to quantify synergistic reductions in body weight and adipose tissue mass in rodent models, investigating how simultaneous activation of amylin and GLP-1 pathways leads to greater efficacy than mono-agonism.
Amylin/Calcitonin Receptor Balance
In vitro and in vivo studies employ Cagrilintide to dissect the role of receptor specificity. By comparing Cagrilintide with selective amylin or calcitonin agonists (e.g., KBP-336), researchers can determine the metabolic contribution of dual receptor engagement versus single receptor activation regarding glucose tolerance and food intake suppression.
Lipid Metabolism and Adiposity
Experimental models involving obese rats utilize this compound to study changes in lipid profiles and visceral fat reduction. Investigations focus on the mechanisms by which amylin analogues influence lipolysis and energy expenditure independent of incretin pathways.
Multi-Agonist Synergy (Tri-Agonism)
Advanced research protocols combine Cagrilintide with dual GLP-1/GIP agonists (e.g., Tirzepatide). These studies aim to map the complex signaling cross-talk between amylin, GLP-1, and GIP receptors to understand the theoretical limits of pharmacological weight loss in animal models.
Pathway / Mechanistic Context
The primary mechanism of action for Cagrilintide in research settings is the agonism of the amylin/calcitonin receptor complex.
- Receptor Activation: Cagrilintide binds to the Amylin receptor (heterodimers of the Calcitonin receptor and RAMPs) and the Calcitonin receptor.
- Signaling Cascade: Activation triggers signaling in the hindbrain (nucleus of the solitary tract and area postrema), inducing satiety signals.
- Physiological Flux: In experimental models, this signaling results in the delay of gastric emptying and the suppression of glucagon secretion, contributing to reduced caloric intake and improved glycemic control.
Preclinical Research Summary
Published preclinical literature documents investigations of Cagrilintide across multiple experimental models for pathway characterization and endpoint measurement:
- Synergistic Weight Loss: Studies in diet-induced obesity models indicate that co-administration of Cagrilintide with Semaglutide results in significantly greater weight loss compared to either agent alone, suggesting non-overlapping mechanisms of action.
- Receptor Specificity: Research comparing Cagrilintide to selective agonists suggests that balancing activity between Amylin and Calcitonin receptors is critical for optimizing metabolic parameters.
- Triple-Pathway Modulation: Recent data from obese rat models demonstrates beneficial effects when combining Cagrilintide (Amylin/Calcitonin) with Tirzepatide (GLP-1/GIP), highlighting the potential for multi-pathway metabolic interventions.
- Pharmacokinetics: Phase 1b and preclinical trials have established the pharmacokinetic profile of Cagrilintide, validating its suitability for once-weekly administration protocols in research settings due to its extended half-life.
Form & Analytical Testing
This material is produced via robust chemical synthesis and supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder.
- Lyophilization: Removes water content under vacuum to maintain compound integrity and extend shelf-life.
- Identity Verification: Each lot undergoes Mass Spectrometry (MS) to confirm molecular weight and identity.
- Purity Verification: High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is performed to ensure the product meets the ≥99% purity standard required for reproducible research data.
Referenced Citations
References are provided for informational purposes only and are not clinical claims.
- Lau, D., et al. (2021). Once-weekly cagrilintide for weight management in people with overweight and obesity: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled and active-controlled, dose-finding phase 2 trial. The Lancet. [https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(21)01751-7]()
- Enebo, L., et al. (2021). Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of concomitant administration of multiple doses of cagrilintide with semaglutide 2·4 mg for weight management: a randomised, controlled, phase 1b trial. The Lancet. [https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00845-X]()
- Larsen, A., et al. (2022). Does receptor balance matter? – Comparing the efficacies of the dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonists cagrilintide and KBP-336 on metabolic parameters in preclinical models. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113842]()
- Valdecantos, P., et al. (2024). 300-OR: Beneficial Effect of the Combination Therapy of Cagrilintide, a Dual Amylin/Calcitonin Agonist, and Tirzepatide, a Dual GLP-1/GIP Agonist, on Body Weight Loss in Obese Rats. Diabetes. [https://doi.org/10.2337/db24-300-or]()
- Badshah I. (2024). Unlocking the Potential: Amylin-Based Therapies as Novel Interventions for Addressing the Nexus of Obesity and Cardiovascular Health. J Endo Metabol Res. [https://doi.org/10.37191/Mapsci-2582-7960-5(1)-036]()
- Mikhail, N. (2023). Cagrilintide Combined with Semaglutide: a new Approach for Treatment of Obesity and type 2 Diabetes. Clinical Research and clinical Trials. [https://doi.org/10.31579/2693-4779/154]()
- Frias, J.P., et al. (2023). 53-OR: Efficacy and Safety of Coadministered s.c. Semaglutide and s.c. Cagrilintide in Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes. [https://doi.org/10.2337/db23-53-OR]()
- Dutta, D., et al. (2024). Efficacy and Safety of Cagrilintide Alone and in Combination with Semaglutide (Cagrisema) as Anti-Obesity Medications: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism. [https://doi.org/10.4103/ijem.ijem_45_24]()
RESEARCH USE ONLY
This product is intended strictly for laboratory research use only. It is not for human or veterinary use. It is not intended for diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. All purchases are subject to our Terms of Service and Purity Guarantee.
No COAs available for this product.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.