Comparison
Semaglutide vs Cagrilintide
GLP-1 versus amylin, and why they are studied together
The key difference
Semaglutide mimics GLP-1, a gut hormone. Cagrilintide mimics amylin, a hormone released with insulin. Both are involved in fullness, through different pathways.
| Semaglutide | Cagrilintide | |
|---|---|---|
| Class | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Long-acting amylin analog |
| Evidence | FDA-approved drug | Human clinical trials |
| Status | Prescription drug. FDA-approved for specific indications. | Investigational. Not FDA-approved. |
| Also known as | Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus | — |
| Researched for | Weight & metabolism | Weight & metabolism |
| Evidence strength | FDA-approved drug | Human clinical trials |
What else differs
- Because they work through different hormone systems, researchers are studying them combined (often called CagriSema).
- Semaglutide is approved; cagrilintide is investigational on its own and in combination.
Bottom line
Different mechanisms, complementary in theory, with the combination still in trials.
Read the research
Semaglutide on PubMed →
Cagrilintide on PubMed →
Educational content, not medical advice. This page does not recommend or dose any substance. Compounds that are not FDA-approved have not been established as safe or effective in people.