Cagrilintide vs Dihexa
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
GLP-1 / Weight Loss Agonists
CagrilintideCognitive Enhancement
Dihexa- Summary
- Cagrilintide is a long-acting amylin analog developed by Novo Nordisk. Amylin is a peptide hormone co-secreted with insulin from pancreatic beta cells. Cagrilintide slows gastric emptying, suppresses glucagon, and reduces appetite via central amylin receptors. In combination with semaglutide (CagriSema), Phase 2 trials achieved approximately 15% body weight reduction. Phase 3 trials (REDEFINE program) are ongoing.
- Dihexa is a potent experimental oligopeptide derived from angiotensin IV that dramatically enhances synaptogenesis. Preclinical research shows cognitive enhancement orders of magnitude more potent than BDNF — it is considered one of the most powerful nootropic compounds in research, but has very limited human safety data.
- Half-Life
- ~7–10 days
- Unknown (limited pharmacokinetic data)
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- Oral, SubQ, Topical
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.16 mg → 0.3 mg → 0.6 mg → 1.2 mg → 2.4 mg
- 5–10 mg
- Frequency
- Once weekly
- Daily
- Key Benefits
- ~15% body weight reduction in combination with semaglutide (CagriSema Phase 2)
- Synergistic appetite suppression complementing GLP-1 receptor agonists
- Reduces post-meal glucagon excursions improving glycemic control
- Slows gastric emptying contributing to prolonged satiety
- Once-weekly dosing via subcutaneous injection
- Potential for greater weight loss than semaglutide monotherapy
- Dramatically increases synapse formation (potentially 10 million× more potent than BDNF in animal models)
- Enhances memory and learning
- May reverse cognitive decline
- Improves neuroplasticity and executive function
- Long-lasting cognitive benefits from short courses
- Potential therapeutic agent for Alzheimer's
- Side Effects
- Nausea (most common, especially during titration)
- Vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Diarrhea
- +2 more
- Headache
- Irritability
- Brain fog during washout period
- Unknown long-term effects (insufficient data)
- Stacks With
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