Cagrilintide vs Melanotan II
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
GLP-1 / Weight Loss Agonists
CagrilintideSexual Health & Libido
Melanotan II- 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.
- Melanotan II is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that stimulates melanin production (skin tanning), suppresses appetite, and enhances sexual function. It is not FDA-approved and has significant safety concerns including mole changes and cardiovascular effects.
- Half-Life
- ~7–10 days
- 1–2 hours
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- SubQ
- Research
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- —
- Typical Dose
- 0.16 mg → 0.3 mg → 0.6 mg → 1.2 mg → 2.4 mg
- 0.25–0.5 mg
- Frequency
- Once weekly
- Once 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
- Promotes skin tanning and melanin production
- Reduces UV exposure needed to tan
- Enhances libido and sexual function
- May suppress appetite
- Faster, deeper tan development
- Longer-lasting tan maintenance
- Potential photoprotective effects
- Side Effects
- Nausea (most common, especially during titration)
- Vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Diarrhea
- +2 more
- Nausea (very common, especially in first days)
- Facial flushing
- Spontaneous erections in men
- Darkening or changes in existing moles (monitor closely)
- +3 more
- Stacks With
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