Cagrilintide vs Tirzepatide
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
GLP-1 / Weight Loss Agonists
CagrilintideGLP-1 / Weight Loss Agonists
Tirzepatide- 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.
- Tirzepatide is an FDA-approved dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist that produces greater weight loss than semaglutide in head-to-head trials. SURMOUNT-1 trial showed average 21% body weight reduction at 72 weeks at the highest dose. Marketed as Mounjaro (diabetes) and Zepbound (obesity).
- Half-Life
- ~7–10 days
- ~5 days
- 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
- 2.5 mg → 5 mg → 7.5 mg → 10 mg → 12.5 mg → 15 mg
- Frequency
- Once weekly
- Once weekly, subcutaneous
- 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
- Average 21% body weight reduction at highest dose (SURMOUNT-1)
- Superior to semaglutide in head-to-head SURPASS trials
- Dual GIP/GLP-1 mechanism for enhanced metabolic control
- Significant reduction in HbA1c for type 2 diabetes
- Improved cardiovascular risk markers
- Reduces visceral fat preferentially
- FDA-approved for T2DM (Mounjaro) and obesity (Zepbound)
- Weekly dosing
- Side Effects
- Nausea (most common, especially during titration)
- Vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Diarrhea
- +2 more
- Nausea (most common during titration)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Abdominal pain
- +3 more
- Stacks With
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