Hexarelin vs Cagrilintide
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Growth Hormone Peptides
HexarelinGLP-1 / Weight Loss Agonists
Cagrilintide- Summary
- Hexarelin is a potent synthetic GHRP and the strongest GH secretagogue in its class per unit dose. It also exhibits unique cardioprotective properties through direct binding to cardiac CD36 receptors, independent of GH release. Its potency is balanced by a tendency to desensitize GH release with prolonged use, making cycling important.
- 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.
- Half-Life
- ~70 minutes
- ~7–10 days
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- SubQ
- Research
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- —
- Typical Dose
- 100–200 mcg
- 0.16 mg → 0.3 mg → 0.6 mg → 1.2 mg → 2.4 mg
- Frequency
- 2–3 times daily
- Once weekly
- Key Benefits
- Strongest GH pulse per mcg among GHRPs
- Unique direct cardioprotective effects via CD36
- Increased IGF-1 and muscle anabolism
- Accelerated recovery from training
- Bone density support
- Anti-aging via GH axis
- Potential cardiac rehabilitation 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
- Side Effects
- Water retention
- Elevated cortisol
- Elevated prolactin (more pronounced than other GHRPs)
- Receptor desensitization with continuous use
- +1 more
- Nausea (most common, especially during titration)
- Vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Diarrhea
- +2 more
- Stacks With
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