PEG-MGF vs Cagrilintide
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Anabolic & IGF
PEG-MGFGLP-1 / Weight Loss Agonists
Cagrilintide- Summary
- PEG-MGF (Pegylated Mechano Growth Factor) is a modified form of MGF (Mechano Growth Factor) where polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains have been attached to extend its half-life from minutes to days. Native MGF is released locally in muscle in response to mechanical stress and quickly degrades. PEGylation allows systemic administration with sustained circulation, enabling whole-body muscle repair and anabolic signaling rather than the purely local effect of native MGF.
- 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
- ~3 days (due to PEGylation)
- ~7–10 days
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- SubQ
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 200–400 mcg
- 0.16 mg → 0.3 mg → 0.6 mg → 1.2 mg → 2.4 mg
- Frequency
- 2–3x per week
- Once weekly
- Key Benefits
- Extended half-life (~3 days) vs native MGF (minutes)
- Systemic muscle satellite cell activation via subcutaneous injection
- Promotes muscle fiber repair and hypertrophy throughout the body
- Enhanced recovery from intense training or muscle injury
- Synergistic with IGF-1 LR3 and growth hormone peptides
- Useful in sarcopenia, post-injury recovery, and athletic performance
- Single injection provides multi-day anabolic signaling
- ~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 and localized swelling
- Potential hypoglycemia at high doses
- Theoretical cancer growth risk (growth factor)
- Injection site reactions
- +1 more
- Nausea (most common, especially during titration)
- Vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Diarrhea
- +2 more
- Stacks With
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