Cagrilintide vs Semaglutide
Amylin versus incretin signaling — mechanistically independent satiety pathways, which is why they appear together in combination studies.
Metabolic
Cagrilintide
Long-acting amylin analog studied at calcitonin and amylin receptors — a satiety pathway mechanistically distinct from incretin agonism.
Metabolic
Semaglutide
Long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist studied extensively for incretin pathway signaling and glucose regulation in preclinical models.
Side by side
| Dimension | Cagrilintide | Semaglutide |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 4409 g/mol | 4113.58 g/mol |
| Size class | long peptide | long peptide |
| CAS number | 1415456-99-3 | 910463-68-2 |
| Research area | metabolic | metabolic |
| Sequence | Not published as a linear sequence | Not published as a linear sequence |
| Available sizes | 10mg | 5mg, 10mg, 20mg |
| Entry price | $99 | $44 |
| Cost per mg | $9.90 | $6.45 |
Mechanism
Cagrilintide
Cagrilintide is an acylated analog of human amylin, the peptide co-secreted with insulin from pancreatic β-cells. It acts at the calcitonin receptor and amylin receptor subtypes, a pathway entirely separate from GLP-1 and GIP signaling. Research interest centers on whether amylin and incretin pathways are additive, which is why it appears frequently in combination studies alongside semaglutide.
Semaglutide
Semaglutide is a 31-amino-acid GLP-1 analog structurally modified at position 8 (Aib substitution) to resist DPP-4 degradation, with a C18 fatty diacid chain conjugated via a spacer at Lys26 that promotes albumin binding. These modifications extend its half-life substantially relative to native GLP-1, which has a circulating half-life measured in minutes. It is among the most heavily published peptides in modern metabolic research.
Evidence quality
Mechanism is not the same as evidence. Where we have assessed the literature, the verdict is stated plainly.
Semaglutide
Evidence base: extensive, independently replicated, with published receptor-level and pharmacokinetic characterization.
Full research reference →Research applications
Cagrilintide
- Amylin and calcitonin receptor binding studies
- Combination pharmacology with incretin agonists
- Satiety signaling research in preclinical models
- Gastric emptying rate assays
Semaglutide
- Incretin receptor signaling and β-cell response studies
- Gastric emptying and satiety-pathway research in rodent models
- Comparative pharmacokinetics against dual and triple agonists
- Receptor binding affinity and selectivity assays
Common questions
What is the difference between Cagrilintide and Semaglutide?
Cagrilintide is long-acting amylin analog studied at calcitonin and amylin receptors — a satiety pathway mechanistically distinct from incretin agonism. Semaglutide is long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist studied extensively for incretin pathway signaling and glucose regulation in preclinical models. They differ in molecular weight (4409 vs 4113.58 g/mol) and in the pathways they are studied against.
Which is more cost-effective per milligram, Cagrilintide or Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is lower at approximately $6.45 per milligram at its best tier, against $9.90 for the other. Cost per milligram is only meaningful relative to the concentrations a given protocol requires, since these compounds are not used at comparable masses.
Can Cagrilintide and Semaglutide be studied together?
Combination designs appear in the published literature for a number of these compounds. Whether it is appropriate for a given protocol depends entirely on the model and endpoint. We supply research compounds and do not provide protocol guidance — consult the primary literature for your specific model.
How should Cagrilintide and Semaglutide be stored?
Store lyophilized at -20°C protected from light. Reconstituted at 2-8°C for up to 30 days. For Semaglutide: Store lyophilized powder at -20°C protected from light. Reconstituted solution is stable at 2-8°C for up to 30 days.
Which has the stronger evidence base?
Semaglutide — Evidence base: extensive, independently replicated, with published receptor-level and pharmacokinetic characterization. Where we have not published a formal evidence assessment, treat the literature as requiring your own appraisal.
All products are intended strictly for laboratory research use. Not for human or veterinary use. Not for diagnostic or therapeutic use. Not a drug, food, or cosmetic.
Comparison generated from NuVida Vital catalog data. Every specification is reconciled against the certificate of analysis for the shipped batch.