What is CagriSema?
CagriSema is a fixed-dose combination of two research peptides: cagrilintide, a long-acting amylin analog, and semaglutide, a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist. It was developed by Novo Nordisk for research into weight management and metabolic regulation.
The combination pairs amylin-receptor agonism — which promotes satiety and slows gastric emptying — with GLP-1-receptor agonism, which suppresses appetite and stimulates glucose-dependent insulin secretion. Together these two complementary pathways produce a dual-pathway effect on food intake and body weight that neither component achieves alone. The individual components, cagrilintide and semaglutide, are also studied separately in their own right.
Like its GLP-1 component, CagriSema has an extended half-life that allows for once-weekly administration in research protocols.
Fixed-dose co-formulation: This vial contains BOTH cagrilintide and semaglutide in a 1:1 fixed ratio. The mg figure refers to the total/combined peptide content per research vial. All doses in the tables below refer to the combined formulation, not to either component individually.
Quick Reference
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Peptide Amount | 5mg (combined) |
| Recommended BAC Water | 2mL |
| Resulting Concentration | 2.5mg/mL (2500mcg/mL) |
| Typical Research Dose | 0.25mg - 2.4mg weekly |
| Frequency | Once weekly |
| Research Duration | 16-68 weeks |
Reconstitution Guide
Materials Needed
- CagriSema 5mg lyophilized vial
- Bacteriostatic water (BAC water)
- Insulin syringes (U-100, 29-31 gauge)
- Alcohol swabs
- Sharps container
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prepare your workspace — Clean your work area and gather all materials. Wash hands thoroughly.
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Clean the vial stoppers — Wipe the CagriSema vial stopper and BAC water vial with alcohol swabs. Allow to dry completely.
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Draw the BAC water — Using a sterile syringe, draw 2mL of bacteriostatic water.
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Add water to peptide vial — Insert the needle into the CagriSema vial and slowly inject the BAC water down the inside wall of the vial. Do not spray directly onto the powder.
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Allow to dissolve — CagriSema may take 5-10 minutes to fully dissolve. Gently swirl occasionally — never shake vigorously.
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Verify dissolution — The solution should be completely clear and colorless. If cloudy or particles remain, continue gentle swirling.
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Label and store — Write the reconstitution date on the vial. Store in refrigerator immediately.
Dosage Protocol
Concentration Calculations
With 5mg combined peptide in 2mL BAC water:
- Concentration: 2.5mg/mL = 2500mcg/mL
- Per unit (U-100 syringe): 25mcg per unit
Common Dose Calculations
| Desired Dose | Draw Volume | Syringe Units |
|---|---|---|
| 0.25mg (250mcg) | 0.10mL | 10 units |
| 0.5mg (500mcg) | 0.20mL | 20 units |
| 1.0mg (1000mcg) | 0.40mL | 40 units |
| 1.7mg (1700mcg) | 0.68mL | 68 units |
| 2.4mg (2400mcg) | 0.96mL | 96 units |
Doses in this table refer to the combined co-formulation, not to cagrilintide or semaglutide individually.
Suggested Titration Protocol
CagriSema research protocols typically employ gradual dose escalation to assess tolerance:
| Week | Dose | Syringe Units | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | 0.25mg | 10 units | Initial titration |
| 5-8 | 0.5mg | 20 units | First escalation |
| 9-12 | 1.0mg | 40 units | Second escalation |
| 13-16 | 1.7mg | 68 units | Third escalation |
| 17+ | 2.4mg | 96 units | Maintenance (if tolerated) |
Important Notes:
- Each dose level should be maintained for at least 4 weeks before escalation
- Not all research protocols require reaching maximum dose
- Dose escalation should be based on research objectives and tolerance
Injection Guide
Subcutaneous Administration
- Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab
- Pinch a fold of skin (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm)
- Insert needle at 90° angle for most body types
- Inject slowly and steadily
- Wait 5-10 seconds before withdrawing needle
- Apply light pressure if needed — do not rub
Site Rotation
Rotate between these areas weekly:
- Abdomen (2+ inches from navel) — most common
- Outer thigh (front/outer area)
- Back of upper arm
Consistency tip: Administer on the same day each week to maintain steady levels.
Storage Requirements
Lyophilized (Powder Form)
- Temperature: -20°C (-4°F) or colder
- Duration: 2+ years
- Conditions: Protect from light and moisture
Reconstituted (Mixed with BAC Water)
- Temperature: 2-8°C (36-46°F) — standard refrigerator
- Duration: 4-6 weeks
- Conditions: Keep away from light, never freeze reconstituted solution
Important Storage Notes
- CagriSema is sensitive to temperature — minimize time outside refrigeration
- Do not use if solution becomes cloudy, discolored, or contains particles
- Keep track of reconstitution date and discard after 6 weeks maximum
Research Considerations
Mechanism of Action
CagriSema’s research applications stem from its dual amylin and GLP-1 receptor agonism:
- Amylin pathway (cagrilintide): Enhanced satiety, slowed gastric emptying
- GLP-1 pathway (semaglutide): Appetite suppression, glucose-dependent insulin secretion
- CNS effects: Complementary appetite regulation via central pathways
- Combined effect: Dual-pathway modulation of food intake and body weight
Key Research Findings
Clinical research (REDEFINE program, phase 2 trials) has demonstrated:
- Significant effects on body weight in metabolic research
- Improvements in glycemic parameters in type 2 diabetes research
- Complementary benefit from combining amylin and GLP-1 pathways
Safety & Handling
General Precautions
- Use sterile technique for all preparations
- Never reuse needles or syringes
- Dispose of sharps properly in designated containers
- Store away from children and unauthorized persons
Research Considerations
- CagriSema is for research purposes only
- CagriSema is an investigational research peptide combination, not an approved medicine
- Research-grade peptides are not equivalent to pharmaceutical preparations
- Follow institutional guidelines for peptide research
Sourcing for Research
Source from verified suppliers that provide third-party testing and certificates of analysis (COA) for each batch. Compare purity documentation, shipping conditions, and batch traceability before purchasing research materials.
Scientific References
- Frias JP, et al. “Efficacy and safety of co-administered once-weekly cagrilintide 2.4 mg with once-weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg in participants with type 2 diabetes: a phase 2 trial.” The Lancet. 2023.
- Novo Nordisk REDEFINE clinical trial program (cagrilintide + semaglutide co-formulation) for weight management. 2024.
Last updated: July 04, 2026
Disclaimer: This information is for educational and research purposes only. CagriSema as a research peptide combination is not intended for human consumption. CagriSema is an investigational research peptide combination, not an approved medicine. Always follow applicable laws and institutional guidelines.