Cagrilintide

Research Overview

Cagrilintide is a structurally stabilised synthetic analogue of the pancreatic hormone amylin (islet amyloid polypeptide, IAPP), engineered for enhanced receptor binding duration and proteolytic resistance relative to native amylin. As a dual co-agonist at the amylin receptor subtypes AMY1R and AMY3R — which are formed by complexes of the calcitonin receptor (CTR) with receptor activity-modifying proteins (RAMPs) — cagrilintide provides researchers with a selective tool for studying amylin receptor pathway signalling, including gastric emptying modulation and central energy homeostasis circuitry in preclinical model systems. Its investigational status and distinct receptor target profile from GLP-1R agonists have made it a subject of research interest in multi-receptor metabolic pathway studies. Supplied exclusively for laboratory and research use — not for human or animal consumption.

Preclinical studies examining cagrilintide have focused on its activity at AMY1R and AMY3R, both of which are expressed in the central nervous system (particularly the area postrema and hypothalamus) and peripheral metabolic tissues. Research in animal models has characterised cagrilintide's effects on amylin receptor-mediated signalling cascades, gastric emptying rates, and hypothalamic feeding-circuit regulation. Of particular investigational interest is the combination of amylin receptor co-agonism with GLP-1R agonism, with published preclinical research examining whether these two distinct receptor pathways produce additive metabolic signalling effects when activated concurrently. All outcomes referenced pertain to preclinical or investigational models and do not constitute evidence of clinical efficacy or safety in humans.