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Cagrilintide dosage and protocol
Cagrilintide is a long-acting amylin analog that has been studied in metabolic research. It is being investigated for its effects on appetite regulation and glucose control.
- Vial size: 10 mg
- Reconstitution: 3 mL bacteriostatic water
- Concentration: 1.67 mg/mL
- Administration: subcutaneous
Research areas
- Metabolic Research
- Appetite Regulation
- Glucose Control
Quick start
- Reconstitute: Record lists 1.67 mg/mL (matching its dose volumes); note that 10 mg in 3.0 mL would be 3.33 mg/mL – confirm vial size and diluent volume before measuring
- Typical dose: 0.6 mg weekly, escalating every two weeks to 4.5 mg weekly maintenance
- Easy measuring: At 1.67 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL ≈ 16.7 mcg; 0.6 mg = 36 units, 1.2 mg = 72 units; doses of 2.4 mg and above exceed a 1 mL U-100 syringe
- Storage: Lyophilized at −20°C; refrigerate after mixing and use within 28 days
Dosing protocol
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 0.6 mg (600 mcg) | Once weekly (SC) | 0.36 mL (36 units) |
| Weeks 3–4 | 1.2 mg (1200 mcg) | Once weekly (SC) | 0.72 mL (72 units) |
| Weeks 5–6 | 2.4 mg (2400 mcg) | Once weekly (SC) | 1.44 mL (use 3 mL syringe) |
| Weeks 7–16 (Maintenance) | 4.5 mg (4500 mcg) | Once weekly (SC) | 2.70 mL (use 3 mL syringe) |
How it works
Cagrilintide is a long-acting, acylated analog of amylin, a hormone co-secreted with insulin from pancreatic beta cells. It is engineered with a fatty-acid side chain that binds albumin, giving a half-life long enough for once-weekly dosing. Cagrilintide acts as a non-selective agonist at amylin receptors (calcitonin receptors paired with receptor activity-modifying proteins) and also at the calcitonin receptor itself. Amylin signaling in the hindbrain (area postrema) and hypothalamus increases satiety and reduces meal size, while peripherally it slows gastric emptying and suppresses post-meal glucagon release. These actions lower food intake and post-meal glucose excursions. Because amylin pathways are distinct from GLP-1 pathways, cagrilintide has been developed both alone and in combination with semaglutide. In a phase 2 trial in adults with overweight or obesity, once-weekly cagrilintide at doses up to 4.5 mg produced dose-dependent weight loss over 26 weeks, greater than placebo and comparable to or greater than liraglutide 3.0 mg. Gastrointestinal effects were the most common adverse events. Cagrilintide is investigational and not approved as a standalone drug; most late-stage development has focused on its combination with semaglutide.
Reconstitution steps
- Draw 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe
- Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming or vigorous agitation
- Gently swirl or roll until fully dissolved (do not shake)
- Label with date and concentration; refrigerate at 2–8°C, protected from light
- Use within 30 days; discard if cloudy or particulate matter appears
Storage
Store lyophilized at -20°C. Refrigerate after reconstitution. Use within 28 days.
Important notes
- Research purposes only.
- Gradual dose escalation important.
- Often studied in combination with GLP-1 agonists.
Supplies
- Cagrilintide vial (5mg)
- Bacteriostatic water
- Insulin syringes
- Alcohol swabs