Cagrilintide vs Dulaglutide
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Cagrilintide
Cagrilintide is a long-acting amylin analog in development, showing promising results when combined with semaglutide (CagriSema). Amylin is a hormone co-secreted with insulin that promotes satiety.
Full details →Dulaglutide
Dulaglutide (Trulicity) is a once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes. Its larger molecular size from fusion with an Fc fragment extends half-life and may reduce some GI side effects.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Cagrilintide | Dulaglutide |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 300 mcg–4.5 mg | 750 mcg–4.5 mg |
| Frequency | Less than daily | Less than daily |
| Cycle Length | 26–68 weeks | 12–52 weeks |
| Route | subcutaneous | subcutaneous |
| Mechanism | Activates amylin receptors (calcitonin receptor with RAMP proteins) to slow gastric emptying, suppress glucagon secretion, and reduce food intake through central satiety mechanisms distinct from GLP-1. | GLP-1 analog fused to a modified human IgG4 Fc fragment, providing extended duration of action. Activates GLP-1 receptors for glucose-dependent insulin secretion and appetite suppression. |
| Typical Dosage | Clinical trials: 2.4mg weekly as monotherapy or in combination with semaglutide 2.4mg (CagriSema). Optimal dosing still being determined. | Start at 0.75mg once weekly, may increase to 1.5mg, 3mg, or maximum 4.5mg weekly based on glycemic response. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection once weekly. Currently only available in clinical trials - not yet FDA approved. | Subcutaneous injection once weekly, any time of day, with or without food. Comes in pre-filled single-dose pens. |
| Side Effects | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation similar to other incretin-based therapies. Combination with semaglutide may increase GI effects initially. | Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, decreased appetite. Generally well-tolerated with gradual dose titration. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Cagrilintide, Dulaglutide are both commonly used for:
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
| Goal | Cagrilintide | Dulaglutide |
|---|---|---|
| Fat Loss | high | high |
Key Studies
Cagrilintide
- Efficacy and safety of co-administered cagrilintide and semaglutide versus semaglutide alone in adults with overweight or obesity with or without type 2 diabetes in Japan and Taiwan (REDEFINE 5): a multicentre, randomised, active-controlled, phase 3a trial.
The lancet. Diabetes & endocrinology, 2026
- A cross-species atlas of the dorsal vagal complex reveals neural mediators of the effects of cagrilintide on energy balance.
Nature metabolism, 2026
- Cagrilintide-Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes.
The New England journal of medicine, 2025
Dulaglutide
- Comparative Gastrointestinal Safety of Dulaglutide, Semaglutide, and Tirzepatide in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes.
Annals of internal medicine, 2026
- Mazdutide versus dulaglutide in Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes.
Nature, 2026
- Cardiorenal Outcomes With Tirzepatide Compared With Dulaglutide in Patients With Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease: A Post Hoc Analysis of the SURPASS-CVOT Randomized Clinical Trial.
JAMA cardiology, 2026
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