Cagrilintide vs SHLP2
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 →SHLP2
SHLP2 (Small Humanin-Like Peptide 2) is a mitochondrial-derived peptide similar to humanin. It has shown insulin-sensitizing and cytoprotective effects in research, with potential metabolic benefits.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Cagrilintide | SHLP2 |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 300 mcg–4.5 mg | 1 mg–5 mg |
| Frequency | Less than daily | 1x daily |
| Cycle Length | 26–68 weeks | 4–8 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. | Enhances insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake. Provides cytoprotective effects similar to humanin. May act through similar but distinct receptor pathways. |
| Typical Dosage | Clinical trials: 2.4mg weekly as monotherapy or in combination with semaglutide 2.4mg (CagriSema). Optimal dosing still being determined. | Research compound with doses in the microgram to low milligram range studied in animal models. Human dosing not established. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection once weekly. Currently only available in clinical trials - not yet FDA approved. | Subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injection in research settings. Various SHLP analogs (1-6) have different properties. |
| Side Effects | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation similar to other incretin-based therapies. Combination with semaglutide may increase GI effects initially. | Limited data. Animal studies suggest good tolerability. May affect glucose metabolism. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Cagrilintide, SHLP2 are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to SHLP2:
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
- Fat Loss: Cagrilintide has stronger research support.
| Goal | Cagrilintide | SHLP2 |
|---|---|---|
| Fat Loss | high | low |
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
SHLP2
- Mitochondrial Peptide SHLP2 Limits Poly(I: C)-Induced Alveolar Epithelial Injury by Modulating Redox, Apoptotic, Inflammatory, and Inflammasome Responses.
Cytotechnology, 2026
- SHLP2 restores pre-osteoblastic cells against oxidative stress-induced inflammaging.
Scientific reports, 2025
- SHLP2 alleviates allergic asthma by inhibiting ETV5/GSDMD signaling pathway-mediated pyroptosis.
Cellular signalling, 2025
Ready to Learn More?
Looking for trusted sources?