Oxytocin vs Cagrilintide
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is a natural hormone produced in the hypothalamus, often called the 'love hormone' or 'bonding hormone.' It plays key roles in social bonding, childbirth, lactation, and stress regulation.
Full details →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 →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Oxytocin | Cagrilintide |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to oxytocin receptors in the brain and peripheral tissues. Promotes social bonding, reduces anxiety and stress response, and has various peripheral effects on smooth muscle contraction. | 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. |
| Typical Dosage | Intranasal: 20-40 IU (international units) for social/anxiolytic effects. Clinical uses (labor induction) require IV administration under medical supervision. | Clinical trials: 2.4mg weekly as monotherapy or in combination with semaglutide 2.4mg (CagriSema). Optimal dosing still being determined. |
| Administration | Intranasal spray for behavioral effects. IV only in clinical settings. Sublingual also possible. Best used situationally rather than continuously. | Subcutaneous injection once weekly. Currently only available in clinical trials - not yet FDA approved. |
| Side Effects | Intranasal: headache, nasal irritation, drowsiness. May cause over-attachment or emotional sensitivity. IV (clinical): uterine hyperstimulation, water retention. | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation similar to other incretin-based therapies. Combination with semaglutide may increase GI effects initially. |
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