CagriSema - Everything You Need to Know
Up until now, medicines like Mounjaro and Wegovy have become the most popular interventions to help those struggling with being overweight.
The company behind Wegovy now has a new treatment in active development: CagriSema. This single injection combines semaglutide with a new drug called cagrilintide.
Whilst not yet available in the UK, data from clinical trials shows the new treatment could offer greater weight loss compared to existing treatments.
What is CagriSema
Cagrisema combines two medicines: semaglutide and cagrilintide.
Semaglutide is also found in Wegovy. As a GLP-1 agonist, this slows digestion, achieving earlier feelings of fullness, for longer. The result is a reduced food intake and therefore weight loss.
The second ingredient, cagrilintide mimics the naturally occurring hormone amylin. This further helps promote feelings of fullness and slows gastric emptying.
When combined, the two molecules have been shown to provide greater weight loss and better blood sugar control than semaglutide alone.
What the data says
The REDEFINE-1 trial assessed CagriSema against both ingredients on their own and placebo and found:
| Parameter | CagriSema | Semaglutide (alone) | Cagrilintide (alone) | Placebo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average weight loss | 22.7% | 16.1% | 11.8% | 3.0% |
| Lost ≧ 20% weight | 60% | 22% | 10% | 2% |
| Lost ≧ 30% weight | 23.1% | 5% | 2% | ＜1% |
| Systolic BP change | -10 mmHg | -7.2 mmHg | -5.1 mmHg | -1.1 mmHg |
| Fat Mass Reduction | -35.7% | -24.1% | -18.2% | -5.7% |
| Prediabetes reversal | 88% | 71% | 62% | 24% |
Breakthrough weight loss: better than bariatric surgery?
Data from the REDEFINE-1 trial shows CagriSema results are comparable with bariatric surgery. Nearly 1 in 4 participants achieved a 30% weight reduction. This paves the way for a non-invasive alternative to surgery for significant weight management.
Quality weight loss: target fat, not muscle
A concern with rapid weight loss is the loss of lean muscle. DXA body scans prove CagriSema targets fat tissue specifically.
By preserving muscle and reducing fat tissue, CagriSema users can maintain a higher metabolic rate. This is crucial in preventing weight regain.
Beyond the Scale: blood pressure and reversal of prediabetes
CagriSema offers benefits beyond weight loss. Data from the trial shows a significant reduction in blood pressure (-10 mmHg) and a huge 88% prediabetes reversal rate.
This establishes CagriSema as a treatment not only for weight loss but also for cardiovascular health and the prevention of Type 2 Diabetes.
CagriSema vs. Wegovy vs. Mounjaro: A Comparison
| Parameter | CagriSema | Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) | Wegovy (Semaglutide) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drug Class | GLP-1 + Amylin | GLP-1 + GIP | GLP-1 only |
| Average weight loss | 22.7% | 20.9% | 14.9% |
| Lost ＞20% Weight | 60.2% | 50.0% | 30.0% |
| Lost ＞30% Weight | 23.1% | 10-15% | ﹤5% |
| BP reduction | -10.9 mmHg | -6.2 mmHg | -7.2 mmHg |
| Prediabetes reversal | 88% | 81% | 71% |
| Primary Trial | REDEFINE-1 | SURMOUNT-1 | STEP-1 |
Understanding the differences
Upon comparison, the data reveals CagriSema is the most effective treatment in terms of efficacy. Whilst not directly compared to Mounjaro, the REDEFINE-4 trial is underway to officially determine the superior treatment
With an average weight loss of 22.7% CagriSema is the only medication of the three where almost a quarter of patients achieved ‘surgical-level’ weight loss of 30% or more.
Beyond this, CagriSema shows a significant advantage in both cardiovascular health markers and its prediabetes reversal rate.
Is CagriSema Safe?
The safety profile of CagriSema is very similar to Wegovy and Mounjaro. Its safety profile has been studied in the REDEFINE-1 trial and outlined below
Most common side effects
Like other weight loss treatments, the most common side effects are gastrointestinal (GI). These are most common upon initiation and during dose escalation, as the body adjusts to the medication.
| Side effect | CagriSema | Placebo |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 55.0% | 12.6% |
| Vomiting | 26.1% | 4.1% |
| Diarrhoea | Common | Low |
| Constipation | 30.7% | 11.6% |
The majority of these side effects were mild to moderate and resolved on their own without treatment.
The frequency of nausea is slightly higher compared to Wegovy as both its ingredients (semaglutide and cagrilintide) can delay stomach emptying.
Discontinuation rates
Only 5.9% of CagriSema users stopped treatment due to adverse events compared to 3.7% for placebo. This suggests even though there is a high percentage of mild nausea (55%), the medicine is tolerated well by the majority of users.
Serious Adverse Events
Serious adverse events were reported in 9.8% of CagriSema users compared to 6.1% in placebo. These were not linked to any new events but were consistent with the known risks associated with all GLP-1 medicines, such as gallbladder issues
No new safety concerns were identified beyond what is already known for Wegovy and Mounjaro (pancreatitis/thyroid cancer)
When will CagriSema be available in the UK
As of February 2026, CagriSema is in the final stages of regulatory review. A submission to the UKs Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is expected in early 2026.Without any delays, MHRA approval could be granted by late 2026.
Private providers, like Quick Meds, are expected to offer CagriSema to eligible patients shortly after MHRA approval.
What Can You Do Now?
Whilst CagriSema is the newest treatment to soon hit the UK market, you don’t have to wait to start your weight loss journey.
Wegovy and Mounjaro are already available for eligible patients. Speak to our GPhC-registered pharmacists today to find out if CagriSema could be right for you.