Cagrilintide vs Exenatide
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 →Exenatide
Exenatide was the first GLP-1 receptor agonist approved in the US, derived from a compound found in Gila monster saliva. Available as Byetta (twice daily) and Bydureon (once weekly extended-release).
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Cagrilintide | Exenatide |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | Synthetic version of exendin-4, which activates GLP-1 receptors to enhance glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppress glucagon, slow gastric emptying, and promote satiety. |
| Typical Dosage | Clinical trials: 2.4mg weekly as monotherapy or in combination with semaglutide 2.4mg (CagriSema). Optimal dosing still being determined. | Byetta: 5mcg twice daily for 1 month, then 10mcg twice daily. Bydureon: 2mg subcutaneously once weekly. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection once weekly. Currently only available in clinical trials - not yet FDA approved. | Byetta: Inject within 60 minutes before morning and evening meals. Bydureon: Any time of day, with or without meals. Do not mix with insulin in same syringe. |
| Side Effects | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation similar to other incretin-based therapies. Combination with semaglutide may increase GI effects initially. | Nausea (especially initially), vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, and injection site reactions (particularly with Bydureon). |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Both Cagrilintide and Exenatide are commonly used for: