Cagrilintide vs IGF-1 LR3
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 →IGF-1 LR3
IGF-1 LR3 (Long R3 Insulin-like Growth Factor-1) is a modified version of IGF-1 with extended half-life and enhanced potency. The modifications prevent binding to IGF binding proteins, increasing bioavailability.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Cagrilintide | IGF-1 LR3 |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | Binds to IGF-1 receptors to promote protein synthesis, muscle growth, and fat metabolism. The LR3 modification (13 amino acid extension and arginine substitution) extends half-life from minutes to 20-30 hours. |
| Typical Dosage | Clinical trials: 2.4mg weekly as monotherapy or in combination with semaglutide 2.4mg (CagriSema). Optimal dosing still being determined. | Research protocols typically use 20-100mcg daily, often divided into multiple injections or administered bilaterally to target muscles. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection once weekly. Currently only available in clinical trials - not yet FDA approved. | Intramuscular injection (site-specific growth) or subcutaneous for systemic effects. Often cycled 4-6 weeks on, equal time off. |
| Side Effects | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation similar to other incretin-based therapies. Combination with semaglutide may increase GI effects initially. | Hypoglycemia, joint pain, water retention, potential jaw/hand growth with extended use, and injection site reactions. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Both Cagrilintide and IGF-1 LR3 are commonly used for: