Cagrilintide vs Retatrutide
A neutral, side-by-side comparison of two glp-1 & metabolic peptides — their mechanisms, dosing ranges, administration routes, side effects, and research evidence. For research and educational purposes only.
Cagrilintide
Long-acting amylin/CGRP receptor co-agonist developed by Novo Nordisk. Reduces food intake and body weight via central satiety pathways distinct from the GLP-1 pathway. In the CagriSema combination trial with semaglutide, the combination achieved up to ~25% weight reduction — substantially greater than either agent alone.
Full profileRetatrutide
Retatrutide (LY3437943) is Eli Lilly's investigational once-weekly triple agonist of the GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors. Phase 2 data showed 24.2% mean weight loss at 48 weeks; the Phase 3 TRIUMPH program has since reported topline weight loss approaching 28–30% — among the largest reductions recorded for any obesity pharmacotherapy. It is not yet FDA-approved.
Full profile| Cagrilintide | Retatrutide | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | GLP-1 & Metabolic | GLP-1 & Metabolic |
| Also known as | AM833, amylin analogue, CagriSema partner | LY3437943, Triple G, GIP/GLP-1/Glucagon Receptor Agonist |
| Evidence | Investigational (in trials) | Investigational (in trials) |
| Dosing range | 0.3mg–2.4mg mg, once weekly subcutaneous | 2mg–12mg mg, once weekly |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection | Subcutaneous injection (weekly) |
| Key side effects | Nausea, Vomiting, Injection site reactions, Decreased appetite | Nausea (most common, dose-dependent), Vomiting, Diarrhea, Constipation |
| Cited sources | 2 references | 8 references |
Key differences
- Administration: Cagrilintide — Subcutaneous injection; Retatrutide — Subcutaneous injection (weekly).
- Frequency: Cagrilintide is typically once weekly subcutaneous; Retatrutide is once weekly.
- Research depth: this profile cites 2 sources for Cagrilintide vs 8 for Retatrutide.
How each works
Cagrilintide
Cagrilintide activates amylin receptors (RAMP/CTR complexes) in the area postrema and hypothalamus, reducing food intake and slowing gastric emptying through mechanisms independent of GLP-1 signaling. This non-overlapping pathway allows combination with semaglutide without compounding GI side effects. Phase 2 CagriSema data showed 15–25% weight loss at 32 weeks, supporting the complementary mechanism hypothesis.
Retatrutide
Across the Phase 2 trial (NEJM 2023, Jastreboff et al.) and the Phase 3 TRIUMPH registrational program (TRIUMPH-1 through -4), retatrutide has produced dose-dependent weight loss reaching ~28.3% at 80 weeks (TRIUMPH-1, 12 mg) and ~28.7% at 68 weeks in a knee-osteoarthritis population (TRIUMPH-4, 12 mg), alongside improvements in glycemia, blood pressure, lipids, and liver fat. The glucagon component is thought to add energy expenditure on top of the appetite suppression driven by GLP-1 and GIP. TRIUMPH-2 (type 2 diabetes, 20.8% at 80 weeks) was published in The Lancet in September 2026; the other Phase 3 figures remain topline. Lilly plans to submit to the FDA in Q1 2027.
This comparison aggregates public research and structured profile data for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not recommend either compound for human use. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before considering any peptide.