Cagrilintide targets the amylin receptor family; semaglutide targets the GLP-1 receptor. A structural and in-vitro pharmacology comparison for New Zealand research laboratories.
Cagrilintide vs semaglutide compares two peptides that are best understood as pharmacologically complementary rather than competitive reference ligands. Cagrilintide is studied for engagement of the AMY1/2/3 (amylin/calcitonin) receptor family. Semaglutide is studied for selective engagement of the GLP-1 receptor. Because the two receptor systems do not overlap, they are frequently characterised in parallel comparative panels.
Cagrilintide vs semaglutide: quick reference table
| Attribute | Cagrilintide | Semaglutide |
|---|---|---|
| Research class | Long-acting amylin analog | GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Receptors studied | AMY1/AMY2/AMY3 (amylin/CT family) | GLP-1R |
| Backbone origin | Native amylin with acylation | Native GLP-1(7-37) |
| Length | 37 residues | 31 residues |
| Average mass | ~3800 Da | ~4113.6 Da |
Receptor pharmacology differences
- Cagrilintide engages the amylin/calcitonin receptor family — a separate signalling axis to the incretins, studied via AMY-R-specific reporter assays.
- Semaglutide engages only the GLP-1 receptor, studied via cAMP accumulation in GLP-1R-transfected cell lines.
- The receptor systems show no reported pharmacological cross-talk in published in-vitro screening.
- Both peptides use acylation strategies studied for reversible albumin binding in serum-stability assays.
In-vitro assay comparison
| Assay focus | Cagrilintide | Semaglutide |
|---|---|---|
| Receptor panel studied | AMY1/2/3 | GLP-1R only |
| Reporter assay type | cAMP accumulation (AMY-R line) | cAMP accumulation (GLP-1R line) |
| Plasma stability studies | Serum incubation + LC-MS | Serum incubation + LC-MS |
Analytical documentation expectations
- Batch identifier and synthesis date traceable to the lot record
- HPLC purity ≥98% (typically ≥99% for peptides under 30 residues)
- LC-MS confirmed monoisotopic or average mass within ±0.5 Da of theoretical
- Counterion identity and content (acetate or trifluoroacetate) reported
- Bacterial endotoxin and residual solvents per the analytical method
Sourcing cagrilintide and semaglutide in New Zealand
Kiwi Peps supplies both cagrilintide and semaglutide to the KP-99 Purity Standard (99%+ HPLC-MS), tracked in The Batch Book, with Bench-Ready Dispatch nationwide. Strictly for in-vitro research use only.
Frequently asked questions
How do cagrilintide and semaglutide compare at the receptor level?
Cagrilintide is studied at amylin/calcitonin receptors; semaglutide is studied at the GLP-1 receptor. The two systems show no reported pharmacological overlap.
Can cagrilintide replace semaglutide in a receptor assay?
No. They engage different receptor systems, so assay panels and reporter cell lines should be selected to match the receptor under study.
How do the molecular weights compare?
Cagrilintide has an average mass of approximately 3800 Da; semaglutide is approximately 4113.6 Da.
How does Kiwi Peps verify purity for both peptides?
Every batch is tested to the KP-99 Purity Standard (99%+ HPLC-MS) with results in The Batch Book.
