CagriSema: A New Dual-Action Drug for Obesity and Heart Health

Context:

• Pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has unveiled promising clinical data for its new experimental obesity drug CagriSema , which demonstrates dual benefits for both weight management and cardiovascular health . The development positions CagriSema as a potential successor to Novo Nordisk’s successful anti-obesity drug Wegovy (semaglutide) .

What Is CagriSema?

CagriSema is a once-weekly injectable combination drug containing two active ingredients:

• Semaglutide , a GLP-1 receptor agonist , already used in Wegovy and Ozempic, which reduces appetite and regulates blood sugar.

• Cagrilintide , an amylin analogue , mimicking a pancreatic hormone that promotes satiety and slows digestion.

Together, these components act on different hormonal pathways to enhance weight loss , improve metabolic control , and now, as research shows, potentially improve heart health .

Key Findings from Clinical Trials

In the REDEFINE 1 Phase III trial , adults with obesity were treated with CagriSema for 68 weeks . Results revealed:

• 10.9 mmHg average reduction in systolic blood pressure , higher than semaglutide alone (8.8 mmHg).

• 69% drop in hs-CRP levels , an inflammation marker linked to cardiovascular risk.

• 40% of participants on blood pressure medication were able to reduce or discontinue treatment.

These findings suggest CagriSema may have direct vascular and anti-inflammatory effects , not just secondary benefits from weight loss.

Mechanism and Broader Impact

The dual-agonist mechanism enhances appetite control, reduces calorie intake, and may directly improve vascular elasticity and inflammation response. Novo Nordisk is now conducting REDEFINE 3 , a cardiovascular outcomes trial to assess its impact on heart attack, stroke, and cardiac mortality .

Exam-Oriented Facts

• Drug Name: CagriSema

• Components: Semaglutide (GLP-1 agonist) + Cagrilintide (Amylin analogue)

• Blood Pressure Reduction: 10.9 mmHg (systolic)

• Inflammation Reduction: 69% drop in hs-CRP

• Developer: Novo Nordisk

• Ongoing Trial: REDEFINE 3 (Cardiovascular outcomes study)