CagriSema Shows Promising Weight Loss Results in REDEFINE Trials

In a significant development for obesity and type 2 diabetes management, CagriSema, a novel combination therapy developed by Novo Nordisk, has demonstrated considerable weight loss and metabolic benefits in recent clinical trials. The findings were presented at the 85th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) held from June 20 to 23, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois. The REDEFINE 1 and REDEFINE 2 trials, which spanned 68 weeks, evaluated the efficacy of CagriSema, a once-weekly treatment combining semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, and cagrilintide, an amylin analog, against placebo and other comparators.

CagriSema was shown to significantly outperform semaglutide and cagrilintide alone, marking a promising advancement in obesity treatment strategies. According to Dr. Julio Rosenstock, a principal investigator at Velocity Clinical Research at Medical City Dallas, this dual-target approach could enhance weight-loss outcomes for individuals with obesity, particularly those with type 2 diabetes. He stated, “GLP-1s have demonstrated clinically meaningful reductions in body weight, but individuals with diabetes often experience less weight loss with GLP-1s alone. This combination may offer a more effective solution.”

During the REDEFINE 1 trial, which included 3,400 participants without diabetes but with at least one weight-related health condition, the results showed that those receiving CagriSema had a higher likelihood of achieving significant weight loss compared to those on semaglutide, cagrilintide, or placebo. Participants on CagriSema experienced not only substantial reductions in body weight but also improvements in blood pressure, glycemic control, and lipid profiles. Dr. Timothy Garvey from the University of Alabama at Birmingham commented, “These findings are relatable to clinical practice, where dosing is often adjusted based on individual needs and clinical judgment.”

The REDEFINE 2 trial, which involved 1,200 participants with obesity and type 2 diabetes, further confirmed the efficacy of CagriSema. Dr. Melanie Davies from the University of Leicester reported that CagriSema led to significant improvements in weight loss and glycemic control, suggesting that the therapy may provide essential tools for better management of obesity and diabetes.

The mechanism behind CagriSema's effectiveness lies in its dual action. Amylin, co-secreted with insulin, reduces food intake and delays gastric emptying, while GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide enhance insulin secretion and inhibit glucagon release. Dr. Thomas A. Lutz from the University of Zurich explained, “While both hormones reduce appetite, amylin also appears to preserve bone mass, a benefit not observed with GLP-1s.”

The safety profile of CagriSema was consistent with previously reported data for its individual components, with mild to moderate gastrointestinal symptoms being the most common adverse events. Dr. Sue D. Pedersen from C-ENDO Clinic Calgary noted, “The safety profile is reassuring, with no new safety concerns arising from this combination therapy.”

As the prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes continues to rise globally, the introduction of CagriSema could represent a pivotal shift in treatment paradigms, offering hope to millions struggling with these chronic conditions. The ongoing research into the mechanisms of amylin and GLP-1s may unlock further potential for this dual-target approach in future therapies. The successful outcomes of the REDEFINE trials could lead to broader acceptance and utilization of CagriSema in clinical settings, enhancing patient quality of life and reducing the burden of obesity-related comorbidities.