The Danish company Novo Nordisk expects that its new experimental obesity drug, CagriSema, will achieve 25% weight loss.
The company said that the side effects in the trials conducted so far on “Kagre Sima” are similar to those of GLP-1 agonist drugs already on the market.
Martin Holst Lange, head of development at Novo Nordisk, made the comments to Reuters after the company released better-than-expected third-quarter results.
Kagri Seema
Kagri Sima drug consists of two components:
- Semaglutide, which is the active ingredient in Ozambik.
- Cagrilintide, an analogue of emelin
Cagresima’s mechanism of action is complex and innovative, taking advantage of the complementary functions of its two main components, semaglutide and cagrelintide. Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, plays a crucial role in glucose regulation and appetite suppression. It mimics the action of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone that promotes insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, and slows gastric emptying, thus promoting better glucose control and reduced food intake.
On the other hand, cagrelintide, an amylin analogue, works by mimicking the natural hormone amylin, which is secreted along with insulin by pancreatic beta cells. Amylin complements the action of insulin by slowing stomach emptying, promoting feelings of fullness, and inhibiting glucagon secretion. The combined action of these two agents leads to a more comprehensive approach to metabolic control, addressing both hyperglycemia and excess body weight, which are essential components in the management of metabolic disorders.
The synergy between semaglutide and cagrelintide forms the core of the effectiveness of Kagri Sema. By targeting multiple pathways involved in appetite regulation, glucose metabolism, and gastric motility, Kagri Sema offers a comprehensive treatment strategy. The result is a complete combination that not only enhances blood sugar control, but also contributes to significant weight loss, thus addressing the dual challenges faced by individuals with type 2 diabetes and obesity.
The primary use of Kagri Seema is the management of type 2 diabetes and obesity. These conditions often coexist and worsen with each other, leading to a vicious cycle that is difficult to break with monotherapy. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion, while obesity complicates the metabolic landscape, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and a host of other complications.
Break the cycle
Kagri Sima aims to break this cycle by offering dual benefits: improved blood sugar control and significant weight loss. Clinical trials have proven that Kagri Sima significantly reduces HbA1c levels, which is an indicator of long-term blood glucose control, while promoting weight loss. This dual effect not only improves patients’ quality of life, but also reduces the burden on healthcare systems by reducing the incidence of diabetes-related complications.
Moreover, the role of Kagri Seema extends beyond glucose and weight management. It has shown promise in improving other components of metabolic syndrome, including dyslipidemia and hypertension. By addressing these interconnected aspects, Kagri Sima represents a comprehensive treatment modality for individuals with multiple metabolic risk factors.
The Danish drugmaker is scheduled to release data from a late-stage trial of Kagri SEMA by the end of 2024.
In the past few years, Novo Nordisk has failed to produce enough GLP-1 drugs to meet demand, leading to shortages. So the company is now investing billions of dollars to increase its manufacturing capacity.
