Semaglutide vs Cagrilintide half-life
Semaglutide has an elimination half-life of about 6.9 days; Cagrilintide has about 7.3 days. Cagrilintide is a long-acting amylin analogue studied in combination with semaglutide (CagriSema). Their similar, roughly weekly half-lives allow both to be given in one weekly injection.
Side by side
| Semaglutide | Cagrilintide | |
|---|---|---|
| Half-life | 6.9 days (range 6–7 days) | 7.3 days (range 6.6–8.1 days) |
| Route | SC weekly / oral daily | SC weekly |
| Category | GLP-1 & incretins | GLP-1 & incretins |
| Evidence | Clinical | Limited |
| Remaining after 24 hours | 90.4% | 90.9% |
| Remaining after 7 days | 49.4% | 51.4% |
| ~97% cleared (5 half-lives) | 34.4 days | 36.5 days |
| Steady state (4-5 half-lives) | 27.5 days to 34.4 days | 29.2 days to 36.5 days |
Single-dose decay
Share of one dose remaining over time, assuming first-order elimination. Dashed lines mark each half-life.
Semaglutide (t½ 6.9 days) Cagrilintide (t½ 7.3 days)
Semaglutide: FDA label: elimination half-life of about 1 week. Cagrilintide: Phase 1b (with semaglutide): 159–195 hours.
FAQ
Which lasts longer, Semaglutide or Cagrilintide?
Semaglutide and Cagrilintide have similar half-lives: about 6.9 days and 7.3 days.
How long do Semaglutide and Cagrilintide stay in your system?
With first-order elimination, about 97% of a single dose is cleared after five half-lives: roughly 34.4 days for Semaglutide and 36.5 days for Cagrilintide. Individual clearance varies.
How long until Semaglutide and Cagrilintide reach steady state?
With consistent repeated dosing, levels approach steady state after 4 to 5 half-lives: about 27.5 days to 34.4 days for Semaglutide, and 29.2 days to 36.5 days for Cagrilintide.
How reliable are these half-lives?
Semaglutide: Clinical evidence. Cagrilintide: Limited evidence. Anecdotal values are community estimates and may be far off.