Novo Nordisk has reported encouraging Phase 3 results for CagriSema, its investigational once-weekly treatment for adults with type 2 diabetes, positioning the therapy as a strong next-generation option in an increasingly competitive metabolic disease market. The findings come from the REIMAGINE-2 trial, where the combination therapy delivered superior glycaemic control and weight reduction compared to semaglutide alone.
CagriSema combines cagrilintide, a long-acting amylin analogue, with semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist already widely prescribed for diabetes and obesity. In the study, patients treated with CagriSema achieved greater reductions in HbA1c levels and significantly higher weight loss than those receiving semaglutide, highlighting the potential advantage of targeting multiple metabolic pathways simultaneously.
While the trial directly compared CagriSema only with semaglutide, the results place the therapy favorably against other established diabetes drug classes when viewed alongside published clinical data. Traditional agents such as DPP-4 inhibitors and SGLT2 inhibitors generally deliver modest glucose control and limited weight benefits, whereas CagriSema demonstrated a level of weight loss more commonly associated with advanced incretin-based therapies.
Industry observers also note that CagriSema’s performance brings it into indirect competition with dual-agonist therapies, including GLP-1/GIP combinations. Although no head-to-head trials have been conducted yet, the magnitude of weight reduction reported in REIMAGINE-2 suggests CagriSema could become a strong contender in the high-efficacy segment of diabetes and obesity treatment.
Safety outcomes in the trial were consistent with the known profiles of incretin-based medicines. Gastrointestinal side effects were the most frequently reported adverse events and were generally mild to moderate, with most occurring during dose escalation and declining over time.
Novo Nordisk stated that the company plans to engage with regulatory authorities to discuss the next steps for CagriSema, while additional Phase 3 trials across diabetes and obesity indications continue. If approved, the therapy could strengthen Novo Nordisk’s leadership in metabolic diseases and reshape treatment expectations for patients requiring both blood sugar control and meaningful weight loss.
