Cagrilintide (± CagriSema) vs Naltrexone/Bupropion (Contrave)
Both are used for gut health. Here's how they compare on human evidence, mechanism, safety and availability — in plain English.
| Cagrilintide (± CagriSema) | Naltrexone/Bupropion (Contrave) | |
|---|---|---|
| Human evidence | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Legal status | Not Approved | FDA Approved |
| How it works | Long-acting amylin receptor (CALCR/RAMP) agonist; amylin slows gastric emptying and enhances satiety through a pathway complementary to GLP-1. CagriSema (cagrilintide + semaglutide) targets ~25% weight loss. | Bupropion stimulates hypothalamic POMC neurons (dopamine/norepinephrine reuptake inhibition); naltrexone (opioid µ-receptor, OPRM1 antagonist) blocks POMC's auto-inhibition — together sustaining appetite/craving suppression. |
| In plain English | A second gut-fullness hormone (amylin) stacked on top of GLP-1 — two different "I'm full" systems for bigger appetite suppression. | Targets the brain's reward/craving circuit rather than gut fullness — useful for emotional or reward eating. Modest (~5–9%) loss. |
| Bottom line | The likely next combo blockbuster; investigational. | Reasonable non-GLP-1 option, especially for craving-driven eating. |
| Availability | Not widely approved | Available over the counter |
Which is better for gut health?
Both carry a comparable human-evidence rating (★★★★☆). Choose on mechanism fit, side-effects, availability and cost rather than evidence strength alone — they work through different mechanisms.
Full breakdowns: Cagrilintide (± CagriSema) · Naltrexone/Bupropion (Contrave).
Common questions
Is Cagrilintide (± CagriSema) or Naltrexone/Bupropion (Contrave) better for gut health?
Both carry a comparable human-evidence rating (★★★★☆). Choose on mechanism fit, side-effects, availability and cost rather than evidence strength alone — they work through different mechanisms.
What's the difference between Cagrilintide (± CagriSema) and Naltrexone/Bupropion (Contrave)?
Cagrilintide (± CagriSema): The likely next combo blockbuster; investigational. — Naltrexone/Bupropion (Contrave): Reasonable non-GLP-1 option, especially for craving-driven eating.