Amylin

also known as: Islet Amyloid Polypeptide, IAPP

Insulin's co-secreted partner — the native satiety hormone behind pramlintide (Symlin) and the amylin component of CagriSema.

A 37-amino-acid neuroendocrine peptide co-packaged and co-released with insulin from beta cell granules, producing complementary glucoregulatory effects including appetite suppression, gastric slowing, and glucagon inhibition.

Mechanism of action

Binds calcitonin receptor (CTR) in complex with receptor activity-modifying proteins (RAMPs 1–3) to form AMY1–3 receptors. Slows gastric emptying, suppresses postprandial glucagon secretion, promotes satiety via area postrema signaling. Complements insulin action in postprandial glucose regulation.

Primary uses

Postprandial glucoregulation (via pramlintide)
Satiety and appetite research
Diabetes pathophysiology studies (amyloid aggregation)
Obesity pharmacology (cagrilintide/CagriSema)

Typical dosing

Not established

Native amylin not used therapeutically. Pramlintide is dosed at 15–120 mcg before meals.

Regulatory status

Native human amylin not used therapeutically due to amyloidogenic tendency. Pramlintide (Symlin) is the FDA-approved synthetic analog. Cagrilintide (long-acting acylated amylin analog) is in CagriSema.

References

[review] Hay DL, et al. "Amylin: pharmacology, physiology, and clinical potential." Pharmacol Rev, 2015;67:564-600.
[pubmed] Westermark P, et al. "Islet amyloid polypeptide, islet amyloid, and diabetes mellitus." Physiol Rev, 2011;91:795-826.

Related peptides

Pramlintide

The FDA-approved amylin analog (Symlin, 2005) — taken at mealtimes alongside insulin in T1D and T2D. The pharmacological proof-of-concept for amylin agonism that petrelintide and cagrilintide are now building on.

Cagrilintide

A once-weekly amylin analog developed primarily as a combination partner for semaglutide (CagriSema), adding amylin-pathway appetite suppression to GLP-1 activity.

CagriSema

Novo Nordisk's next-generation obesity injection — NDA filed December 2025, FDA review expected 2026. If approved, it would be the first GLP-1 + amylin fixed-dose combination and a direct competitive response to tirzepatide.

Semaglutide

A once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management.

Disclaimer

This entry is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Dosing information reflects published regulatory or research data and is not a recommendation. Many compounds described here are not approved for human use in the United States. Consult a licensed medical professional before considering any peptide therapy.