Research Guides

CG1: Long-Acting Amylin Analogue Research Guide

By UK Peptide Lab Research Team22 May 20267 min read

What is CG1?

CG1 is a long-acting synthetic analogue of human amylin developed by the original developer as a research compound and clinical candidate in appetite regulation and metabolic disease. It was engineered to overcome the principal limitation of native amylin and earlier analogues such as pramlintide, namely a very short serum half-life that requires multiple daily injections to maintain meaningful exposure. The development of cg1 was reported in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry in 2021, describing it as a stable lipidated amylin analogue selected for once-weekly subcutaneous dosing. For researchers sourcing the compound in the UK, CG1 is supplied by UK Peptide Lab as research-grade lyophilised powder with third-party HPLC documentation published on the product page.

Amylin and the Receptor Family

Amylin, also known as islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP), is a 37-amino-acid peptide hormone co-secreted with insulin from pancreatic beta cells in response to meals. It signals through a heterodimeric receptor system formed by the calcitonin receptor in combination with one of three receptor activity-modifying proteins, producing the AMY1, AMY2, and AMY3 receptor subtypes. Activation of these receptors slows gastric emptying, suppresses post-meal glucagon secretion, and engages central satiety pathways through the area postrema in the brainstem. Native human amylin is highly prone to aggregation into amyloid fibrils, which complicates its use as a research tool. CG1 was designed with sequence modifications and lipidation to resist aggregation while retaining receptor-binding activity, producing a peptide suitable for once-weekly subcutaneous administration in research and clinical models.

Mechanism of Action

CG1 acts as a pan-amylin receptor agonist, binding the AMY1, AMY2, and AMY3 subtypes alongside the calcitonin receptor. Activation produces three pharmacological effects relevant to metabolic research. Slowed gastric emptying extends post-meal nutrient absorption and prolongs satiety signalling. Suppression of post-meal glucagon secretion reduces hepatic glucose output. Central activation of brainstem receptors in the area postrema modulates food intake through pathways distinct from those engaged by GLP-1 receptor agonists. This mechanistic profile makes cg1 complementary to incretin-based research peptides. Where GLP-1 agonists act primarily on hypothalamic appetite circuits, cg1 engages brainstem satiety pathways, producing potentially additive effects when the two are studied together.

CG1-Sema: CG1 and Semaglutide Combined

CG1 is frequently studied in combination with semaglutide, a single-receptor GLP-1 agonist, under the development name CG1-Sema. The rationale is mechanistic: amylin and GLP-1 receptor agonism engage distinct neural circuits and produce additive effects on energy intake in research models. D'Ascanio and colleagues reviewed the development rationale in Cardiology in Review in 2023, noting that the separate but related mechanisms of an amylin analogue and a GLP-1 receptor agonist appear to produce additive appetite reduction. For researchers interested in the broader incretin and metabolic peptide field, the RT3 triple receptor agonist research guide covers an alternative multi-receptor approach using a single molecule rather than a combination, and the RT3 vs Semaglutide research comparison provides context on single vs multi-receptor research peptides.

Phase 2 Research Data

Phase 2 data on cg1 monotherapy was published in The Lancet in 2021. The trial enrolled 706 participants across ten countries and reported dose-dependent weight reductions over 26 weeks, with the highest dose (4.5 mg once-weekly) producing a mean weight reduction of 10.8 percent versus 3.0 percent for placebo. The trial also included an active comparator arm with liraglutide 3.0 mg, against which the highest cg1 dose produced numerically greater weight loss. Phase 2 data on the CG1-Sema combination was subsequently published in The Lancet in 2023. Across 32 weeks in participants with type 2 diabetes, CG1-Sema produced mean weight loss of 15.6 percent compared with 5.1 percent for semaglutide alone and 8.1 percent for cg1 alone, supporting the additive-mechanism hypothesis. Phase 3 trials under the clinical programme are ongoing.

Laboratory Handling

CG1 is supplied as a lyophilised powder. Store at -20°C prior to reconstitution to maintain peptide integrity. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water by injecting the diluent slowly down the inner wall of the vial and swirling gently. Never shake, as this introduces shear stress and air bubbles that can degrade peptide bonds. Store the reconstituted solution at 2-8°C and use within 4 weeks. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Sourcing in the UK

UK Peptide Lab supplies research-grade CG1 as lyophilised powder sourced from GMP-certified manufacturers, with full third-party HPLC documentation published on the product page. Same-day UK dispatch on orders placed before 2pm GMT, free Royal Mail Tracked shipping over £45. Strictly for in-vitro laboratory research only, not for human consumption.

Disclaimer: This article is for research and educational purposes only. All information provided is not intended as medical advice. UK Peptide Lab products are not for human consumption and are sold strictly for laboratory research use only.