| Dimension | Scoring Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Study Design | Phase II RCTs published in peer-reviewed journals, including a dose-finding trial and the CagriSema combination trial (Lancet). Phase III is underway but not yet completed — this score is capped at single well-designed RCT (20/25) until Phase III data is published and peer-reviewed. |
20 / 25 |
| Sample Size | Phase II cagrilintide dose-finding trial enrolled approximately 706 participants (Enebo et al. 2021). The CagriSema Phase II enrolled ~338. Cumulative Phase II sample is in the hundreds — meaningful but not Phase III scale. Score reflects 100–499 participant range. |
12 / 20 |
| Replication | Two distinct Phase II programs (monotherapy and combination) have been conducted, providing some within-Novo-Nordisk replication. Independent academic replication outside the developer does not yet exist. Single group, multiple studies score applies. |
10 / 20 |
| Journal Impact Factor | Enebo et al. 2021 published in The Lancet (IF ~98). The Frias CagriSema Phase II also published in The Lancet. A-journal primary data — the highest possible IF score. Industry-funded trials in top-tier journals is consistent with the GLP-1 class pattern. |
15 / 15 |
| Funding Independence | Novo Nordisk funded all primary Phase II trials — pre-registered and rigorously conducted, but entirely industry funded with no independent academic replication. Mirrors the GLP-1 and tirzepatide funding picture at the same stage of development. |
3 / 10 |
| Population Diversity | Phase II enrolled predominantly Western (European and North American) populations. Diversity was moderate for a Phase II trial. Phase III REDEFINE program is expected to include more geographically diverse enrollment. Score of 3 reflects current Phase II data only. |
3 / 5 |
| Researcher h-Index | Lead investigators include Mads Enebo (Novo Nordisk) and Juan Frias, both with h-Indexes above 20 in endocrinology and metabolic disease. Top score warranted. |
5 / 5 |