CagriSema is a combination medication that contains two medicines working together. It is given as an injection under the skin once a week. This medication is being tested to see if it is safe for the heart and blood vessels in people who already have heart disease.

Cagrilintide is one of the medicines in the combination. It is being studied to help with weight management and may affect how your body processes food.

Semaglutide is the other medicine in the combination. It is a medication that helps control blood sugar levels and can also help with weight loss.

Placebo is an inactive substance that looks like the real medication but contains no active medicine. It is used in this study to compare the effects of the actual treatment.

Cardiovascular Disease – Cardiovascular disease refers to a group of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. It occurs when blood vessels become narrowed or blocked, which can reduce blood flow to the heart, brain, or other parts of the body. This disease often develops over many years as fatty deposits build up on the walls of arteries, making them harder and narrower. As the condition progresses, it can lead to serious events such as heart attacks or strokes. The disease may also affect the heart muscle itself, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively. Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and lack of physical activity.

Myocardial Infarction – Myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked. This blockage is usually caused by a blood clot that forms in a coronary artery that has been narrowed by fatty deposits. Without adequate blood supply, the affected heart muscle begins to suffer damage due to lack of oxygen. The longer the blood flow remains blocked, the greater the damage to the heart muscle. Symptoms typically include chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, and nausea. This condition requires immediate medical attention to restore blood flow and minimize heart damage.

Stroke – A stroke happens when blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. There are two main types: ischemic stroke, caused by blocked arteries, and hemorrhagic stroke, caused by bleeding in the brain. Within minutes of being deprived of blood, brain cells begin to die. The effects of a stroke depend on which part of the brain is damaged and how much tissue is affected. Common symptoms include sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, confusion, trouble speaking, vision problems, and loss of balance. The severity can range from mild temporary symptoms to permanent disability.

Chronic Kidney Disease – Chronic kidney disease is a gradual loss of kidney function over time. The kidneys filter waste and excess fluids from the blood, which are then removed in urine. As the disease progresses, the kidneys become less able to perform this vital function, causing waste products and fluid to build up in the body. The condition develops in stages, from mild to complete kidney failure. In early stages, there may be no symptoms, but as kidney function declines, symptoms such as fatigue, swelling, and changes in urination may appear. Advanced stages may require dialysis or kidney transplantation to perform the work of the failing kidneys.

Angina Pectoris – Angina pectoris is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. It typically feels like pressure, squeezing, or tightness in the chest and may also be felt in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. This condition is usually a symptom of underlying coronary artery disease, where the arteries supplying the heart are narrowed. Stable angina occurs predictably during physical exertion or emotional stress and improves with rest. Unstable angina is more serious, occurring unexpectedly even at rest, with symptoms that are more severe and last longer. The pain is a warning sign that the heart is working harder than usual and not getting enough oxygen.

Type 2 Diabetes – Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body processes blood sugar, also known as glucose. In this condition, the body either resists the effects of insulin or does not produce enough insulin to maintain normal glucose levels. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose enter cells to be used for energy. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves throughout the body. The condition typically develops gradually, often starting with a condition called prediabetes where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as diabetes. Common symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, fatigue, and blurred vision.