In-depth entry

Liraglutide

also known as: Victoza, Saxenda, NN2211

The first once-daily GLP-1 analog to be FDA-approved for both type 2 diabetes (Victoza) and chronic weight management (Saxenda).

A 31-amino-acid synthetic GLP-1 analog with 97% sequence homology to native GLP-1, modified with a palmitoyl (C16) fatty acid at Lys26 to extend half-life to roughly 13 hours.

Mechanism of action

Agonist at the GLP-1 receptor. Enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon, slows gastric emptying, and acts on hypothalamic appetite centers. The daily dosing requirement reflects its shorter half-life compared with semaglutide — which also means faster onset and offset of both therapeutic and adverse effects.

Primary uses

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (Victoza)
Chronic weight management (Saxenda, BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with comorbidity)
Pediatric obesity (Saxenda, ≥12 years)
Cardiovascular risk reduction in T2DM with established CVD (LEADER trial)

Typical dosing

0.6–3.0 mg once daily (subcutaneous)

Victoza titrated 0.6 → 1.2 → 1.8 mg daily over 2 weeks. Saxenda titrated 0.6 → 3.0 mg daily over 5 weeks to minimize GI side effects.

Regulatory status

FDA-approved as Victoza (T2DM, 2010) and Saxenda (chronic weight management, 2014). Manufactured by Novo Nordisk. Generic liraglutide approved in 2024.

References

[fda-pi] Victoza (liraglutide) Prescribing Information. Novo Nordisk.
[fda-pi] Saxenda (liraglutide) Prescribing Information. Novo Nordisk.
[clinical-trial] Pi-Sunyer X, et al. "A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management (SCALE)." N Engl J Med, 2015;373:11-22.
[clinical-trial] Marso SP, et al. "Liraglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes (LEADER)." N Engl J Med, 2016;375:311-322.

Related peptides

Semaglutide

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

Tirzepatide

A once-weekly GLP-1/GIP dual agonist that produced unprecedented weight loss in SURMOUNT trials — up to ~21% at highest dose.

Dulaglutide

A weekly GLP-1 agonist for type 2 diabetes, delivered as a GLP-1/IgG4 fusion protein in a single-use auto-injector.

Exenatide

The first GLP-1 receptor agonist to reach market (2005), available in both twice-daily and weekly extended-release formulations.

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.