What is Liraglutide?
Liraglutide is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist (glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist) used for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. Marketed as Victoza for diabetes and Saxenda for weight loss, liraglutide was the first GLP-1 agonist approved specifically for obesity treatment.
Like semaglutide, liraglutide mimics the effects of natural GLP-1, but requires daily rather than weekly dosing due to its shorter half-life.
FDA-Approved Uses
Victoza (Diabetes)
- Type 2 diabetes management
- Cardiovascular risk reduction in diabetic patients
- Daily injection (1.2-1.8 mg)
Saxenda (Weight Management)
- Adults with BMI ≥30 (obesity)
- Adults with BMI ≥27 + weight-related condition
- Daily injection (3.0 mg target)
Molecular Profile
Structure
Liraglutide is a GLP-1 analog with:
- 97% homology to human GLP-1
- Acylated with C16 fatty acid
- One amino acid substitution (Lys34→Arg)
Molecular Data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C172H265N43O51 |
| Molecular Weight | 3751.2 g/mol |
| Half-life | ~13 hours |
| Bioavailability | ~55% (SC) |
| CAS Number | 204656-20-2 |
Mechanism of Action
GLP-1 Receptor Activation
- Glucose-dependent insulin secretion
- Glucagon suppression
- Delayed gastric emptying
- Appetite reduction (CNS effects)
Weight Loss
Clinical trials show:
- Average 5-8% weight loss
- Appetite suppression
- Increased satiety
- Improved metabolic parameters
Comparison with Semaglutide
| Aspect | Liraglutide | Semaglutide |
|---|---|---|
| Dosing | Daily | Weekly |
| Weight Loss | ~5-8% | ~15-17% |
| Half-life | 13 hours | 7 days |
| Approval | 2010/2014 | 2017/2021 |
Side Effects
Common:
- Nausea (most common)
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Hypoglycemia (with other diabetes drugs)
Serious:
- Pancreatitis risk
- Thyroid C-cell tumor warning (boxed)
- Gallbladder disease
Summary
Liraglutide was the pioneering GLP-1 agonist for weight management, offering proven efficacy though now largely superseded by the more effective weekly semaglutide.
Key Points:
- Classification: GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Brands: Victoza, Saxenda
- Dosing: Daily injection
- Status: FDA approved for diabetes and weight loss