§ 01 Overview
Overview
First-generation once-daily GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes (Victoza, 2010) and chronic weight management (Saxenda, 2014). Still widely prescribed and referenced as the baseline comparator for newer GLP-1 agents.
Two distinct FDA approvals (T2D and obesity). LEADER CVOT (N=9,340) showed 13% reduction in MACE. SCALE trials demonstrated 5–8% placebo-adjusted weight loss. One of the most extensively studied peptide drugs in history.
§ 02 Mechanism
Mechanism of action
Acylated GLP-1 analog (97% homology to native GLP-1) that binds GLP-1R to enhance glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppress glucagon, delay gastric emptying, and reduce appetite. The C16 fatty acid chain enables albumin binding for a ~13-hour half-life, allowing once-daily dosing.
- 01FDA-approved for T2D and obesity with extensive long-term safety data
- 02LEADER trial demonstrated cardiovascular mortality benefit in T2D
- 03Established dosing titration protocols well-understood by clinicians
- 04Available as brand-name with insurance coverage pathways
§ 03 Dosing
Dosing protocol
Standard Protocol
- Vial
- 6 mg/mL pre-filled pen (3 mL)
- BAC Water
- N/A; pre-filled pen
- Dose Range
- 0.6–3.0 mg daily (Saxenda); 0.6–1.8 mg daily (Victoza)
- Starting Dose
- 0.6 mg daily for 1 week, titrate weekly
- Route
- SubQ
- Timing
- Any time of day, consistent
- Frequency
- Daily
- Cycle
- Continuous use; no cycling required
Storage
Refrigerate unused pens (36–46°F). In-use pen stable at room temperature for 30 days.
§ 04 Evidence
Evidence & research
Two distinct FDA approvals (T2D and obesity). LEADER CVOT (N=9,340) showed 13% reduction in MACE. SCALE trials demonstrated 5–8% placebo-adjusted weight loss. One of the most extensively studied peptide drugs in history.
FDA Status
FDA-approved (Victoza NDA 022341, 2010; Saxenda NDA 206321, 2014).
§ 06 News
In the news
8 articles from the last 12 months · updates hourly
what is the most effective glp-1 drug for weight loss - Meteo.gr
what is the most effective glp-1 drug for weight loss Meteo.gr
diabetes drug liraglutide shows promising weight loss benefit - www.polskieradio.pl
diabetes drug liraglutide shows promising weight loss benefit www.polskieradio.pl
what is the diabetes drug used for weight loss - Meteo.gr
what is the diabetes drug used for weight loss Meteo.gr
novo nordisk diabetes weight loss drug - Meteo.gr
novo nordisk diabetes weight loss drug Meteo.gr
injectable weight loss drug 2015 - Meteo.gr
injectable weight loss drug 2015 Meteo.gr
fda approved diabetes drug for weight loss - Meteo.gr
fda approved diabetes drug for weight loss Meteo.gr
new drug for weight loss 2015 - www.polskieradio.pl
new drug for weight loss 2015 www.polskieradio.pl
victoza once a week - Meteo.gr
victoza once a week Meteo.gr
§ 07 Sourcing
Sourcing & supply
Regulatory status
FDA-approved
This compound has an FDA approval for at least one indication. Brand pharmacy channels exist. Compounding may or may not be available depending on shortage status.
No suppliers in our directory currently stock this compound. For investigational or research-only compounds, legitimate channels may not exist outside clinical trials.
Browse full supplier directory§ 09 Safety
Safety & side effects
Side effects
- 01Nausea (most common, dose-dependent)
- 02Vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
- 03Injection site reactions
- 04Potential gallbladder events
Contraindications
- 01Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
- 02Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- 03History of pancreatitis
§ 10 Questions
Liraglutide FAQ
- What is Liraglutide?
- First-generation once-daily GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes (Victoza, 2010) and chronic weight management (Saxenda, 2014). Still widely prescribed and referenced as the baseline comparator for newer GLP-1 agents. Acylated GLP-1 analog (97% homology to native GLP-1) that binds GLP-1R to enhance glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppress glucagon, delay gastric emptying, and reduce appetite. The C16 fatty acid chain enables albumin binding for a ~13-hour half-life, allowing once-daily dosing.
- What is Liraglutide used for?
- Reported uses include fda-approved for t2d and obesity with extensive long-term safety data, leader trial demonstrated cardiovascular mortality benefit in t2d, established dosing titration protocols well-understood by clinicians, and available as brand-name with insurance coverage pathways. Evidence strength is rated Established — see the evidence section for detail.
- How is Liraglutide dosed?
- Commonly referenced dosing is 0.6–3.0 mg daily (Saxenda); 0.6–1.8 mg daily (Victoza), administered SubQ. This is educational reference only; consult a licensed clinician before use.
- How do you reconstitute Liraglutide?
- For Liraglutide, vials commonly come in 6 mg/mL pre-filled pen (3 mL) and a common reconstitution is N/A; pre-filled pen. Use the reconstitution calculator to convert any vial size and water volume into exact insulin-syringe units.
- What are the side effects of Liraglutide?
- Commonly reported side effects include nausea (most common, dose-dependent), vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, injection site reactions, and potential gallbladder events. This list is not exhaustive.
- Is Liraglutide legal?
- This compound has an FDA approval for at least one indication. Brand pharmacy channels exist. Compounding may or may not be available depending on shortage status. FDA status: FDA-approved (Victoza NDA 022341, 2010; Saxenda NDA 206321, 2014)..
§ 11 References
Selected references
- 01
LEADER CVOT
PMID: 27295427 (NCT01179048)
- 02
SCALE Obesity
PMID: 25673007 (NCT01272219)
- 03
FDA Victoza label
NDA 022341