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EstablishedGLP-1 & IncretinSubQDaily

Liraglutide

Saxenda · Victoza

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.

Read dosing protocolJump to references

§ 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

Established

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

§ 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.

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§ 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

  1. 01

    LEADER CVOT

    PMID: 27295427 (NCT01179048)

  2. 02

    SCALE Obesity

    PMID: 25673007 (NCT01272219)

  3. 03

    FDA Victoza label

    NDA 022341

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This site is for educational and research purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any peptide or supplement.