Liraglutide

Victoza · Saxenda

Rank#999
Weight LossApprovedApprovedPrescriptionSubQ

Popular for:Weight loss, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular protection

5274

Total Studies

3224

Human Studies

Approved

Evidence Level

Approved

FDA Status

Overview

Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Novo Nordisk, FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (Victoza, 2010) and chronic weight management (Saxenda, 2014). It was the first GLP-1 agonist approved specifically for weight loss and has the longest safety track record among the GLP-1 medication class.

Liraglutide requires daily injection due to its approximately 13-hour half-life, which distinguishes it from newer weekly GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide. Clinical trials demonstrated 5-10% body weight reduction, which is lower than newer-generation GLP-1 drugs but supported by the most extensive long-term safety data.

Mechanism of Action

Liraglutide is a modified GLP-1 analog (97% homology to human GLP-1) with a fatty acid chain that enables albumin binding, extending its half-life to ~13 hours. It activates GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas (enhancing insulin secretion), hypothalamus (reducing appetite and food intake), and GI tract (slowing gastric emptying).

Key Research Benefits

FDA-approved for both diabetes (Victoza) and weight loss (Saxenda)
Longest safety track record among GLP-1 medications
5-10% body weight reduction in clinical trials
Studied for cardiovascular risk reduction (LEADER trial)
Researched for neuroprotective effects

Clinical Evidence Summary

Research Pipeline

Preclinical
Animal
Phase I
Phase II
Phase III
Approved

5274

Total Studies

3224

Human Studies

FDA-approved: Victoza (diabetes, 2010), Saxenda (weight loss, 2014). Prescription required. Available through pharmacies and telehealth clinics.

Key Studies / PubMed References

5,274 studies found on PubMed · showing top 24 by relevance

View all on PubMed

Liraglutide improves senescence and ameliorating diabetic sarcopenia via the YAP-TAZ pathway.

In Vitro

Xu Q, Qiu X, Di H, et al. · Journal of diabetes and its complications · 2025

PMID: 39987624

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of weight loss using liraglutide 3.0 mg for weight recurrence after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Human Study

Lofton HF, Maranga G, Hold R, et al. · Surgery for obesity and related diseases : official journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery · 2025

PMID: 39401933

Liraglutide attenuates doxorubicin-induced cardiomyocyte ferroptosis via DHHC7-mediated STAT3 palmitoylation.

Animal Study

Gao G, Shen C, Wang M, et al. · Life sciences · 2025

PMID: 40819789

Liraglutide attenuates angiotensin II-induced aortic dissection and aortic aneurysm via inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization in APOEmice.

Human Study

Zhang K, Li R, Matniyaz Y, et al. · Biochemical pharmacology · 2024

PMID: 38548245

Liraglutide Promotes Diabetic Wound Healing via Myo1c/Dock5.

Human Study

Zhang Q, Zhang C, Kang C, et al. · Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany) · 2024

PMID: 39159301

Side Effects & Safety

Nausea (most common, especially at initiation)
Diarrhea and constipation
Injection site reactions
Potential pancreatitis risk (rare)
Gallbladder-related events

Known Interactions

No curated interaction entry is live for Liraglutide yet.

Until the interaction table is fully populated, use the interaction checker and related peptides below to explore adjacent compounds and likely research pairings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Research Disclaimer

This page is for research and educational purposes only. The information presented is based on published scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Liraglutide is not approved by the FDA for human therapeutic use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The studies referenced are linked to their original PubMed sources for verification.