Liraglutide

moderate risk

Also: Victoza · Saxenda

Strong Evidence FDA Approved

Liraglutide was the first once-daily GLP-1 agonist for T2D and obesity. Largely superseded by semaglutide but remains a well-studied first-generation standard. LEADER trial: 13% MACE reduction. SCALE trials: ~6% weight loss.

Molecular Weight

3751.2 Da

Formula

C172H265N43O51

Common Dosing

1.2–1.8 mg/day SC (T2D); 3 mg/day (obesity)

Reported Benefits

Weight loss

Strong Evidence 89 studies

SCALE: ~6% weight loss at 3 mg — less than semaglutide but well-documented.

Glycemic control

Strong Evidence 145 studies

HbA1c reduction ~1.2% — superseded by semaglutide's ~1.8%.

Cardiovascular risk reduction

Strong Evidence 67 studies

LEADER trial: 13% relative MACE reduction in T2D high-CV-risk.

Mechanism of Action

GLP-1 receptor agonist with 97% sequence homology to human GLP-1; daily dosing provides sustained receptor activation.

Key Clinical Studies

Marso et al. (LEADER) (2016)

Phase III RCT · n=9340

PubMed →

13% relative MACE reduction in T2D high-CV-risk

First-Generation Context

Liraglutide proved GLP-1 agonism worked at scale. Now superseded by semaglutide (more potent, weekly dosing) and tirzepatide (dual agonism). Its main ongoing role is cost-effective access where newer agents are unavailable.

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Regulatory Status

FDA Approved

FDA approved — Victoza (T2D), Saxenda (obesity)

Safety Profile

Side Effects

•Nausea
•Vomiting
•Diarrhea
•Pancreatitis (rare)
•Thyroid C-cell effects (black box)

Contraindications

•MTC/MEN2 history
•Pregnancy

Drug Interactions

•Insulin/sulfonylureas
•Oral medications

Primary Uses

Type 2 diabetesObesity/weight lossCardiovascular risk

Related Peptides

Semaglutide Tirzepatide Exenatide

Used For

›Obesity & Weight Loss

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Weekly Briefing

Regulatory updates + new study breakdowns.

› FDA-Approved Peptides: The Complete List (2026) › The Complete GLP-1 Class Comparison: Semaglutide vs. Tirzepatide vs. Retatrutide vs. CagriSema › The GLP-1 Compounding Crackdown: What Prescribers and Patients Need to Know

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Disclaimer: This information is for educational and research purposes only. Not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any compound.