Liraglutide
Victoza / Saxenda — GLP-1 Receptor Agonist
What is Liraglutide?
Liraglutide was the first once-daily GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for both type 2 diabetes (Victoza, 2010) and obesity (Saxenda, 2014). It preceded Semaglutide and Tirzepatide as the original long-acting GLP-1 analog and established the clinical proof of concept for GLP-1-based weight loss. While largely superseded by more effective weekly agents, liraglutide remains available and is used in patients who cannot tolerate semaglutide or tirzepatide.
Liraglutide is a fatty acid-acylated GLP-1 analog with 97% homology to native GLP-1. Acylation extends its half-life to 13 hours (vs 2 minutes for native GLP-1) through albumin binding. It activates GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas (glucose-dependent insulin secretion), hypothalamus (appetite suppression), and gastrointestinal tract (gastric emptying delay). The daily injection is necessary due to its shorter half-life compared to the weekly semaglutide.
Research Evidence
SCALE Obesity trial: 3mg liraglutide produced approximately 8% body weight loss vs 2.6% placebo over 56 weeks. Inferior to semaglutide and tirzepatide but established GLP-1 weight loss proof of concept.
LEADER trial demonstrated cardiovascular mortality reduction in T2DM patients on liraglutide — the first CV outcomes trial for GLP-1 class, establishing cardiovascular protection.
LEADER trial: significant reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) vs placebo, establishing GLP-1 class cardiovascular benefits.
Evidence grades: Gold = RCT human data · Silver = consistent animal/human data · Bronze = limited or preliminary
Dosing Protocols
Reconstitution / Preparation
This compound does not require reconstitution — oral or pre-mixed formulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Liraglutide compare to Semaglutide?
Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) is significantly more effective for weight loss (15-17% vs 8% body weight reduction) and only requires once-weekly injection vs daily for liraglutide. Semaglutide has largely replaced liraglutide in practice for weight loss. Liraglutide remains an option for patients who cannot tolerate semaglutide or in specific clinical situations.
Is Liraglutide available through compounding pharmacies?
As of 2025-2026, FDA guidance on GLP-1 compounding is evolving. Liraglutide has not been on the drug shortage list like semaglutide, making compounded versions less available. It is typically accessed through the branded Victoza (diabetes) or Saxenda (obesity) products with a prescription.
References
- [1]Pi-Sunyer X, Astrup A, Fujioka K, et al. A randomized, controlled trial of 3.0 mg of liraglutide in weight management (SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes). N Engl J Med. 2015;373(1):11-22.
- [2]Marso SP, Daniels GH, Brown-Frandsen K, et al. Liraglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes (LEADER). N Engl J Med. 2016;375(4):311-322.
This profile was prepared using AI-assisted research synthesis. Citations are provided where applicable — verify with primary sources before clinical application.
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