Liraglutide
FDA ApprovedThe first long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist, FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (Victoza, 2010) and chronic weight management (Saxenda, 2014). Pioneered the therapeutic class with proven cardiovascular benefits in the landmark LEADER trial.
Victoza · Saxenda · NN2211
Human clinical evidence is specific to the product, population and outcome studied; it does not establish benefit for every condition listed.
- Preclinical
- 5%
- Human research
- 36%
Based on 22 cited sources
22 visible records: 15 publications, 4 registrations and 3 regulatory, label or monitoring records. The human count is 8 direct primary publications (8 intervention and 0 observational), with 7 distinct intervention populations. Publications and registrations may describe the same trial; secondary analyses do not create new trial populations. Open-access counts are confirmed scholarly full texts.
Liraglutide is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist with extensive human clinical trial data. Its mechanisms are well-characterized through over 15 years of clinical use.
The 31-letter displayed backbone sequence is shorthand: the lysine at position 20 of that sequence (Lys26 in GLP-1 numbering) bears a C16 palmitoyl group through a glutamyl spacer, and position 28 is arginine, not lysine. The NIH substance record and FDA Saxenda label describe the modified molecule.
How It Works (Simplified)
Liraglutide mimics the natural incretin hormone GLP-1 with modifications that extend its action:
Activates GLP-1 receptors on pancreatic beta cells, stimulating glucose-dependent insulin secretion only when blood sugar is elevated.
Acts on hypothalamic GLP-1 receptors to reduce hunger signals and increase feelings of fullness, leading to reduced caloric intake.
Delays gastric emptying, prolonging satiety after meals and reducing postprandial blood glucose spikes.
LEADER demonstrated fewer major CV events in adults with type 2 diabetes at high CV risk. The relative contribution of blood pressure, weight, and direct tissue effects was not isolated.
Key Research: Marso SP et al. (LEADER Trial, 2016) demonstrated 13% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events in high-risk T2D patients. PMID:27295427
Current US label scope
The FDA Saxenda label file for NDA 206321/S-024 includes prescribing information revised February 2026 and Instructions for Use revised June 2026. Its listed recent changes include removal of the suicidal-behavior-and-ideation warning in February 2026 and removal of pregnancy from the contraindications section in May 2025; section 8 still says Saxenda may cause fetal harm and directs discontinuation when pregnancy is recognized. Removal of a warning does not establish that every psychiatric outcome has been ruled out. The label also warns of severe GI reactions, acute kidney injury due to volume depletion, hypoglycemia (including pediatric events), and pulmonary aspiration during anesthesia or deep sedation. Victoza’s US label separately carries the LEADER-based CV indication for adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.
Important Limitations
- The Saxenda and Victoza indications are product-specific; LEADER’s CV event result does not confer a CV indication on Saxenda
- Common GI side effects (nausea, vomiting) especially during titration
- Requires daily subcutaneous injection (less convenient than weekly alternatives)
- Boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors (based on rodent studies; human relevance uncertain)
- Contraindicated in personal/family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2
- Weight regain typically occurs after discontinuation
- Less effective for weight loss than newer agents (semaglutide, tirzepatide)
Reported positives
- Moderate appetite suppression with well-characterized profile
- Daily dosing allows finer control compared to weekly options
- Long track record of real-world use since 2010
- Generic availability improving access and affordability
Reported negatives
- Weight loss modest compared to newer GLP-1 agents
- Daily injection burden cited as major drawback
- Nausea common especially during titration
- Many users switched to weekly alternatives for convenience
“First-generation GLP-1 with extensive real-world data. Community increasingly favors weekly alternatives.”
Self-reported, unverified accounts — not clinical evidence and no substitute for the cited research. Anecdotes are prone to selection bias and placebo effects.
| NCT ID | Title | Peptide | Phase | Status | Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCT07225816 | Examination of How the Duration of Fasting and Temporary Stopping of GLP-1 Medications Affect the Amount of Food Left in the Stomach in People Using Liraglutide (Injected), Semaglutide (Taken by Mouth) or Semaglutide (Injected) Obesity | Liraglutide | Phase 1 | Recruiting | Jan 2027 (estimated) |
| NCT04775082 | SCALE KIDS: Research Study to Look at How Well a New Medicine is at Lowering Weight in Children With Obesity Obesity | Liraglutide | Phase 3 | Active not recruiting | Feb 2027 (estimated) |
| NCT05313529 | LIGHT-MCI Trial: GLP-1 Agonist, SGLT2 Inhibitor, and DPP-4 Inhibitor for MCI Remission in Type 2 Diabetes Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Mild Cognitive Impairment | Liraglutide | Phase NA | Completed | Jul 2026 |
| NCT07225829 | A Trial to Investigate the Safety and Efficacy of Intra-articular 4P004 Injection in Subjects With Knee Synovitis and Osteoarthritis Knee Osteoarthritis, Synovitis of Knee | Liraglutide | Phase 2 | Active not recruiting | Oct 2026 (estimated) |
Examination of How the Duration of Fasting and Temporary Stopping of GLP-1 Medications Affect the Amount of Food Left in the Stomach in People Using Liraglutide (Injected), Semaglutide (Taken by Mouth) or Semaglutide (Injected)
SCALE KIDS: Research Study to Look at How Well a New Medicine is at Lowering Weight in Children With Obesity
LIGHT-MCI Trial: GLP-1 Agonist, SGLT2 Inhibitor, and DPP-4 Inhibitor for MCI Remission in Type 2 Diabetes
A Trial to Investigate the Safety and Efficacy of Intra-articular 4P004 Injection in Subjects With Knee Synovitis and Osteoarthritis
BPC-157
CautionBoth affect GI function. BPC-157 is gastroprotective while liraglutide slows gastric emptying. Whether the effects interact is unclear.
Ipamorelin
CautionNo direct human combination study establishes safety. Distinct receptor targets do not demonstrate compatibility, and GH signaling can affect glucose metabolism.
Tesamorelin
CautionNo direct human combination study establishes safety or additive benefit. Tesamorelin can alter glucose metabolism, relevant when liraglutide is used for diabetes.
Semaglutide
AvoidSaxenda labeling does not recommend concomitant use with another GLP-1 receptor agonist. Overlapping effects are expected, but the magnitude of added harm or benefit has not been established in a combination trial.
Tirzepatide
AvoidTirzepatide activates GLP-1 receptors; Saxenda and Zepbound labels do not recommend combination with another GLP-1 receptor agonist. A quantitative safety or efficacy effect is not established.
Exenatide
AvoidBoth are GLP-1 receptor agonists with overlapping mechanisms. Do not combine. Exenatide is shorter-acting but targets the same receptor pathway.
Research Note: Interaction data is based on published literature, mechanistic understanding, and theoretical considerations. Most peptide combinations lack direct clinical study. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare providers.
Key Studies Cited
Use the source links in the research discussion above to inspect the referenced records.
This dossier synthesizes available evidence from peer-reviewed literature, regulatory documents, and clinical trial registries. Evidence strength labels summarize the cited material for this entry and should be read alongside its population, model, and study limitations.
For complete methodology details, see our Methodology page.
Important Disclaimer
This dossier is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions.
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Compared With
16 comparisonsConditions Studied
3 entries- Liraglutide for Type 2 Diabetes Victoza is FDA-approved for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes from age 10 years. In the cited two-year LEAD-3 follow-up, HbA1c f…
- Liraglutide for Obesity Saxenda is FDA-approved for long-term weight reduction in adults with obesity or overweight plus a weight-related comorbidity, and…
- Liraglutide for Cardiovascular Disease LEADER trial demonstrated 13% reduction in MACE (cardiovascular death, non-fatal MI, non-fatal stroke) and 22% reduction in cardio…