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Liraglutide

Research profile · How we handle evidence

Liraglutide (brand names Victoza, Saxenda) is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist derived from native GLP-1(7-37), modified with a C16 fatty-acid side chain for a once-daily dosing profile. It is approved for type 2 diabetes and, at a higher dose, for chronic weight management.

Evidence Score

76/100

High confidence

Category

Fat Loss

Therapeutic area

Standard Dose

0.6-3.0mg

Daily

Half-life

~13 hr

Plasma elimination

Route

SC

Subcutaneous

Safety Tier

2

Monitor closely

Overview

Liraglutide was one of the first once-daily GLP-1 medications, predating semaglutide. It slows digestion and reduces appetite by mimicking a natural gut hormone, and has a long clinical track record for both blood sugar control and weight loss.

Mechanism of Action

Liraglutide was one of the first once-daily GLP-1 medications, predating semaglutide. It slows digestion and reduces appetite by mimicking a natural gut hormone, and has a long clinical track record for both blood sugar control and weight loss.

GLP 1 Receptor AgonismAlbumin Binding Acylation (C16 Fatty Acid) For Extended Half LifeDelayed Gastric EmptyingCentral Appetite Suppression

Benefits

  • Reduces appetite and food intake via GLP-1 receptor signaling
  • Slows gastric emptying
  • Approved for type 2 diabetes glycemic control
  • Approved for chronic weight management at the 3.0mg (Saxenda) dose
  • Demonstrated cardiovascular risk reduction in the LEADER trial (type 2 diabetes population)

Side Effects

  • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, especially during dose escalation
  • Injection-site reactions
  • Rare but serious: pancreatitis, gallbladder disease
  • Boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors seen in rodent studies

Contraindications

  • Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2
  • History of pancreatitis
  • Pregnancy

Structure & Sequence

View 3D structure

Verified structure

Liraglutide

Sequence illustration backed by PubChem match.

Verified via PubChemMatched by casNumber
C172H265N43O513,751.2 DaCAS 204656-20-231 residues
Source: PubChemLookup: 204656-20-2InChIKey YSDQQAXHVYUZIW-QCIJIYAXSA-N
Amino Acid Sequence
HAEGTFTSDVSSYLEGQAAK(gamma-Glu-C16 palmitoyl)EFIAWLVRGRG (31aa, Arg34Lys GLP-1 analog)
Molecular Weight
3,751.2 Da
Chemical Formula
C172H265N43O51
CAS Number
204656-20-2
InChIKey
YSDQQAXHVYUZIW-QCIJIYAXSA-N

Stack & Route Context

Stacks with

No entries listed.

Administration

Subcutaneous

Research Status

FDA-approved since 2010 (Victoza, diabetes) and 2014 (Saxenda, weight management), with large randomized outcome trials (LEADER) behind it. Extensive human clinical evidence relative to newer GLP-1 analogs.

Approval Status

Approved

Sports Legal

Permitted

References

  1. 1

    Amino-acid sequence of liraglutide

    2015

    View source

This profile summarizes research literature for education only. It is not medical advice, and it does not diagnose, treat, or recommend a dose. Consult a qualified professional before changing a protocol.

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