Content reviewed by clinical research staff

Last reviewed: March 2026Sources: PubMed, FDA, WADA Prohibited List

Evidence graded using the PeptideScholar A-D system.

Liraglutide

GLP-1 receptor agonist31 amino acidsBrand: Victoza, Saxenda

AFDA Approved
90
Excellent Credibility
2 cited studies | Evidence level A

Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist approved by the FDA for type 2 diabetes (Victoza) and chronic weight management (Saxenda). It was the first GLP-1 agonist approved specifically for obesity.

Mechanism of Action

Mimics endogenous GLP-1, activating GLP-1 receptors to enhance insulin secretion, suppress glucagon, slow gastric emptying, and reduce appetite through hypothalamic signaling. Has 97% amino acid sequence homology with human GLP-1.

Benefits

  • FDA-approved for both diabetes and obesity[2]
  • Proven cardiovascular risk reduction (LEADER trial)[1]
  • Extensive long-term safety data (10+ years)[1]
  • Daily dosing allows flexible titration[2]
Not medical advice - research-reported information only

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Liraglutide - Dosing in Published Research

Reported routes: Subcutaneous injection
Victoza: titrated from 0.6 mg to 1.2-1.8 mg SC daily. Saxenda: titrated from 0.6 mg to 3.0 mg SC daily over 5 weeks.

The dosing information above is sourced from published research literature and clinical trials. These are not recommendations. Individual responses vary. Always consult a healthcare provider before considering any peptide-based therapy.

Side Effects

  • Nausea and vomiting (most common during titration)[2]
  • Diarrhea or constipation[2]
  • Pancreatitis risk (rare)[2]
  • Gallbladder disorders[2]
  • Injection site reactions[2]

Discuss Liraglutide with a doctor

Liraglutide is FDA-approved and available by prescription. Licensed telehealth providers can evaluate if it's right for you.

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Approved Treatment Routing

Liraglutide in PeptideScholar's approved-treatment dataset

Liraglutide is currently modeled on this site as an approved treatment path for: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (Victoza); chronic weight management in adults with BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with comorbidities (Saxenda). Brand names in the current dataset: Victoza, Saxenda.

Validation note: This block reflects the site's current structured treatment data and internal routing logic. It is not a substitute for checking current prescribing, labeling, payer, or local regulatory details.
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Research & Evidence

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References

  1. 1.Liraglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes.. N Engl J Med, 2016. "Liraglutide reduced major adverse cardiovascular events by 13% vs placebo in type 2 diabetes patients at high cardiovascular risk" [PMID: 27295427]
  2. 2.A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management.. N Engl J Med, 2015. "Liraglutide 3.0 mg produced 8.0% mean body weight loss vs 2.6% with placebo over 56 weeks in 3,731 adults" [PMID: 26132939]

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Liraglutide FAQ