Liraglutide
GLP-1 receptor agonist (daily)
The once-daily GLP-1 that preceded the weekly era.
Half-life
~ 13 hours (once-daily dosing)
Mol. weight
3751.2 g/mol
Sequence
Modified GLP-1 analog (C16 fatty-acid side chain)
Discussions
0 threads
Overview
Liraglutide is a once-daily GLP-1 receptor agonist, the predecessor of semaglutide in the GLP-1 class. Established in the LEADER cardiovascular outcomes trial for type 2 diabetes, it demonstrated cardiovascular benefit and is also approved for chronic weight management at a higher dose. It set the efficacy benchmark that long-acting weekly agents later surpassed.
Mechanism of action
Liraglutide is a modified GLP-1 analog (with a C16 fatty-acid side chain) that resists DPP-4 degradation, extending its half-life to ~13 hours and enabling once-daily dosing. It amplifies glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite via central satiety signaling — the same incretin axis as other GLP-1 agonists, with a shorter dosing interval.
Researched benefits
- Established cardiovascular benefit (LEADER trial) in type 2 diabetes
- Significant weight loss in obesity indications
- Improved glycemic control
- Long real-world safety record as an earlier-approved GLP-1
Considerations
- Requires daily injection (vs weekly for newer agents)
- Gastrointestinal side effects common
- Rare risks: pancreatitis, gallbladder events
- Requires medical supervision
Key Academic Literature & Studies
Search more in PubMedPeer-reviewed citations and clinical trials evaluating Liraglutide in scientific literature.
Query PubMed for recent peer-reviewed preclinical and clinical publications on Liraglutide:
View Liraglutide index on PubMed (NCBI)