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Liraglutide

Also known as: Victoza, Saxenda, NN2211
FDA: FDA-approved: Victoza (2010, T2DM 1 WADA: Not prohibited

Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist with 97% amino acid sequence homology to endogenous human GLP-1(7-37). A C16 palmitoyl fatty acid chain attached via a glutamic acid spacer at Lys26 enables non-covalent albumin binding, extending its half-life from ~2 minutes (native GLP-1) to ~13 hours, permitting once-daily dosing. It is one of the most extensively studied peptide drugs in history, with over 5,500 PubMed publications. FDA-approved as Victoza for type 2 diabetes (2010) and as Saxenda for chronic weight management (2014). Largely succeeded by longer-acting semaglutide and tirzepatide in market share, but remains widely prescribed and has the longest real-world

This content is for educational and research purposes only. VialBase does not provide medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before using any peptide.

Molecular weight 3,751.2 Da
Half-life 13 hours
CAS number 204656-20-2
Route Subcutaneous
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Mechanism

GLP-1 receptor agonist with 97% homology to native GLP-1; C16 palmitoyl fatty acid side chain enables albumin binding, extending half-life. Activates GLP-1R in pancreas (insulin secretion), brain (appetite suppression), and GI tract (gastric emptying delay).

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Dosing

DOSE RANGE 600–3000 mcg
FREQUENCY 1x daily
CYCLE LENGTH Ongoing (chronic therapy)

Victoza: titrate 0.6 mg x1 week -> 1.2 mg -> 1.8 mg. Saxenda: titrate 0.6 mg weekly increments to 3.0 mg. Inject any time of day, with or without food.

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Research summary

Study Type Year Key Finding
Real-World Effectiveness and Safety of Tirzepatide, Semaglutide, and Liraglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity without Diabetes: A Comparative Study Retrospective observational study 2026 All three GLP-1 RAs produced significant weight loss and waist circumference reduction at 36 weeks
Impact of GLP-1RA Use on Perioperative Clinical Outcomes of Posterior Cervical Spinal Fusion Retrospective cohort (TriNetX database) 2026 737 GLP-1RA patients vs 18,882 controls undergoing posterior cervical fusion
Incretin Therapies in Binge Eating Disorder: A Systematic Review Systematic review 2026 12 studies met inclusion criteria evaluating GLP-1 RAs in BED
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Stacking & interactions

Preserve lean mass during GLP-1-induced weight loss

GI protective effects during GLP-1 therapy

Metabolic and mitochondrial optimization

What bloodwork do I need?

Reference ranges are general guidelines. Consult your physician for interpretation.

PRE-CYCLE
  • CMP
  • CBC
  • Lipid Panel
  • Fasting Glucose
  • HbA1c
  • Fasting Insulin
  • Amylase
  • Lipase
DURING CYCLE
  • Fasting Glucose
  • HbA1c
  • Amylase
  • Lipase
POST-CYCLE
  • CMP
  • Lipid Panel
  • Fasting Glucose
  • HbA1c
Safety & Regulatory Status
FDA STATUS FDA-approved: Victoza (2010, T2DM 1.2-1.8 mg/day), Saxenda (2014, obesity 3.0 mg/day)
WADA STATUS Not prohibited

Regulatory status for Liraglutide may change. Verify current status with your jurisdiction before use. This is not legal or medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Liraglutide?
Liraglutide is a weight loss compound. GLP-1 receptor agonist with 97% homology to native GLP-1; C16 palmitoyl fatty acid side chain enables albumin binding, extending half-life.
How does Liraglutide work?
Liraglutide activates the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R), a class B G-protein coupled receptor expressed across multiple organ systems: 1. Pancreas: Glucose-dependent insulin secretion from beta cells (incretin effect); suppression of glucagon from alpha cells. Does not cause hypoglycemia in normoglycemia due to glucose-dependent mechanism.
How is Liraglutide dosed?
Commercial product (pre-filled pen): Victo These figures reflect commonly cited research protocols, not medical advice — consult a clinician.
Is Liraglutide FDA-approved?
FDA: Approved -- Victo.
What does the research on Liraglutide show?
LEADER trial (PMID: 27295427): 9,340 patients with T2DM, 3. 8 years follow-up. Liraglutide reduced major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) by 13% vs.

References

  1. Cetiner S. Real-World Effectiveness and Safety of Tirzepatide, Semaglutide, and Liraglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity without Diabetes: A Comparative Study. Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity (2026). PMID: 41938643
  2. Multiple authors. Impact of GLP-1RA Use on Perioperative Clinical Outcomes of Posterior Cervical Spinal Fusion. North American Spine Society Journal (2026). PMID: 41938705
  3. Multiple authors. Incretin Therapies in Binge Eating Disorder: A Systematic Review. Various (systematic review) (2026). PMID: 41947645