Liraglutide
approvedAlso known as: Victoza, Saxenda, NN2211
**Mechanism of Action** Liraglutide is a once-daily acylated glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist with 97% sequence homology to endogenous GLP-1. Its fatty acid side chain enables non-covalent binding to albumin, extending the half-life to approximately 13 hours and allowing once-daily subcutaneous administration. It activates GLP-1 receptors in pancreatic beta cells, enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon release, and slowing gastric emptying. Central GLP-1 receptor activation in the hypothalamus reduces appetite and food intake, contributing to weight loss. **Key Research Findings** The LEAD (Liraglutide Effect and Action in Diabetes) clinical trial program demonstrated significant reductions in HbA1c (0.8–1.5%) and fasting plasma glucose in type 2 diabetes patients, with weight loss of 2–3 kg versus placebo. The SCALE (Satiety and Clinical Adiposity—Liraglutide Evidence) trials in obesity showed mean weight loss of 8.4% of baseline body weight over 56 weeks with 3.0 mg liraglutide, compared to 2.8% with placebo. Cardiovascular outcome trials (LEADER) reported a 13% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in high-risk patients. Common adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, with rare risks of pancreatitis and gallbladder disease. **Clinical Relevance** Liraglutide is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (Victoza, 1.2–1.8 mg/day) and chronic weight management (Saxenda, 3.0 mg/day) in adults with BMI ≥30 kg/m² or ≥27 kg/m² with weight-related comorbidities. It is contraindicated in patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. As a first-line GLP-1 receptor agonist, it offers dual glycemic and weight benefits, with cardiovascular protection in high-risk populations. For research purposes only — not medical advice.
Key data
C172H265N43O51Research & studies
Liraglutide significantly accelerates wound closure in diabetic mouse models (db/db and streptozotocin-induced).; Improved healing effects are abrogated in Dock5 keratinocyte-specific knockout mice.; Liraglutide directly binds to Myo1c at arginine 93, enhancing Myo1c/Dock5 interaction.; Liraglutide promotes keratinocyte proliferation, migration, and adhesion via the Myo1c/Dock5 pathway.
Liraglutide significantly decreased AAD incidence and mortality in Ang II-infused APOE (-/-) mice.; Liraglutide inhibited M1 macrophage polarization through GLP-1R activation.; The protective mechanism involved suppression of CXCL3 expression via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.; M1 macrophage polarization and GLP-1R expression were increased in aortas of AAD patients and mouse models.
Liraglutide improved glucose metabolism and ameliorated liver tissue damage in T2DM-associated NAFLD mice.; Transcriptomic analysis revealed liraglutide regulates lipid metabolism via AMPK and ACC signaling.; Liraglutide suppressed ferroptosis, and a ferroptosis inhibitor rescued liver cell viability under high glucose conditions.; AMPK inhibitor compound C blocked liraglutide's suppression of ferroptosis, confirming the pathway's role.
Semaglutide 2.4mg achieved the best weight loss (-12.47 kg), followed by liraglutide 3.0mg (-5.24 kg).; Semaglutide 2.4mg also had the largest reduction in HbA1c (-1.48%).; Total adverse events were highest with semaglutide 2.4mg, while serious adverse events were highest with liraglutide 3.0mg.; All GLP-1RAs were more effective than placebo for weight loss and glycemic control.
Liraglutide increased weight loss at 5 and 16 weeks compared to placebo.; Liraglutide slowed gastric emptying time (T1/2) at both 5 and 16 weeks.; Gastric emptying T1/2 was positively correlated with weight loss on liraglutide.; GLP1R rs6923761 and TCF7L2 rs7903146 variants were associated with reduced body fat and lower body weight, respectively.
Frequently asked questions
What is Liraglutide?
**Mechanism of Action** Liraglutide is a once-daily acylated glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist with 97% sequence homology to endogenous GLP-1. Its fatty acid side chain enables non-covalent binding to albumin, extending the half-life to approximately 13 hours and allowing once-daily subcutaneous administ
How does Liraglutide work?
Once-daily acylated GLP-1 receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management.
What is the research status of Liraglutide?
Liraglutide is currently classified as approved, with 5,511 research references on record. This is for research purposes only and is not medical advice.
What is the half-life of Liraglutide?
The reported half-life of Liraglutide is ~13 hours.
What is the molecular weight of Liraglutide?
Liraglutide has a molecular weight of approximately 3751 g/mol (formula C172H265N43O51).
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