Summary
Liraglutide was the first once-daily GLP-1 receptor agonist and the predecessor of semaglutide. In the SCALE trial, 3.0 mg daily produced 8.0% mean weight loss over 56 weeks versus 2.6% on placebo, and the LEADER trial showed a 13% reduction in major cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetes.
Structure
GLP-1(7-37) with one substitution (Arg34) and a C16 palmitoyl chain on Lys26, giving a half-life of about 13 hours.
How it works
Liraglutide binds the GLP-1 receptor. Its fatty-acid chain lets it bind albumin and self-associate under the skin, slowing absorption and extending its half-life to allow once-daily dosing.
Research use cases
Areas where Liraglutide has been studied. Inclusion here does not mean it works for that purpose.
- Type 2 diabetes
- Chronic weight management in adults and adolescents
- Cardiovascular risk reduction in type 2 diabetes
What the research found
Weight management (SCALE)
3,731 adults without diabetes received liraglutide 3.0 mg or placebo for 56 weeks. Mean weight loss was 8.4 kg versus 2.8 kg, and 63% lost at least 5% of body weight.1
Cardiovascular outcomes (LEADER)
In 9,340 people with type 2 diabetes at high cardiovascular risk, liraglutide reduced the composite of cardiovascular death, non-fatal heart attack and non-fatal stroke by 13% over a median 3.8 years.2
Safety and open questions
Typical GLP-1 class effects: nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting and constipation. Same boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumours as other long-acting GLP-1 agonists. Warnings include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease and heart-rate increase.
Regulatory status
FDA-approved (Victoza, 2010; Saxenda, 2014). Generic versions available. Prescription only.
Status was accurate when this page was last reviewed on October 26, 2026. Regulations change; check with the relevant authority before relying on it.
Liraglutide: common questions
Is liraglutide still used now that semaglutide exists?
Yes. It is available as a generic in several markets, has a long safety record and is approved for adolescents. It produces less weight loss than semaglutide or tirzepatide.
Is Liraglutide approved for human use?
FDA-approved (Victoza, 2010; Saxenda, 2014). Generic versions available. Prescription only.
References
- Pi-Sunyer X, Astrup A, Fujioka K, et al. (2015). A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management. New England Journal of Medicine.
- Marso SP, Daniels GH, Brown-Frandsen K, et al. (2016). Liraglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes. New England Journal of Medicine.
Links open a PubMed search for the exact title, or the original source where one is given.