Liraglutide
/ Acylated GLP-1 receptor agonist; predecessor of semaglutideALIAS · Victoza · Saxenda
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FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (Victoza, 2010) and chronic weight management (Saxenda, 2014). First-generation long-acting GLP-1 analog.
Liraglutide is a once-daily GLP-1 receptor agonist with an Arg-for-Lys substitution at position 34 and a C16 fatty-acid chain at Lys26 that confers albumin binding and a half-life of approximately 13 hours. Mechanistically similar to semaglutide but with a shorter half-life and daily dosing requirement.
Extensive. LEAD program in type 2 diabetes supported Victoza approval. SCALE program in obesity supported Saxenda approval. LEADER cardiovascular outcomes trial (Marso 2016, NEJM) demonstrated MACE reduction in high-CV-risk T2DM.
Class GLP-1 adverse event profile: GI-predominant (nausea, diarrhea, vomiting), titration-related. Boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors based on rodent findings. Warnings include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, hypoglycemia with insulin/sulfonylureas.
Regulatory status
- FDA status:
- FDA-approved
- Compounding:
- Not eligible for compounding (approved, not in shortage)
Liraglutide has been commercially superseded by semaglutide and tirzepatide for weight management, with head-to-head data showing greater weight loss with newer agents. Generic versions are entering the market as patents expire.