Liraglutide
Also sold as Saxenda, Victoza.
- Half-life
- 13 h
- Steady state
- ~3 d
- Class
- GLP-1
- Category
- GLP-1
Published population averages. Steady state is the usual five half-life rule of thumb, not a measurement. See peptide half-life, explained.
Overview
Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist with 97% structural homology to native GLP-1. Approved for T2DM (Victoza, 1.8 mg daily) and obesity (Saxenda, 3.0 mg daily). It was one of the first GLP-1 agents to demonstrate cardiovascular benefit in the LEADER trial.
How it works
Binds GLP-1 receptors similarly to semaglutide but with a shorter C-16 fatty acid side chain (palmitoyl), resulting in shorter duration. Enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon, delays gastric emptying, and reduces appetite. Self-associates into heptamers at the injection site, creating a slow-release depot.
Half-life and peak
Terminal half-life is approximately 13 hours, requiring daily dosing. Peak plasma concentration is reached 8–12 hours post-injection. Steady state achieved within 3 days.
What it is studied for
T2DM glycemic control, chronic weight management, cardiovascular outcomes (LEADER trial), pediatric obesity.
Research status
FDA-approved for T2DM (Victoza, 2010) and weight management (Saxenda, 2014). LEADER trial showed 13% cardiovascular benefit. Well-established safety profile.
Sources
- Liraglutide — MedlinePlus · medlineplus.gov
- LEADER cardiovascular trial — NEJM · doi.org
- Liraglutide pharmacokinetics review · doi.org
Educational reference only. This page describes what is published about a compound; it is not medical advice, not a recommendation to take anything, and not a dosing guide. Several compounds in this catalog are investigational and are not approved medicines. Talk to a doctor.
Guides that cover it
How to track a GLP-1 protocol properly
A weekly injection is easy to take and surprisingly easy to lose track of. What to record, why the date matters more than the dose, and how to keep a titration legible to the person who prescribed it.
Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound: which is which
Four brand names, two molecules, and a lot of confusion. What each name actually refers to, why the same drug is sold twice under different labels, and what that means when you are keeping a record.