Liraglutide molecular structure
Liraglutide molecular structure
Approved
🏋️Weight Loss

Liraglutide

Also known as: Victoza, Saxenda, NN2211

MW

3751.20 Da

Formula

C172H265N43O51

CAS

204656-20-2

Routes

1 route

Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Novo Nordisk with 97% amino acid homology to human GLP-1. It features a C16 palmitic acid fatty acid chain attached via a glutamic acid spacer at lysine-26, enabling albumin binding that extends its half-life to 13 hours — allowing once-daily dosing. Approved as Victoza (2010) for type 2 diabetes and Saxenda (2014) for chronic weight management, liraglutide was the first long-acting GLP-1RA and paved the way for semaglutide and tirzepatide. Clinical trials demonstrated HbA1c reductions of 1.1-1.5% and weight loss of 5-8% for the diabetes indication, with the LEADER trial establishing 13% cardiovascular risk reduction. For obesity, the SCALE program showed 8% body weight reduction at the 3.0 mg dose.

Research Use Only— For educational and research purposes only

Research Applications

Type 2 Diabetes (Victoza)

FDA-approved for glycemic control. LEADER trial demonstrated 13% MACE reduction and cardiovascular benefit.

Obesity (Saxenda)

FDA-approved at 3.0 mg/day for chronic weight management. SCALE trials showed 8% body weight loss with improvements in metabolic parameters.

MASH/NASH

The LEAN trial demonstrated histological resolution of NASH in 39% of patients vs 9% placebo.

Cardiovascular Protection

LEADER trial established cardiovascular safety and modest benefit, leading to expanded indications.

Mechanism of Action

GLP-1 Receptor Agonism

Liraglutide activates the GLP-1 receptor on pancreatic beta cells, stimulating glucose-dependent insulin secretion through cAMP/PKA and Epac2 signaling. It simultaneously suppresses glucagon from alpha cells. Central GLP-1R activation in the hypothalamus suppresses appetite through POMC neuron activation and NPY/AgRP inhibition. Delayed gastric emptying contributes to postprandial satiety.

The palmitic acid sidechain enables non-covalent albumin binding (~99% bound), protecting against DPP-4 degradation and renal clearance while maintaining a slow-release depot effect from the injection site.

Biological Pathways

cAMP/PKA/CREB beta cell signaling drives insulin gene transcription and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. PI3K/Akt pathway promotes beta cell survival. Central melanocortin system activation mediates appetite suppression. GH/IGF-1 independent lipolytic pathways contribute to weight loss.

Dosage Information

Typical dosage ranges for research applications. Always verify with current literature.
Typical Dose
1,800 mcg
Dose Range
600 - 3,000 mcg
Frequency
Once daily; Victoza max 1800 mcg, Saxenda max 3000 mcg
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Calculation Results

Concentration
2.5 mg/ml
Dose Volume
0.1 ml0.100 ml
Insulin Syringe
10 units
Doses per Vial
2020 doses @ 250 mcg

Syringe Fill Level (100u syringe)

05010010.0uunits
0u10.0 / 100 units (10%)100u

Protocols

No protocols featuring this peptide yet.

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Stability & Storage

Liraglutide pens (Victoza, Saxenda) should be stored at 2-8°C before first use. After first use, store at room temperature (up to 30°C) or refrigerated for up to 30 days. Protect from light. Do not freeze.

Side Effects & Precautions

Nausea (20-40%), vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation are the most common GI side effects, typically diminishing over 4-8 weeks. Injection site reactions occur in 2%. Pancreatitis risk is rare (<0.5%). Thyroid C-cell tumor boxed warning based on rodent data. Gallbladder events associated with rapid weight loss. Hypoglycemia risk increases with concurrent sulfonylurea or insulin use.

Research Use Only. This information is for educational and research purposes only. Not intended for medical advice or self-medication.

Regulatory Status

Approved

FDA-approved as Victoza (2010, type 2 diabetes) and Saxenda (2014, weight management). EMA and worldwide approvals. WADA-prohibited under S2 category.

Research Studies

Liraglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes (LEADER)

Marso SP, Daniels GH, Tanaka K, et al.

New England Journal of Medicine
2016
View Source

A Randomized Trial of Liraglutide for Weight Management (SCALE)

Pi-Sunyer X, Astrup A, Fujioka K, et al.

New England Journal of Medicine
2015
View Source

Liraglutide Safety and Efficacy in NASH (LEAN)

Armstrong MJ, Gaunt P, Aithal GP, et al.

Lancet
2016
View Source
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