Peptibase
Weight Loss

Liraglutide

Also known as: Victoza, Saxenda

FDA Approved
Share:

Popular For

Weight management, diabetes control, appetite suppression

Key Facts: Liraglutide

Category
Weight Loss
FDA Status
FDA Approved
Clinical Status
FDA Approved - Diabetes (Victoza) and weight loss (Saxenda)
Administration
Subcutaneous injection daily
Typical Dose
1.8-3 mg daily
Frequency
Once daily
Evidence Level
FDA Approved
Duration
Long-term / chronic use
Also Known As
Victoza, Saxenda

Mechanism of Action

Liraglutide has 97% homology to native GLP-1 with modifications for extended half-life. It slows gastric emptying, increases insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon, and acts on brain appetite centers to reduce hunger.

Research Summary

SCALE trials showed 5-10% weight loss. LEADER trial demonstrated cardiovascular benefits in diabetics. Extensive long-term safety data available. First GLP-1 approved specifically for weight management (Saxenda).

Clinical Status:FDA Approved - Diabetes (Victoza) and weight loss (Saxenda)
Trial Progress:FDA Approved
Pre
I
II
III
IV
FDA

FDA Approval Studies

This peptide is FDA approved. Below are the key clinical trials that supported its approval.

SCALE Program (Satiety and Clinical Adiposity - Liraglutide Evidence)

Novo Nordisk • Phase 3

Approved 2014
Participants:

5,000+ participants across SCALE trials

Duration:

56 weeks

Primary Endpoint:

Percent change in body weight from baseline

Key Results:
  • ✓SCALE Obesity: 8.0% weight loss vs 2.6% placebo
  • ✓SCALE Diabetes: 6.0% weight loss vs 2.0% placebo
  • ✓63% of participants achieved 5%+ weight loss
  • ✓Improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors
View Study

LEADER Trial (Liraglutide Effect and Action in Diabetes)

Novo Nordisk • Phase 3

Approved 2010
Participants:

9,340 participants

Duration:

3.8 years median follow-up

Primary Endpoint:

Time to first major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE)

Key Results:
  • ✓13% reduction in major cardiovascular events
  • ✓22% reduction in cardiovascular death
  • ✓Significant reduction in nephropathy progression
  • ✓Established cardiovascular benefit for GLP-1 class
View Study

Dosing Information

FDA Approved·Human clinical trials completed, FDA approved

Typical Dosingⓘ

Community experience

Common Dose

1.8-3 mg daily

Range

0.6-3 mg daily

Frequency

Once daily

FDA-approved GLP-1. Daily injection. Victoza (diabetes) or Saxenda (weight loss). Titrate up weekly.

Research Dosingⓘ

Scientific studies

FDA-approved dosing

Doses from Studies

Duration

Long-term / chronic use

Administration

Subcutaneous injection daily

Timing & Administration

Best Time to Take

Morning or evening, consistent daily

Once daily at consistent time

Food Recommendation

With or without food

Why This Timing?

Daily GLP-1 that should be taken at the same time each day for stable levels.

Possible Side Effects

Not everyone experiences these effects. Individual responses vary based on dosage, duration, and personal factors.

  • ●Nausea (common)
  • ●Vomiting
  • ●Diarrhea
  • ●Constipation
  • ●Headache
  • ●Hypoglycemia (with insulin/sulfonylureas)
  • ●Pancreatitis
  • ●Gallbladder disease
  • ●Acute kidney injury
  • ●BOXED WARNING: Thyroid C-cell tumors
  • ●FDA approved (Victoza, Saxenda)

References

Related Peptides

Peptides commonly compared with Liraglutide or used in similar applications.

Semaglutide

FDA

A GLP-1 receptor agonist with multiple FDA approvals including weight loss, T2D, CV risk reduction, and kidney protection. Wegovy pill approved Dec 2025 as first oral GLP-1 for weight loss.

Weight Loss

Cagrilintide

Clinical Trials

A long-acting amylin analog developed by Novo Nordisk for obesity treatment. Works through a different mechanism than GLP-1 agonists, targeting amylin receptors in the brain to reduce appetite and slow gastric emptying. Shows enhanced weight loss when combined with semaglutide (CagriSema).

Weight Loss

Tirzepatide

FDA

A dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist representing the next generation of incretin-based therapies. Shows superior weight loss compared to semaglutide in head-to-head trials. First medication approved for obstructive sleep apnea.

Weight Loss

Dulaglutide

FDA

An FDA-approved weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes. Fused to an Fc antibody fragment for extended duration of action.

Weight Loss

Exenatide

FDA

The first GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for diabetes. Derived from Gila monster saliva. Available in twice-daily and weekly formulations.

Weight Loss

Retatrutide

Clinical Trials

A triple agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors. Phase 3 trials show up to 28.7% weight loss (71 lbs average), the highest of any obesity drug. Expected FDA approval late 2026 to early 2027.

Weight Loss
How to Use LiraglutideLiraglutide AlternativesCompare with SimilarBrowse All Peptides

Looking for a trusted vendor?

Pro members get access to verified vendors with quality standards & exclusive discount codes.

View Verified Vendors
PRO

Want updates on Liraglutide research?

Subscribe to get notified when we add new research findings, protocol updates, and related peptide information.

Back to all peptides