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Liraglutide

GLP-1 receptor agonist

Also known as Victoza, Saxenda, GLP-1 receptor agonist

The daily GLP-1 agonist that came before the weekly ones. Smaller effect, longer real-world record, and a completed cardiovascular outcomes trial.

Guide updated Sep 2, 2026Literature checked Sep 2, 20262 curated studies57 literature recordsBaseline editorial

Overview

In shortA once-daily version of the same gut hormone copy as semaglutide, approved for type 2 diabetes and, at a higher dose, weight management. Weekly drugs have largely replaced it commercially, which makes it more useful here rather than less: it has been in wide use longer than any of them, so its real-world safety record is the most mature in the class.

Liraglutide is a once-daily acylated GLP-1 analogue, approved for type 2 diabetes and, at a higher dose, for weight management. It is largely superseded commercially by weekly agents, which makes it more useful here rather than less: it has been in wide use for longer than any of them, so its long-term real-world safety record is the most mature in the class.

Mechanism

In shortThe same thing semaglutide does: insulin when blood sugar is high, less glucagon, slower stomach emptying, less appetite. The difference is timing. It clears faster, so it is a daily injection with a different peak and trough, which probably explains some of the differences in how well people tolerate the various drugs.

Identical in kind to semaglutide: GLP-1 receptor agonism producing glucose-dependent insulin secretion, glucagon suppression, delayed gastric emptying, and reduced appetite. The differences are pharmacokinetic. A shorter half-life means daily administration and a different peak-to-trough profile, which plausibly accounts for some of the tolerability differences reported between agents.

Evidence

In shortEstablished. The weight-management trials showed around 8% average weight loss at 56 weeks, noticeably less than the weekly drugs. A large heart-outcomes trial in type 2 diabetes found fewer major cardiovascular events, and it was properly sized. The comparison people actually want, against semaglutide at doses people tolerate equally, does not exist at scale.

Established. The SCALE programme supported the weight-management indication, with mean reductions around 8% at 56 weeks, noticeably smaller than the weekly agents.

LEADER, a cardiovascular outcomes trial in type 2 diabetes, reported a reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events. That trial is one of the more important results in the class because it was event-driven and adequately powered.

The comparison people actually want, liraglutide against semaglutide at matched tolerability rather than matched dose, does not exist at adequate scale.

Safety

In shortThe class pattern: stomach effects dominating, worst while the dose is going up. The same thyroid cancer contraindication applies, and pancreas and gallbladder events have been reported. The advantage of an older drug is the volume of observation behind it, and years of wide use have not thrown up a signal that changed the picture.

The class profile: gastrointestinal effects dominating, dose-related, worst during escalation. The rodent thyroid C-cell signal and the MEN2 contraindication apply. Pancreatitis and gallbladder events have been reported.

The advantage of an older agent is the volume of post-marketing observation behind it. Years of wide use have not produced a safety signal that changed the risk-benefit picture, which is a weak but real form of reassurance that newer agents cannot yet offer.

Regulatory status

In shortApproved widely for type 2 diabetes and, separately at a higher dose, for weight management. Generic versions have started appearing in some markets as patents expire.

Approved widely for type 2 diabetes and, separately at higher dose, for chronic weight management. Generic versions have begun to appear in some markets as patents expire.

The literature

2 studies indexed. Findings and limitations get equal weight, on purpose.

Always check the primary source

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The wider literature

17 indexed papers and 40 registered trials mentioning Liraglutide, straight from PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov. 39 of 40 administer it; the rest measure it. These have not been read by us. Unlike the studies above, they carry no findings and no limitations written by anyone here, because writing either would mean claiming a reading nobody has done. They are a starting point for yours.

Registered trials (40)

  1. Glycemic Velocity and Early Retinal Microvascular Change With GLP-1RA Versus SGLT2i Initiation in Type 2 Diabetes (GLIDE)

    Thammasart University Hospital2026NCT07723820

    observationalnot yet recruitingn=126

  2. Comparing Facial Aging Between Identical Twins With 3D Imaging

    Ponsky Facial Aesthetics And Plastic Surgery, Llc2026NCT07760532

    observationalnot yet recruitingn=200

  3. Tolerance of a High Protein Nutrition Shake in Individuals on GLP-1

    Kate Farms Inc2025NCT07096739

    interventionalnacompletedn=20

  4. SEMAGLUTIDE VERSUS GLP-1 RECEPTOR AGONISTS. EFFECTIVENESS , SAFETY AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS 2. OBSERVATIONAL, PROSPECTIVE AND MULTICENTER STUDY. SEVERAL STUDY.

    Jose Seijas Amigo2022NCT05136287

    observationalcompletedn=140

  5. Endoscopic Ultrasound Guided Gastric Botulinum Toxin Injections Versus Glucagon Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonist in Weight Loss

    Mansoura University2022NCT05268627

    interventionalnaunknownn=38

  6. Liraglutide Effectiveness in Preoperative Weight-loss for Bariatric-metabolic Surgery

    Hospital Civil Juan I. Menchaca2022NCT06201819

    interventionalphase4completedn=37

  7. Targeting Beta-cell Failure in Lean Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

    University of Leeds2020NCT04657939

    interventionalphase4completedn=57

  8. Treating PCOS With Semaglutide vs Active Lifestyle Intervention

    University of Colorado, Denver2019NCT03919929

    interventionalphase2phase3completedn=60

  9. 3mg Liraglutide for Overweight or Obesity

    University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust2019NCT03885297

    observationalcompletedn=43

  10. A Study Using Medical Records of Danish People With Type 2 Diabetes Comparing Empagliflozin and Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP1-RA) in the Occurrence of Serious Cardiovascular Outcomes

    Boehringer Ingelheim2018NCT03993132

    observationalcompletedn=26774

  11. Effects of Liraglutide in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

    Claus Bogh Juhl2018NCT03466021

    interventionalphase4completedn=40

  12. A Trial to Investigate the Single Dose Pharmacokinetics of Insulin Degludec/Liraglutide Compared With Insulin Degludec and Liraglutide in Healthy Chinese Subjects

    Novo Nordisk A/S2017NCT03292185

    interventionalphase1completedn=24

  13. Impact of Liraglutide 3.0 on Body Fat Distribution

    University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center2017NCT03038620

    interventionalphase4completedn=235

  14. Effect and Safety of Liraglutide 3.0 mg as an Adjunct to Intensive Behaviour Therapy for Obesity in a Non-specialist Setting

    Novo Nordisk A/S2017NCT02963935

    interventionalphase3completedn=282

  15. The Effect of GLP-1 Agonists Versus OCs on Reproductive Disorders and Cardiovascular Risks in Overweight PCOS

    Xinqiao Hospital of Chongqing2017NCT03151005

    interventionalphase4completedn=70

  16. Incretin-based Therapy in Early Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes

    University of Oulu2016NCT02908087

    interventionalphase2completedn=13

  17. Treatment of Hypoglycemia Following Gastric Bypass Surgery

    Zealand University Hospital2015NCT02527993

    interventionalphase4completedn=11

  18. Psoriatic Arthritis Treated With Liraglutide Therapy: a QUality of Life and Efficacy Study

    University Health Network, Toronto2015NCT02472717

    interventionalphase2withdrawnn=0

  19. Effects of Glucagon Like Peptide-1 on Haemodynamic Parameters

    Chinese PLA General Hospital2015NCT02490176

    interventionalnaunknownn=50

  20. Dose-finding of Semaglutide Administered Subcutaneously Once Daily Versus Placebo and Liraglutide in Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes

    Novo Nordisk A/S2015NCT02461589

    interventionalphase2completedn=706

  21. GLP-1 Response and Effect in Individuals With Obesity Causing Genetic Mutations

    University of Copenhagen2014NCT02082496

    interventionalphase2completedn=50

  22. Comparing Effects of Liraglutide and Bariatric Surgery on Weight Loss, Liver Function, Body Composition, Insulin Resistance, Endothelial Function and Biomarkers of Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) in Obese Asian Adults

    Changi General Hospital2014NCT02654665

    interventionalphase3unknownn=36

  23. Efficacy Study of Liraglutide vs.Sitagliptin vs. Glargine on Liver Fat in T2DM Subjects

    Sun Yat-sen University2014NCT02147925

    interventionalphase4completedn=75

  24. Effect of Victoza on Dietary Preferences and Habit in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

    Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon2014NCT02674893

    interventionalphase4terminatedn=48

  25. A Clinical Trial Comparing Efficacy and Safety of Insulin Degludec/Liraglutide (IDegLira) in Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Using Two Different Titration Algorithms

    Novo Nordisk A/S2014NCT02298192

    interventionalphase3completedn=420

  26. The Effect of Glucagon-like-peptide 1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonism on Diabetic Kidney Disease

    Karl Neff2013NCT01847313

    interventionalphase3completedn=20

  27. Effect of Liraglutide on Cardiovascular Endpoints in Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 Patients

    Leiden University Medical Center2013NCT01761318

    interventionalphase4completedn=50

  28. GLP-1 Analogue Treatment in Uncontrolled Type 1 Diabetic Patients

    Hadassah Medical Organization2012NCT01592279

    interventionalphase4unknownn=124

  29. Anti-diabetic Effects of Liraglutide in Adolescents and Young Subjects With Type 1 Diabetes

    University at Buffalo2012NCT01722227

    interventionalphase3withdrawnn=0

  30. Efficacy and Safety of Liraglutide Versus Placebo as add-on to Existing Diabetes Medication in Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes and Moderate Renal Impairment

    Novo Nordisk A/S2012NCT01620489

    interventionalphase3completedn=279

  31. Effects of Glucagon Like Peptide-1(GLP-1) and Liraglutide on Brain Satiety and Reward Circuits and Feeding Behavior in Diabetes

    Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc2011NCT01363609

    interventionalnacompletedn=50

  32. A Trial Comparing the Efficacy and Safety of Insulin Degludec/Liraglutide and Insulin Degludec in Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes

    Novo Nordisk A/S2011NCT01392573

    interventionalphase3completedn=413

  33. Observational Study on Efficacy and Safety of Liraglutide in Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes

    Novo Nordisk A/S2010NCT01226966

    observationalcompletedn=3152

  34. Safety and Tolerability of NN9068 in Healthy Male Volunteers

    Novo Nordisk A/S2009NCT00983021

    interventionalphase1completedn=24

  35. Safety of Liraglutide in Pediatric Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

    Novo Nordisk A/S2009NCT00943501

    interventionalphase1completedn=21

  36. The Effect of Liraglutide on Body Weight in Obese Subjects Without Diabetes

    Novo Nordisk A/S2007NCT00422058

    interventionalphase2completedn=564

  37. Effect of Liraglutide on Blood Glucose Control in Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes

    Novo Nordisk A/S2006NCT00333151

    interventionalphase3completedn=576

  38. Safety and Tolerability of Liraglutide in Healthy Japanese Male Volunteers

    Novo Nordisk A/S2006NCT01515592

    interventionalphase1completedn=24

  39. Safety and Tolerability of Liraglutide in Japanese Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes

    Novo Nordisk A/S2003NCT01615978

    interventionalphase1completedn=15

  40. Effect of Liraglutide on the Beta-cell Responsiveness in Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes Compared to a Healthy Control Group

    Novo Nordisk A/S2001NCT01511185

    interventionalphase1completedn=20

Papers (17)

  1. GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Medications for Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Treatment: A Rapid Review of Changes in Eating Behaviors and Eating Disorder Risk.

    Jebeile H, et al.Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity2026PMID 41340366

    journal articlereviewresearch support, non-u.s. gov't

  2. Physical Fitness with Exercise and GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Treatment Alone or Combined After Diet-Induced Weight Loss: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial in Adults with Obesity.

    Jensen SBK, et al.Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.)2026PMID 41579235

    clinical trial, phase ivjournal articlerandomized controlled trial

  3. Comparative Efficacy of Tirzepatide, Liraglutide, and Semaglutide in Reduction of Risk of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Type 2 Diabetes: Real-World Evidence.

    Henney AE, et al.Annals of the American Thoracic Society2025PMID 40590655

    journal articlecomparative study

  4. Hair Loss Associated With Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonist Use: A Systematic Review.

    Alsuwailem OA, et al.Cureus2025PMID 41111833

    journal articlereview

  5. Are Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonists Central Nervous System (CNS) Penetrant: A Narrative Review.

    West J, et al.Neurology and therapy2025PMID 40172827

    journal articlereview

  6. GLP-1 receptor agonists: emerging therapeutic potential in psoriasis management - current evidence and future outlook.

    Atiquzzaman N, et al.European journal of clinical pharmacology2025PMID 40835981

    journal articlereview

  7. Real-world persistence and adherence to glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists among obese commercially insured adults without diabetes.

    Gleason PP, et al.Journal of managed care & specialty pharmacy2024PMID 38717042

    journal article

  8. Healthy weight loss maintenance with exercise, GLP-1 receptor agonist, or both combined followed by one year without treatment: a post-treatment analysis of a randomised placebo-controlled trial.

    Jensen SBK, et al.EClinicalMedicine2024PMID 38544798

    journal article

  9. GLP-1 agonists: A review for emergency clinicians.

    Long B, et al.The American journal of emergency medicine2024PMID 38241775

    journal articlereview

  10. Glucagon-like peptide-1 class drugs show clear protective effects in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease clinical trials: A revolution in the making?

    Hölscher CNeuropharmacology2024PMID 38677445

    journal articlereview

  11. Trends in glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist use, 2014 to 2022.

    Watanabe JH, et al.Journal of the American Pharmacists Association : JAPhA2024PMID 37821008

    journal articleresearch support, non-u.s. gov't

  12. Semaglutide (Ozempic) for weight loss.

    The Medical letter on drugs and therapeutics2021PMID 33830968

    journal article

  13. GLP-1 and weight loss: unraveling the diverse neural circuitry.

    Kanoski SE, et al.American journal of physiology. Regulatory, integrative and comparative physiology2016PMID 27030669

    journal articlereviewresearch support, n.i.h., extramuralresearch support, non-u.s. gov't

  14. Liraglutide (Saxenda) for Weight Loss.

    Whitten JSAmerican family physician2016PMID 27419334

    journal articlereview

  15. The arcuate nucleus mediates GLP-1 receptor agonist liraglutide-dependent weight loss.

    Secher A, et al.The Journal of clinical investigation2014PMID 25202980

    journal articleresearch support, non-u.s. gov't

  16. Liraglutide.

    Drucker DJ, et al.Nature reviews. Drug discovery2010PMID 20357801

    journal article

  17. Liraglutide.

    2006PMID 30000036

    review

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This guide is educational reference material compiled from published literature. It is not medical advice, not a recommendation, and not a substitute for a clinician who knows your history. Nothing here should be used to make a decision about your own health without one.

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