Reviewed by The Peptide Dispatch Editorial Team · Last reviewed July 6, 2026
Liraglutide (LIRA) is a metabolic peptide, at the fda approved stage in the published literature. Liraglutide is a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist developed by Novo Nordisk. It was the first once-daily GLP-1 agonist approved for diabetes (as Victoza in 2010) and later for obesity (as Saxenda in 2014). The molecule is a modified version of human GLP-1 with a fatty acid chain (palmitic acid) attached via a glutamic acid spacer, enabling it to bind to albumin and resist DPP-4 degradation — extending its half-life from minutes to approximately 13 hours. Liraglutide paved the way for the current generation of GLP-1 therapies including semaglutide and tirzepatide. The LEADER cardiovascular outcomes trial demonstrated a 13% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events, leading to its cardiovascular indication.
Liraglutide is a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist developed by Novo Nordisk. It was the first once-daily GLP-1 agonist approved for diabetes (as Victoza in 2010) and later for obesity (as Saxenda in 2014). The molecule is a modified version of human GLP-1 with a fatty acid chain (palmitic acid) attached via a glutamic acid spacer, enabling it to bind to albumin and resist DPP-4 degradation — extending its half-life from minutes to approximately 13 hours. Liraglutide paved the way for the current generation of GLP-1 therapies including semaglutide and tirzepatide. The LEADER cardiovascular outcomes trial demonstrated a 13% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events, leading to its cardiovascular indication.
| Research Status | FDA Approved |
|---|---|
| Half-Life | 13 hours |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection |
| Doses Reported in Published Studies | 0.6-3.0 mg daily |
| Molecular Weight | 3,751.2 Da |
| Molecular Formula | C172H265N43O51 |
Liraglutide binds to and activates the GLP-1 receptor, stimulating insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner, suppressing glucagon release, slowing gastric emptying, and acting on hypothalamic appetite centers to reduce food intake.
Liraglutide is a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist developed by Novo Nordisk. It was the first once-daily GLP-1 agonist approved for diabetes (as Victoza in 2010) and later for obesity (as Saxenda in 2014). The molecule is a modified version of human GLP-1 with a fatty acid chain (palmitic…
Liraglutide binds to and activates the GLP-1 receptor, stimulating insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner, suppressing glucagon release, slowing gastric emptying, and acting on hypothalamic appetite centers to reduce food intake.
Liraglutide is at the following stage in the published literature: FDA Approved. All information is for research and educational purposes only.
Reported half-life: 13 hours.
Reported administration route in the literature: Subcutaneous injection. This is not a recommendation for human use.
Educational content, not medical advice. Effects described are drawn from cited research in study subjects.