LIRA
Liraglutide is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist used for type 2 diabetes (Victoza) and chronic weight management (Saxenda). It shares 97% homology with native human GLP-1.
Regulatory status (as of Sept 2026)
FDA-approved (Victoza, Saxenda). Not affected by the 503A peptide actions.
See the FDA peptide regulatory tracker · Read our July 27, 2026 dispatch on the FDA PCAC peptide vote9 studies referenced · Last reviewed Oct 1, 2026 · Reviewed by The Peptide Dispatch Editorial Team · How we research & label content
Liraglutide is an FDA-approved prescription drug. Liraglutide is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist used for type 2 diabetes (Victoza) and chronic weight management (Saxenda).
| Half-life | 13 hours |
|---|---|
| How it's given in studies | Subcutaneous injection |
| Research stage | FDA-approved |
| Dosing | Published research: Humans: 1.8 mg subcutaneous daily detailsHumans: 1.8 mg s.c. daily (LEAN NASH phase 2, Armstrong 2016); 3.0 mg s.c. daily for 56 weeks, n=3731 (SCALE, Pi-Sunyer 2015); up to 1.8 mg daily in LEADER, n=9340 (Marso 2016).Community-reportedCommunity-reported: 0.6–3.0 mg daily, subcutaneous injection |
Published-research dosing is what was given in the cited studies (species and units as reported). Community-reported dosing is what users describe, not from clinical studies. Neither is a recommendation. Not medical advice.
Where each point comes from: Clinicalhuman trials and FDA labels Lab / animalrodent, cell and ex vivo studies Community-reporteduser experience and commonly used protocols, not from clinical studies
In plain terms: It copies the gut hormone GLP-1, which helps the body release insulin when blood sugar is high and slows how fast the stomach empties. Proposed mechanism (GLP-1 receptor agonist pharmacology): binds to and activates the GLP-1 receptor, stimulating glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon release and slowing gastric emptying; action on hypothalamic appetite centres is proposed to reduce food intake. Its clinical effects come from the trials cited below, including the SCALE weight-management RCT (Pi-Sunyer 2015).
How to read this: Each item below is an effect observed in research subjects in the cited studies — think of Dexter, our stand-in research subject. These are findings from the literature, not results you should expect, and not medical advice.
Community-reportedUsers have reported doses of 0.6–3.0 mg daily (subcutaneous injection). This is not a recommendation.
Community reports are anecdotal, vary widely in product quality and purity, and are not medical advice. Talk to a licensed provider.
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.
His-Ala-Glu-Gly-Thr-Phe-Thr-Ser-Asp-Val-Ser-Ser-Tyr-Leu-Glu-Gly-Gln-Ala-Ala-Lys(γ-Glu-palmitoyl)-Glu-Phe-Ile-Ala-Trp-Leu-Val-Arg-Gly-Arg-Gly (31 amino acids + acyl chain)
Molecular Weight: 3,751.2 Da
Molecular Formula: C172H265N43O51
Structure Details: Modified GLP-1(7-37) analog with Arg34Lys substitution and C-16 fatty acid (palmitic acid) attached to Lys26 via γ-glutamic acid spacer. The acylation enables non-covalent albumin binding for extended half-life.
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| Peptide | Half-Life | Route | Research Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liraglutide | 13 hours | Subcutaneous injection | FDA-approved |
| 5-Amino-1MQ | Unknown | Oral | Preclinical (animal) |
| AOD-9604 | No published PK data found | Subcutaneous injection | Discontinued |
| Adipotide (FTPP) | No published PK data found | Subcutaneous injection | Preclinical (animal) |
| Dulaglutide | ~5 days | Subcutaneous injection | FDA-approved |
Values reflect figures reported in published research. Compare any peptides side-by-side →
This peptide belongs to the Metabolic category. View All Metabolic Peptides
Research
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Dosing, half-life figures, and mechanism descriptions on this page are compiled from peer-reviewed published research, with the species and study type stated where reported. Figures labeled “Dosing used in published research” describe what was given in those studies and do not constitute dosing recommendations for any human use. Each cited paper is listed with DOI and PubMed links in the References section above. Found an error? Contact us.