Peptide library / Digestive & weight / Liraglutide
Liraglutide
A daily GLP-1 receptor agonist, the first of the class approved for chronic weight management.
Effects studied or claimed
What it is used or promoted for, and where each effect has actually been seen
- Lower blood sugar in type 2 diabetesFDA approved
- Weight loss in adults and adolescents with obesityFDA approved
- Fewer major heart events in type 2 diabetes with high cardiovascular riskLarge trials
How it is thought to work
Liraglutide is a long-acting GLP-1 analog that boosts glucose-dependent insulin release and reduces appetite.
What the evidence shows
The LEADER trial found fewer major cardiovascular events than placebo in adults with type 2 diabetes at high risk. Weight loss in the SCALE program was more modest than with newer weekly drugs, in the range of 5 to 8 percent.
Safety and unknowns
Nausea and other gastrointestinal effects are common. Pancreatitis and gallbladder events have been reported, and the label carries the class boxed warning on thyroid C-cell tumors.
Regulatory status
FDA-approved as Victoza (2010) for type 2 diabetes and Saxenda (2014) for weight management.
Regulatory status changes quickly. This entry was last reviewed on 27 October 2026. Confirm current status with the FDA before relying on it.
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General information, not medical advice. Do not buy or inject unregulated peptides.