Liraglutide
Liraglutide is an approved GLP-1 therapy used for type 2 diabetes (Victoza) and, at a higher dose, for chronic weight management (Saxenda). Randomized trials show meaningful reductions in HbA1c and body weight, and the LEADER cardiovascular outcomes trial demonstrated a reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events in people with type 2 diabetes at high cardiovascular risk. It is a prescription medicine used under medical supervision.
Mechanism
In plain terms, liraglutide copies a natural gut hormone that signals fullness and helps control blood sugar. Technically, it is an acylated GLP-1 analogue with high homology to human GLP-1 that agonizes the GLP-1 receptor, stimulating glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon release, slowing gastric emptying, and acting on appetite-regulating centres to reduce energy intake. A fatty-acid side chain promotes albumin binding that extends its half-life to allow once-daily dosing.
Regulatory Status by Region
- United States (FDA)Approved. Victoza for type 2 diabetes (2010), with a cardiovascular risk reduction indication added in 2017; Saxenda (liraglutide 3.0 mg) for chronic weight management (2014), later extended to adolescents aged 12 to 17 with obesity (2020).
- Australia (TGA)Registered on the ARTG: Victoza for type 2 diabetes and Saxenda for weight management, available on prescription.
- European Union (EMA)Authorized: Victoza (2009) for type 2 diabetes and Saxenda (2015) for weight management.
- WADANot prohibited. GLP-1 receptor agonists are not on the WADA Prohibited List and are not banned substances; the class is tracked under WADA's monitoring program rather than prohibited.
Key Studies
- Liraglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes (LEADER; Marso et al.) (N Engl J Med 2016;375:311-322; DOI 10.1056/NEJMoa1603827; PMID 27295427)
- A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management (SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes; Pi-Sunyer et al.) (N Engl J Med 2015;373:11-22; DOI 10.1056/NEJMoa1411892; PMID 26132939)
- Liraglutide once a day versus exenatide twice a day for type 2 diabetes (LEAD-6; Buse et al.) (Lancet 2009;374:39-47)
Related Clinical Trials
- TP04HN106 in the Treatment of Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral SclerosisPhase 1/Phase 2 · Recruiting
- RWS of of Liraglutide Alone and in Combination With Orlistat for Weight Loss in Overweight/Obese Patients.Phase 4 · Not Yet Recruiting
- The Effect of Glycemic Control and of GLP-1 Receptor Agonism on Islet GLP-1 in People With Type 1 and Type 2 DiabetesPhase 2 · Recruiting
- A Trial to Investigate the Safety and Efficacy of Intra-articular 4P004 Injection in Subjects With Knee Synovitis and OsteoarthritisPhase 2 · Recruiting
- Liraglutide Treatment in Obese Infertile PCOS WomenPhase 4 · Recruiting
- Liraglutide Treatment in Patients With Maturity-onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY)Phase 2 · Recruiting
- Preoperative Use of Liraglutide Additionally to Common Dietological Measures as Opposed to Dietological Measures AlonePhase 4 · Not Yet Recruiting
- Efficacy and Safety of the Met+SGLT-2i+GLP-1RA in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes With Poor Glycemic ControlPhase 4 · Recruiting