| Compound | Liraglutide |
|---|---|
| Category | GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Class | GLP-1 and Incretin Therapies |
| Evidence tier | Approved medicine |
| WADA status | Not individually listed; verify current status if subject to testing |
| Sold on this site | No — this is a reference database |
Overview
Liraglutide — a glp-1 receptor agonist — sits in the "Approved medicine" tier of this catalog. This compound exists as an approved medicine in at least one major jurisdiction. Approval applies to specific, labeled indications and to the regulated product — not to compounded or research-grade copies.
A once-daily GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes (Victoza) and, at a higher dose, for chronic weight management (Saxenda). It was the first GLP-1 agonist to secure a dedicated obesity indication.
Mechanism of Action
Liraglutide is a GLP-1 analog with a C16 palmitoyl side chain that enables albumin binding and extends its half-life to roughly 13 hours, permitting daily subcutaneous dosing. Its pharmacology follows the class: glucose-dependent insulin secretion, glucagon modulation, slowed gastric emptying, and appetite reduction.
Research and Evidence
The SCALE obesity trial (n=3,731) reported about 8% mean weight loss over 56 weeks with 3.0 mg daily versus 2.6% with placebo, and the LEADER cardiovascular outcomes trial in type 2 diabetes showed a reduction in major cardiovascular events.
Safety and Side Effects
Nausea and vomiting are the most common effects; labeled warnings include gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, and the class medullary thyroid carcinoma/MEN2 contraindication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the evidence tier of Liraglutide?
Liraglutide is graded "Approved medicine" on this site. This compound exists as an approved medicine in at least one major jurisdiction. Approval applies to specific, labeled indications and to the regulated product — not to compounded or research-grade copies.
Is Liraglutide an approved medicine?
Liraglutide exists as an approved medicine in at least one major jurisdiction — but approval covers the regulated product and its labeled indications only. Compounded or research-grade versions of the same molecule are not the approved product.
Where can I read the primary studies for Liraglutide?
The references section at the end of this entry links the key primary sources — regulator labels, trial registrations, and peer-reviewed papers. Our "How to Read a Peptide Study" guide explains how to evaluate them.
References
- Pi-Sunyer X, et al. A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management (SCALE). N Engl J Med 2015. [source]
- ClinicalTrials.gov — registered liraglutide studies. [source]
Evidence tier: Approved medicine · Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Sources cited below.