Liraglutide
Liraglutide (Victoza / Saxenda)
The first GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for weight management, with the longest safety track record in its class.
Liraglutide is FDA-approved as Victoza (type 2 diabetes) and Saxenda (chronic weight management). This page discusses the compound in a research context. The approved forms are prescription-only and should be used under physician supervision. Research-grade liraglutide sold by compound vendors is not the same as the FDA-approved product and is not approved for human use in that form.
What it is
Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Novo Nordisk. It was the first GLP-1 agonist to receive FDA approval for chronic weight management (Saxenda, 3mg daily) after already being approved for type 2 diabetes (Victoza).
While it produces less weight loss on average than semaglutide or tirzepatide, it has the longest real-world safety track record in the GLP-1 class, with over a decade of post-market data.
What research shows
- ~5–8% average body weight reduction in SCALE trials at 3mg daily dose
- Significant HbA1c reduction in type 2 diabetes trials
- Cardiovascular benefit demonstrated in LEADER trial — reduced MACE in high-risk patients
- Improved blood pressure, lipids, and inflammatory markers
- Longest post-market safety data of any GLP-1 agonist
What remains unknown
- Weight regain trajectory after discontinuation mirrors other GLP-1 agents
- Whether cardiovascular benefits are class-wide or molecule-specific
- Optimal patient selection when more effective agents are available
Administration basics
Common use cases
Weight management, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular risk reduction.
Half-life
~13 hours (daily dosing required, unlike semaglutide's weekly schedule).
Administration
Subcutaneous injection once daily.
Research Protocols & Common Usage
Doses used in research
- Saxenda (weight loss) titrates from 0.6mg/day to 3.0mg/day over 5 weeks
- Victoza (diabetes) uses 1.2–1.8mg/day
Administration routes studied
Typical protocol duration
SCALE trials ran 56 weeks. Clinical use is long-term with ongoing monitoring.
Common stacking protocols
- Liraglutide is used standalone; should not be combined with other GLP-1 agonists
Contraindications & combinations to avoid
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
- MEN2 — contraindicated
- History of pancreatitis
- Should not be combined with semaglutide or tirzepatide
Dosing information reflects doses used in published research and commonly reported community protocols only. This is not a personal recommendation. These compounds are not FDA-approved for human use in the contexts described. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any protocol.
Considering stacking?
See the stacking guide for common combinations with Liraglutide and what to avoid.
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Reviews reflect individual user experiences with research compounds and are not medical advice. Results vary. These compounds are not FDA approved for human use. Peptelligent does not verify reported experiences.
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