Liraglutide
Also known as · Victoza · Saxenda
Overview
The first once-daily GLP-1 analogue approved for type 2 diabetes and, at higher dose, for weight management. Albumin binding via a fatty-acid chain extends its half-life to allow daily dosing.
Research profile · for clinicians
Based on research: extensively trialled in the LEAD, SCALE, and LEADER programmes. Studied for glycaemic control, appetite suppression, gastric emptying delay, and cardiovascular outcomes.
Mechanism of action
Agonism at the pancreatic GLP-1 receptor increases glucose-dependent insulin secretion and suppresses glucagon; central GLP-1 receptor activity in the hypothalamus reduces appetite and slows gastric emptying.
Research record
- [01]LEADER (NEJM, 2016): reduced major adverse cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetes.
- [02]SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes: ≈ 8% mean body-weight reduction at 56 weeks.
Selected references
Liraglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes
N. Engl. J. Med., 2016
A randomized, controlled trial of 3.0 mg of liraglutide in weight management
N. Engl. J. Med., 2015
Research deep dive
Every cited study, explained
Plain-language walkthroughs of each reference, with direct PubMed links and dosing-literature context.