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What Is Liraglutide?
Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Novo Nordisk. It's 97% homologous to native human GLP-1 with modifications that extend its half-life, allowing once-daily dosing. It was a predecessor to semaglutide and paved the way for modern incretin therapies.
Key Characteristics
- First in class: First once-daily GLP-1 agonist
- Dual approval: Diabetes and obesity
- CV benefit: LEADER trial showed cardiovascular protection
- Weight loss: ~5-8% in clinical trials
Mechanism of Action
Like all GLP-1 agonists, liraglutide works by:
- Enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion
- Suppressing glucagon secretion
- Slowing gastric emptying
- Reducing appetite via CNS effects
Clinical Trial Highlights
| Trial | Focus | Key Result |
|---|---|---|
| LEAD Program | Diabetes | HbA1c reduction 1.0-1.5% |
| LEADER | CV outcomes | 13% reduction in CV events |
| SCALE | Obesity | ~8% weight loss at 3.0mg |
Liraglutide vs Semaglutide
| Feature | Liraglutide | Semaglutide |
|---|---|---|
| Dosing | Once daily | Once weekly |
| Weight loss | ~5-8% | ~15-17% |
| HbA1c reduction | 1.0-1.5% | 1.5-2.0% |
| Half-life | 13 hours | 7 days |
Side Effects
- Nausea (most common, usually transient)
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Constipation
- Injection site reactions
- Pancreatitis (rare)
- Thyroid C-cell tumor warning (rodents)
Prescription Medication
Liraglutide is a prescription medication that should only be used under medical supervision for approved indications (type 2 diabetes, obesity). Consult healthcare professionals for medical decisions.
Summary
Liraglutide was a groundbreaking GLP-1 agonist that established the class's role in both diabetes and obesity treatment. While now somewhat overshadowed by once-weekly options like semaglutide, it remains an effective option and its LEADER trial established cardiovascular benefits for the GLP-1 class.