Incretin & metabolic research compounds
Liraglutide
Also known as Victoza · Saxenda
A once-daily GLP-1 receptor agonist — the first long-acting GLP-1 analogue developed by acylation, predecessor to semaglutide.
In 60 seconds
Approved for type 2 diabetes and (at a higher dose) weight management; trialled in adolescents and children. Gastrointestinal effects predominate; network meta-analyses compare its efficacy and safety with semaglutide and tirzepatide; weight regain after interruption is documented.
- Traces how acylation strategies extended GLP-1’s half-life, first in liraglutide and then semaglutide.
- The SCALE trial measured body-weight change with liraglutide 3.0 mg versus placebo in adults with obesity.
- Reviews randomised data on weight regain after stopping GLP-1 receptor agonists or tirzepatide.
Mechanism
Liraglutide carries a C16 fatty-acid side chain that allows albumin binding and self-association, extending its half-life to about 13 hours. It shares the GLP-1 mechanism: glucose-dependent insulin secretion, reduced glucagon, slower gastric emptying and central appetite effects.
Research status
Approved for type 2 diabetes and (at a higher dose) weight management; trialled in adolescents and children. Prescription-only in South Africa.
Key studies
Traces how acylation strategies extended GLP-1’s half-life, first in liraglutide and then semaglutide.
The Discovery and Development of Liraglutide and Semaglutide — Front Endocrinol (Lausanne), 2019 · PMID 31031702
The SCALE trial measured body-weight change with liraglutide 3.0 mg versus placebo in adults with obesity.
A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management — N Engl J Med, 2015 · PMID 26132939
Reviews randomised data on weight regain after stopping GLP-1 receptor agonists or tirzepatide.
Weight Regain After Liraglutide, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide Interruption: A Narrative Review of Randomized Studies — J Clin Med, 2025 · PMID 40507553
A network meta-analysis comparing the three agents across randomised trials in obesity without diabetes.
Comparison of Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Tirzepatide, Liraglutide and Semaglutide in Patients with Obesity and Without T2D: A Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials — Adv Ther, 2026 · PMID 41820778
Safety signals in the literature
Gastrointestinal effects predominate; network meta-analyses compare its efficacy and safety with semaglutide and tirzepatide; weight regain after interruption is documented.
Legal status (South Africa)
Approved incretin medicines are prescription-only (scheduled) in South Africa and available only through a prescriber; research-grade material is not a medicine and is not for human use.
Related compounds we stock
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Comparisons
Questions
What is Liraglutide?
A once-daily GLP-1 receptor agonist — the first long-acting GLP-1 analogue developed by acylation, predecessor to semaglutide. Liraglutide carries a C16 fatty-acid side chain that allows albumin binding and self-association, extending its half-life to about 13 hours. It shares the GLP-1 mechanism: glucose-dependent insulin secretion, reduced glucagon, slower gastric emptying and central appetite effects.
What is the research status of Liraglutide?
Approved for type 2 diabetes and (at a higher dose) weight management; trialled in adolescents and children. Prescription-only in South Africa.
What safety signals are reported for Liraglutide?
Gastrointestinal effects predominate; network meta-analyses compare its efficacy and safety with semaglutide and tirzepatide; weight regain after interruption is documented.
Does Living Water Labs stock Liraglutide?
Not at present. Liraglutide is profiled here for reference, with citations to the published literature. You can ask to be notified if we add it. Approved incretin medicines are prescription-only (scheduled) in South Africa and available only through a prescriber; research-grade material is not a medicine and is not for human use.
More in Incretin & metabolic
Research reference only. This page summarises published literature; it is not medical advice and contains no guidance on human use. Products supplied by Living Water Labs are for laboratory research only.
