Ask VialBase
weight · loss

Liraglutide

Also known as: Victoza, Saxenda, NN2211
FDA: FDA-approved: Victoza (2010, T2DM 1 WADA: Not prohibited

Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist with 97% amino acid sequence homology to endogenous human GLP-1(7-37). A C16 palmitoyl fatty acid chain attached via a glutamic acid spacer at Lys26 enables non-covalent albumin binding, extending its half-life from ~2 minutes (native GLP-1) to ~13 hours, permitting once-daily dosing. It is one of the most extensively studied peptide drugs in history, with over 5,500 PubMed publications. FDA-approved as Victoza for type 2 diabetes (2010) and as Saxenda for chronic weight management (2014). Largely succeeded by longer-acting semaglutide and tirzepatide in market share, but remains widely prescribed and has the longest real-world

This content is for educational and research purposes only. VialBase does not provide medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before using any peptide.

Molecular weight 3,751.2 Da
Half-life 13 hours
CAS number —
Route Subcutaneous
02

Mechanism

GLP-1 receptor agonist with 97% homology to native GLP-1; C16 palmitoyl fatty acid side chain enables albumin binding, extending half-life. Activates GLP-1R in pancreas (insulin secretion), brain (appetite suppression), and GI tract (gastric emptying delay).

03

Dosing

DOSE RANGE 600–3000 mcg
FREQUENCY 1x daily
CYCLE LENGTH Ongoing (chronic therapy)

Victoza: titrate 0.6 mg x1 week -> 1.2 mg -> 1.8 mg. Saxenda: titrate 0.6 mg weekly increments to 3.0 mg. Inject any time of day, with or without food.

04

Research summary

Study Type Year Key Finding
Real-World Effectiveness and Safety of Tirzepatide, Semaglutide, and Liraglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity without Diabetes: A Comparative Study Retrospective observational study 2026 All three GLP-1 RAs produced significant weight loss and waist circumference reduction at 36 weeks
Impact of GLP-1RA Use on Perioperative Clinical Outcomes of Posterior Cervical Spinal Fusion Retrospective cohort (TriNetX database) 2026 737 GLP-1RA patients vs 18,882 controls undergoing posterior cervical fusion
Incretin Therapies in Binge Eating Disorder: A Systematic Review Systematic review 2026 12 studies met inclusion criteria evaluating GLP-1 RAs in BED
05

Stacking & interactions

Preserve lean mass during GLP-1-induced weight loss

GI protective effects during GLP-1 therapy

Metabolic and mitochondrial optimization

What bloodwork do I need?

Reference ranges are general guidelines. Consult your physician for interpretation.

PRE-CYCLE
  • CMP
  • CBC
  • Lipid Panel
  • Fasting Glucose
  • HbA1c
  • Fasting Insulin
  • Amylase
  • Lipase
DURING CYCLE
  • Fasting Glucose
  • HbA1c
  • Amylase
  • Lipase
POST-CYCLE
  • CMP
  • Lipid Panel
  • Fasting Glucose
  • HbA1c
Safety & Regulatory Status
FDA STATUS FDA-approved: Victoza (2010, T2DM 1.2-1.8 mg/day), Saxenda (2014, obesity 3.0 mg/day)
WADA STATUS Not prohibited

Regulatory status for Liraglutide may change. Verify current status with your jurisdiction before use. This is not legal or medical advice.

References

  1. Cetiner S. Real-World Effectiveness and Safety of Tirzepatide, Semaglutide, and Liraglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity without Diabetes: A Comparative Study. Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity (2026). PMID: 41938643
  2. Multiple authors. Impact of GLP-1RA Use on Perioperative Clinical Outcomes of Posterior Cervical Spinal Fusion. North American Spine Society Journal (2026). PMID: 41938705
  3. Multiple authors. Incretin Therapies in Binge Eating Disorder: A Systematic Review. Various (systematic review) (2026). PMID: 41947645