Liraglutide is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist marketed as Victoza (type 2 diabetes) and Saxenda (chronic weight management). It is a once-daily injectable analog of human GLP-1 modified with a fatty-acid chain that extends its duration of action relative to native GLP-1.
Mechanism under study
Agonizes the GLP-1 receptor, enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon, slowing gastric emptying, and acting centrally to reduce appetite. A C16 palmitoyl chain drives reversible albumin binding, resisting DPP-4 degradation and prolonging half-life.
Research-reported dosing
As an approved drug, labeling describes subcutaneous titration - Victoza from 0.6 mg toward 1.2-1.8 mg daily; Saxenda titrated in weekly steps toward 3.0 mg daily. Delivered via prefilled multi-dose pens rather than reconstituted vials. FDA-approved (Victoza 2010; Saxenda 2014).
Commercial liraglutide is supplied ready-to-use as a prefilled pen (6 mg/mL solution) and is not reconstituted. For reference, if a lyophilized research vial were prepared: 5 mg + 2 mL bacteriostatic water = 2,500 mcg/mL (2.5 mg/mL); 1 unit is approximately 0.025 mg (25 mcg).
A 600 mcg dose ≈ 20 units (30 mcg per unit).
Open this mix in the calculator →Dosing figures describe how this compound appears in the research literature and research-community references. They are not a recommendation for human use.
Liraglutide FAQ
What is Liraglutide?
Liraglutide is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist marketed as Victoza (type 2 diabetes) and Saxenda (chronic weight management). It is a once-daily injectable analog of human GLP-1 modified with a fatty-acid chain that extends its duration of action relative to native GLP-1.
What is the half-life of Liraglutide?
Approximately 13 hours, supporting once-daily subcutaneous dosing.
What is the research-reported dosing for Liraglutide?
As an approved drug, labeling describes subcutaneous titration - Victoza from 0.6 mg toward 1.2-1.8 mg daily; Saxenda titrated in weekly steps toward 3.0 mg daily. Delivered via prefilled multi-dose pens rather than reconstituted vials. FDA-approved (Victoza 2010; Saxenda 2014).
How is Liraglutide reconstituted?
Commercial liraglutide is supplied ready-to-use as a prefilled pen (6 mg/mL solution) and is not reconstituted. For reference, if a lyophilized research vial were prepared: 5 mg + 2 mL bacteriostatic water = 2,500 mcg/mL (2.5 mg/mL); 1 unit is approximately 0.025 mg (25 mcg).
Is Liraglutide FDA-approved?
Liraglutide has an approved status in at least one context — see the overview above for the specific brand, region, and indication. Research-grade material sold separately is for laboratory use only.
References
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