Liraglutide
Aliases: Victoza · Saxenda
Last verified: 2026-09-23
The short version
A short-acting (daily) GLP-1 agonist — approved for diabetes (Victoza), obesity (Saxenda 3.0 mg) and CV risk (LEADER trial). Generically available since 2024.
Identity & type
- Molecular type
- analog
- Origin
- A short-acting (daily) GLP-1 agonist — approved for diabetes (Victoza), obesity (Saxenda 3.0 mg) and CV risk (LEADER trial).
Mechanism of action
GLP-1R agonist with an albumin-binding C16 chain (13 h half-life).
Dosing & routes
Official / clinical context
Approved drug — indications, dosing and warnings are defined by the official label. Victoza 1.2–1.8 mg/day; Saxenda titrated to 3.0 mg/day SC.
Regulator-approved labeling and published study designs — never a recommendation.
Community-reported practice
Victoza 1.2–1.8 mg/day; Saxenda titrated to 3.0 mg/day SC. Victoza/Saxenda: moderate weight loss (5–8%), good glycemic control; daily injection — the community has largely moved to weekly analogues.
Unverified self-reports. Not medical advice. Not endorsement.
Expected effects (community)
Victoza/Saxenda: moderate weight loss (5–8%), good glycemic control; daily injection — the community has largely moved to weekly analogues.
Protocol — official vs community
Official / label
Saxenda (obesity): 3 mg SC daily. Victoza (T2D): 0.6–1.8 mg daily.
- 01Week 1: 0.6 mg daily
- 02Weekly +0.6 mg steps as tolerated
- 03Maintenance: 3 mg daily (Saxenda) or 1.2–1.8 mg (Victoza)
Duration: Chronic.
Daily injection; weight loss (~8% mean) is modest versus weekly incretins — largely superseded for obesity.
Community (anecdotal)
Same as label; sometimes reconstituted from research vials.
- Cycle:
- Continuous.
- Break:
- None.
Few reasons to choose it over weekly options except cost and availability.
Human evidence
LEADER: −13% MACE; SCALE: −8% weight vs −2.6% placebo.
Preclinical evidence
The preclinical phase was completed and submitted to regulators as part of registration; pharmacology and toxicology details are part of the official label.
Known risks
- GI side effects; MTC warning; rare pancreatitis.characterized
Teal: characterized in clinical/labeling contexts. Amber: theoretical or reported outside controlled settings.
Unknowns & evidence gaps
- Real-world data outside controlled trials