Liraglutide was one of the first long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonists to achieve widespread clinical use, paving the way for the newer generation of incretin-based compounds. It remains an important reference compound in metabolic research with one of the largest safety databases in its class.
Research Applications
Key research and clinical areas:
- Glycemic control: LEAD trial program for type 2 diabetes
- Weight management: SCALE trial program at 3mg daily dose
- Cardiovascular: LEADER trial showing MACE reduction
- Pediatric: Approved for adolescent obesity (age 12+)
- NASH: Early research showing liver fat reduction
Dosage Information (Research Use)
Published clinical titration protocols:
- Starting dose: 0.6 mg once daily for 1 week
- Titration: Increase by 0.6 mg weekly to target dose
- Glycemic target: 1.2-1.8 mg daily
- Weight management target: 3.0 mg daily
- Administration: Once daily, subcutaneous, any time of day
Research compound. See published LEAD and SCALE trial protocols for methodology.
Reconstitution & Handling
Similar reconstitution to semaglutide. Dissolve slowly with BAC water, roll gently, protect from light.
Half-Life & Pharmacokinetics
Approximately 13 hours, supporting once-daily subcutaneous administration. Shorter than semaglutide (7 days), requiring daily rather than weekly dosing.
Reported Observations in Literature
Clinical data reports dose-dependent GI effects: nausea (most common, ~40% at 3mg), vomiting, diarrhea, constipation. Gradual titration reduces incidence. Similar class warnings as semaglutide regarding pancreatitis and thyroid C-cell observations in animal models.
Key Research References
- Marso SP, et al. “Liraglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes.” N Engl J Med. 2016 (LEADER)
- Pi-Sunyer X, et al. “A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management.” N Engl J Med. 2015 (SCALE)