Drug family · 2 brands
Liraglutide family — Saxenda, Victoza
GLP-1 receptor agonist (short half-life). FDA-approved since 2010. Trial weight loss range: ~8% across SCALE trial program.
Quick answer
liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist (short half-life). FDA-approved brand-name medications containing liraglutide: Saxenda, Victoza. Trial weight loss varies from ~8% across SCALE trial program. Each brand is FDA-approved for a specific indication; prescribers choose based on patient diagnosis and insurance coverage.
- Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk
- FDA indications: Weight management (Saxenda) + Type 2 diabetes + cardiovascular risk reduction (Victoza)
- Trial weight loss: ~8%
- Lower than newer semaglutide/tirzepatide; reflects earlier-generation profile
- Frequency: Daily subcutaneous injection
- Cardiovascular benefit: Demonstrated in LEADER trial (NEJM 2016) for Victoza
Mechanism of action
Liraglutide is a GLP-1 analog with 13-hour half-life, requiring daily subcutaneous dosing (vs weekly for semaglutide and tirzepatide). Modified GLP-1 structure resists DPP-4 degradation while maintaining receptor specificity. Established cardiovascular safety profile via LEADER trial (NEJM 2016). First GLP-1 agonist FDA-approved for chronic weight management (Saxenda, 2014).
FDA-approved brands containing liraglutide
All brands share active ingredient liraglutide but differ in indication, dosing, and formulation.
Alternatives outside the liraglutide family
If liraglutide options don't fit, these GLP-1 medications use a different active ingredient:
Common questions
Why is liraglutide daily when other GLP-1s are weekly?
Liraglutide has a 13-hour half-life, much shorter than semaglutide (~165 hours) or tirzepatide (~120 hours). The shorter half-life means daily dosing is required to maintain therapeutic plasma levels. Newer-generation GLP-1s (semaglutide, tirzepatide) were specifically engineered for extended half-life enabling weekly dosing.
Should I switch from Saxenda to Wegovy?
Wegovy produces approximately 2× the weight loss (15% vs 8%) with weekly rather than daily dosing. Many endocrinologists transition stable Saxenda patients to Wegovy, but the switch requires prescriber-supervised titration. Insurance coverage and personal tolerability often determine choice.
Is Victoza still available?
Yes, but supply is limited. Victoza is still sold in the US; the FDA drug shortage database lists it with limited availability because of shipping delays (August 2026), and generic liraglutide in the same doses is listed as available. Reports of a discontinuation refer to the UK. Saxenda, the weight-management liraglutide, is the one being discontinued in the US, in January 2027.
References
SUSTAIN-6 trial: Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes (Marso et al., NEJM)(2016)
SURPASS-2 trial: Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide in Type 2 Diabetes (Frias et al., NEJM)(2021)
LEADER trial: Liraglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in T2D (Marso et al., NEJM)(2016)
SELECT trial: Semaglutide for Cardiovascular Event Reduction in Obesity without Diabetes(2023)
REWIND trial: Dulaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes (Gerstein et al., Lancet)(2019)
AHA Scientific Statement on Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease(2021)
FLOW trial: Effects of Semaglutide on Kidney Outcomes in T2D and CKD (NEJM)(2024)
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists: Mechanisms and Clinical Use (Drucker, Cell Metabolism)(2018)
Tirzepatide GIP/GLP-1 Dual Agonism: Mechanism Review (Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology)(2021)
GLP-1 Effects on Gastric Emptying: Pharmacology Review (American J Physiology)(2020)