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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?
Novo Nordisk discontinued Victoza in April 2024 due to prioritization of newer semaglutide products. Existing patients have been transitioned to alternatives (typically Ozempic, Trulicity, or Mounjaro depending on indication and insurance). Saxenda remains available for weight management.
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)