Liraglutide

Victoza
Glycemic control in type 2 diabetes
Chronic weight management
Cardiovascular risk reduction
Potential neuroprotective effects

Liraglutide is a synthetic glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used for managing type 2 diabetes and chronic obesity. It mimics the action of the natural incretin hormone GLP-1, enhancing insulin secretion and promoting weight loss.

Mechanism of action

Liraglutide binds to GLP-1 receptors, stimulating insulin release and inhibiting glucagon secretion in a glucose-dependent manner. It slows gastric emptying and increases satiety, leading to reduced food intake. Its acylation allows for albumin binding, extending its half-life to approximately 13 hours.

Notable Studies

The LEADER trial demonstrated that Liraglutide reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetes patients.

The SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes trial showed significant weight loss in obese individuals treated with Liraglutide. 

 

Risk Associated

Gastrointestinal issues: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Risk of pancreatitis

Potential thyroid C-cell tumors (observed in rodents)

Hypoglycemia when combined with other antidiabetic agents

Dosage

For type 2 diabetes (Victoza): Start at 0.6 mg daily, increasing to 1.2 mg or 1.8 mg as needed.

For obesity (Saxenda): Start at 0.6 mg daily, increasing weekly by 0.6 mg to a maximum of 3.0 mg daily.

External link

Liraglutide

Victoza
Glycemic control in type 2 diabetes
Chronic weight management
Cardiovascular risk reduction
Potential neuroprotective effects

Mechanism of action

Liraglutide binds to GLP-1 receptors, stimulating insulin release and inhibiting glucagon secretion in a glucose-dependent manner. It slows gastric emptying and increases satiety, leading to reduced food intake. Its acylation allows for albumin binding, extending its half-life to approximately 13 hours.

Risk
Associated

Gastrointestinal issues: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Risk of pancreatitis

Potential thyroid C-cell tumors (observed in rodents)

Hypoglycemia when combined with other antidiabetic agents

Notable Studies

The LEADER trial demonstrated that Liraglutide reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetes patients.

The SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes trial showed significant weight loss in obese individuals treated with Liraglutide. 

 

Dosage

For type 2 diabetes (Victoza): Start at 0.6 mg daily, increasing to 1.2 mg or 1.8 mg as needed.

For obesity (Saxenda): Start at 0.6 mg daily, increasing weekly by 0.6 mg to a maximum of 3.0 mg daily.

External link

Liraglutide

Victoza
Glycemic control in type 2 diabetes
Chronic weight management
Cardiovascular risk reduction
Potential neuroprotective effects

Mechanism of action

Liraglutide binds to GLP-1 receptors, stimulating insulin release and inhibiting glucagon secretion in a glucose-dependent manner. It slows gastric emptying and increases satiety, leading to reduced food intake. Its acylation allows for albumin binding, extending its half-life to approximately 13 hours.

Risk
Associated

Gastrointestinal issues: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Risk of pancreatitis

Potential thyroid C-cell tumors (observed in rodents)

Hypoglycemia when combined with other antidiabetic agents

Notable Studies

The LEADER trial demonstrated that Liraglutide reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetes patients.

The SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes trial showed significant weight loss in obese individuals treated with Liraglutide. 

 

Dosage

For type 2 diabetes (Victoza): Start at 0.6 mg daily, increasing to 1.2 mg or 1.8 mg as needed.

For obesity (Saxenda): Start at 0.6 mg daily, increasing weekly by 0.6 mg to a maximum of 3.0 mg daily.

External link

  1. StatPearls – Liraglutide Overview

  2. DrugBank – Liraglutide Details

  3. Drugs.com – Liraglutide Information

  4. NCBI – Liraglutide for Weight Management

  5. Wikipedia – Liraglutide