Liraglutide — EU research guide.
Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Novo Nordisk and approved as Victoza (diabetes) and Saxenda (obesity). As a research peptide it is studied for metabolic and neuroprotective mechanisms.
What is Liraglutide?
Liraglutide is a fatty-acid acylated GLP-1 analogue with a half-life of ~13 hours, allowing once-daily dosing in clinical use. It binds and activates the GLP-1 receptor, stimulating insulin secretion and suppressing glucagon in a glucose-dependent manner. As a research peptide it is used to study GLP-1 receptor pharmacology, beta-cell biology and neuroinflammation models.
What does the research show?
Clinical trials (SCALE, LEADER) established liraglutide efficacy for weight loss (~5–8% body weight) and cardiovascular risk reduction in type-2 diabetes. Preclinical research additionally suggests neuroprotective properties in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease models via GLP-1 receptor activation in the brain. Research-grade liraglutide is used to replicate and extend these mechanistic studies.
EU legal status
Liraglutide is an EMA-approved prescription medicine (Victoza, Saxenda). Research-grade liraglutide is sold by EU vendors for in-vitro and preclinical research only. Importation or use outside a licensed medical context carries regulatory risk in all EU member states.
Molecular information
Pharmacokinetics
Liraglutide across EU suppliers
COA-verified EU vendors · Updated monthly
Frequently asked questions
What is Liraglutide? ▾
Liraglutide is a fatty-acid acylated GLP-1 analog with a half-life of about 13 hours, allowing once-daily dosing. It activates the GLP-1 receptor, stimulating insulin secretion and suppressing glucagon in a glucose-dependent manner.
What does the research show? ▾
Clinical trials (SCALE, LEADER) established efficacy for weight loss of roughly 5 to 8% of body weight and cardiovascular risk reduction in type 2 diabetes, and preclinical research suggests neuroprotective properties in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's models.
How does liraglutide compare to semaglutide? ▾
Liraglutide is dosed once daily with roughly 5 to 8% weight loss, whereas newer analogs like semaglutide and tirzepatide are once-weekly with larger weight-loss effects.
Is liraglutide legal in the EU? ▾
The pharmaceutical form is prescription-only. Research-grade liraglutide is used to study GLP-1 receptor pharmacology in the laboratory.
Is liraglutide banned in sport? ▾
No. It is not prohibited by WADA.
Does liraglutide have brain effects? ▾
Preclinical research suggests neuroprotective properties in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's models via GLP-1 receptor activation in the brain, though this is not clinically established.