Description
Chemical Identity
Liraglutide is a synthetic GLP-1 receptor agonist with the molecular formula C172H265N43O51 and a molecular weight of approximately 3,751.2 Da. Developed by Novo Nordisk, Liraglutide is a 31-amino acid peptide based on the human GLP-1(7-37) sequence with two key modifications: an Arg34 amino acid substitution and attachment of a C16 fatty acid (palmitic acid) via a glutamic acid spacer at Lys26. The palmitic acid moiety enables reversible albumin binding, extending the half-life to approximately 13 hours and supporting once-daily dosing.
Liraglutide is also known by the following designations: Victoza, Saxenda, and NN2211.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C172H265N43O51 |
| Molecular Weight | 3,751.2 Da |
| CAS Number | 204656-20-2 |
| Sequence | GLP-1(7-37) analog with Arg34 + C16 fatty acid at Lys26 |
| Research Status | Approved |
Research Overview
Liraglutide has been investigated in one of the most comprehensive clinical trial programs of any peptide therapeutic, spanning type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular outcomes, and adolescent weight management. The mechanism of action involves selective GLP-1 receptor activation, enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells, suppressing inappropriate glucagon release, slowing gastric emptying to promote satiety, and reducing appetite through hypothalamic and brainstem signaling.
Key areas of published research include:
- SCALE Obesity Trials: The SCALE (Satiety and Clinical Adiposity — Liraglutide Evidence) clinical program evaluated Liraglutide 3.0 mg daily in adults with obesity or overweight with comorbidities. Participants achieved a mean body weight reduction of 8.0%, with 63.2% achieving at least 5% weight loss and 33.1% achieving at least 10% weight loss over 56 weeks. Improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors including blood pressure, lipids, and glycemic parameters were also demonstrated.
- LEADER Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial: The landmark LEADER trial enrolled 9,340 patients with type 2 diabetes and high cardiovascular risk, demonstrating a 13% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) with Liraglutide 1.8 mg versus placebo over a median 3.8-year follow-up. This result established Liraglutide as one of the first GLP-1 receptor agonists with demonstrated cardiovascular benefit.
- Generic Approval and Access: In 2025, generic liraglutide became the first generic GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for weight loss, representing a significant milestone in expanding access to this class of metabolic research compounds.
Liraglutide is FDA-approved as Victoza (2010) for type 2 diabetes and Saxenda (2014) for chronic weight management in adults and adolescents aged 12 and older.
Specifications
All Liraglutide supplied by Prescott Bio Canada is manufactured to research-grade standards.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Purity | >98% (HPLC) |
| Form | Lyophilized powder |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
| Storage (lyophilized) | -20°C, protected from light |
| Storage (reconstituted) | 2-8°C, use within 30 days |
| Solubility | Soluble in bacteriostatic water, sterile water, or normal saline |
Each vial is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA) documenting purity, identity, and endotoxin testing.
Research Applications
Liraglutide is supplied exclusively for in vitro and in vivo laboratory research. Published experimental applications include:
- Investigation of GLP-1 receptor signaling, beta-cell function, and glucose-dependent insulin secretion
- Study of C16 fatty acid conjugation pharmacokinetics and albumin binding dynamics
- Examination of incretin-mediated appetite regulation and hypothalamic satiety signaling
- Research into cardiovascular protection mechanisms and endothelial function in metabolic disease models
Researchers should consult the primary literature and institutional review protocols before designing experiments with Liraglutide.
Storage and Handling
Lyophilized powder: Store at -20°C in the original sealed vial, protected from light and moisture. Under these conditions, Liraglutide maintains stability for up to 24 months.
Reconstituted solution: Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water or sterile water to the desired concentration. Store reconstituted Liraglutide at 2-8°C and use within 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Handling precautions: This product is intended for research use only (RUO). Not for human or veterinary diagnostic or therapeutic use. Handle using standard laboratory safety practices including appropriate PPE.