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Using GLP-1s

Liraglutide

A first-generation GLP-1 receptor agonist taken as a daily injection, sold as Victoza for type 2 diabetes and Saxenda for weight management, and now also as a US generic.

By the glp1.how editorial teamReviewed

Liraglutide is a first-generation GLP-1 receptor agonist made by Novo Nordisk. It is sold under two brand names: Victoza, approved for type 2 diabetes, and Saxenda, approved for chronic weight management. Both are given as a once-daily subcutaneous injection (Victoza (external link) and Saxenda (external link) prescribing information).

As of September 2026, generic liraglutide is also sold in the US for both uses. The first generic of Victoza was approved in December 2024 (Hikma (external link)), and the first generic of Saxenda in August 2025 (Teva (external link)).

Its main practical difference from newer options such as semaglutide and tirzepatide is dosing frequency: liraglutide has a shorter half-life (roughly 13 hours), so it is injected every day instead of once a week.

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Revision history

Updated 1 time since Jul 18, 2026 · show changes
  1. v2

    Summary rewritten; Body revised; Metadata updated

  2. v1

    Change tracking began

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Related terms

  • Receptor agonist · A drug that binds to and activates a specific receptor, mimicking the effect of the body's natural hormone.
  • GLP-1 · A gut hormone (glucagon-like peptide-1) that stimulates insulin release, slows digestion, and reduces appetite; the target of drugs like semaglutide and liraglutide.
  • Novo Nordisk · A Danish pharmaceutical company that makes semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda), among other medications.
  • Saxenda · A brand of liraglutide, a daily-injection GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for chronic weight management and made by Novo Nordisk.
  • Victoza · A brand of liraglutide, a daily-injection GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes and made by Novo Nordisk.
  • Tirzepatide · A once-weekly dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist made by Eli Lilly, marketed as Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes and Zepbound for weight management and obstructive sleep apnea.
  • Semaglutide · A GLP-1 receptor agonist medication made by Novo Nordisk, sold under the brand names Ozempic (type 2 diabetes) and Wegovy (weight management), each as an injection or a pill.
  • Half-life · The time it takes for half of a drug dose to be cleared from the body — determines how often a medication needs to be taken.

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