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Semaglutide vs Liraglutide
Side-by-side comparison of evidence, mechanisms, dosing, safety, and regulatory status.
Semaglutide: ALiraglutide: A
| Attribute | Semaglutide | Liraglutide |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Metabolic / GLP-1 Agonist | Metabolic / GLP-1 Agonist |
| Evidence Rating | A — FDA Approved | A — FDA Approved |
| Clinical Status | FDA-approved (Ozempic for T2D, Wegovy for obesity) | FDA-approved (Victoza for T2D, Saxenda for obesity) |
| Mechanism | Semaglutide mimics the GLP-1 hormone by binding to GLP-1 receptors on pancreatic beta cells (glucose-dependent), brain (hypothalamus appetite centers), stomach, and intestines. It stimulates insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon release, slows gastric emptying promoting prolonged fullness, and redu... | Liraglutide binds to GLP-1 receptors on pancreatic β-cells, increasing intracellular cAMP and triggering glucose-dependent insulin secretion. It suppresses glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, and acts on hypothalamic appetite centers to reduce food intake and increase satiety. A fatty acid (C1... |
| Half-Life | ~160–168 hours (~7 days) | ~13 hours |
| Bioavailability | ~89% SC; lower oral bioavailability (requires empty stomach) | ~55% SC |
| Molecular Weight | ~4113.6 g/mol | ~3,751 g/mol |
| WADA Status | Not Prohibited | Not Prohibited |
| Dosing | SC: 0.25–2.4 mg/week titrated over 16 weeks; Oral: 3–14 mg/day, Once weekly (SC); Once daily (oral) (Subcutaneous (weekly injection); Oral tablet available (Rybelsus)) | Saxenda: 0.6-3.0 mg/day; Victoza: 0.6-1.8 mg/day, Once daily (Subcutaneous) |
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| Regulatory (US) | FDA-approved (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus). Additional approvals: MASH with fibrosis (Aug 2025), oral 25 mg for weight management (late 2025). 135+ warning letters issued to GLP-1 compounders; proposed permanent ban on 503B GLP-1 compounding. | FDA-approved: Victoza (T2D, 2010), Saxenda (obesity, 2014). Prescription only. |
Research Disclaimer: This comparison is provided for educational purposes only. All products are sold exclusively for in vitro research use. The information presented is based on published preclinical and clinical research and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding peptide use.
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