Liraglutide (liraglutide)
Liraglutide is a glp-1 receptor agonist (incretin mimetic); peptide antidiabetic / anti-obesity agent from Novo Nordisk, marketed originally as Victoza. This monograph covers approved indications, mechanism, dosing, side effects, the generic manufacturer landscape and verified list prices.
Overview
Liraglutide is a once-daily injectable medicine that copies a natural gut hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, or incretin mimetic, used mainly to improve blood sugar in type 2 diabetes and, at a higher 3 mg dose under the separate brand Saxenda, to treat obesity. The originator is Novo Nordisk, which sells the diabetes product as Victoza (诺和力) and the weight-management product as Saxenda.
Because liraglutide amplifies insulin release only when glucose is already high, it rarely causes hypoglycaemia on its own; the risk rises sharply when it is combined with insulin or a sulfonylurea. It also suppresses glucagon, slows gastric emptying and reduces appetite, which explains the nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea that are its most frequent side effects. Nausea was reported in 18% of patients at 1.2 mg and 20% at 1.8 mg, against 5% on placebo.
The US label carries a boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumours seen in rodents at clinically relevant exposures. Liraglutide is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. Acute pancreatitis, acute gallbladder disease, acute kidney injury from dehydration, severe gastrointestinal reactions and serious hypersensitivity are the main serious risks to watch for.
Liraglutide is a 31-amino-acid peptide biologic rather than a small molecule, so copies are regulated differently from ordinary generics. Biocon's product was approved as a generic in the UK in March 2024 and in the EU in December 2024; the FDA approved the first generic liraglutide injection in December 2024, while an authorised generic of Victoza reached the US market in June 2024. Devices, dose-escalation steps and excipients can differ between products, so a switch should be reviewed clinically rather than made at the counter.
Storage is a genuine cold chain requirement: before first use the pen must stay refrigerated at 2-8 degrees C and must never be frozen, and an in-use pen is discarded 30 days after it is started, even if medicine remains.
Liraglutide price list — Bangladesh
Every DGDA-registered brand of this molecule with its list unit price, including the originator for comparison. Bangladesh is the most transparent reference market for on-patent generics.
| Brand | Manufacturer | Strength | Unit price | ≈ USD | Pack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victoza Originator | Novo Nordisk Pharma (Pvt.) Ltd | 6 mg/ml Injection | — | — | — |
Source: MedEx Bangladesh drug registry (list prices of DGDA-registered brands). Unit prices move with pack size, pharmacy and exchange rate — reference only. Original registry page
How it works
Liraglutide copies a natural gut hormone called GLP-1. It tells the pancreas to release more insulin only when blood sugar is high, reduces the release of glucagon (a hormone that pushes blood sugar up), and slows emptying of the stomach. Together this lowers blood sugar and reduces appetite.
Acylated human GLP-1(7-37) analogue that binds and activates the GLP-1 receptor. Unlike native GLP-1(7-37), which has a half-life of 1.5-2 minutes because it is degraded by DPP-4 and neutral endopeptidases, liraglutide is stable against both peptidases and has a plasma half-life of about 13 hours after subcutaneous administration. Activation of the GLP-1 receptor increases intracellular cyclic AMP, leading to glucose-dependent insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells and a glucose-dependent reduction in glucagon secretion; the mechanism of blood glucose lowering also involves a delay in gastric emptying. Note: liraglutide is a peptide biologic, so in most markets it is regulated as a biologic or peptide drug rather than as an ordinary small-molecule generic.
Approved indications
- As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients aged 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus (Victoza, US label)
- To reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction or non-fatal stroke) in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease (Victoza, US label)
- Saxenda (liraglutide 3 mg) is a separate brand approved for chronic weight management; Victoza itself is not indicated for weight loss
Dosage & administration
Adults with type 2 diabetes: start 0.6 mg subcutaneously once daily for one week (this step is only to reduce gastrointestinal reactions and is not effective for glycemic control), then increase to 1.2 mg once daily; if more glycemic control is needed increase to the maximum of 1.8 mg once daily after at least one week at 1.2 mg. Pediatric patients aged 10 years and older: start 0.6 mg once daily and increase in 0.6 mg increments after at least one week on the current dose, maximum 1.8 mg once daily. Inject subcutaneously once daily at any time of day, independently of meals, in the abdomen, thigh or upper arm. When used with insulin, give as separate injections and never mix.
Dose adjustment
No dose adjustment of Victoza is recommended for patients with renal impairment; the product was evaluated in a 26-week study including patients with moderate renal impairment (eGFR 30 to 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) and in the LEADER trial including patients with severe renal impairment. If more than 3 days have elapsed since the last dose, re-initiate at 0.6 mg once daily to reduce gastrointestinal reactions, then titrate at the health care provider's discretion. The dose of a concomitant insulin secretagogue (e.g., sulfonylurea) or insulin may need to be reduced to lower hypoglycemia risk. A specific hepatic-impairment dose recommendation was not confirmed in the sources reviewed.
Side effects
Nausea (18% at 1.2 mg; 20% at 1.8 mg vs 5% placebo) · Diarrhea (10-12%) · Headache (10-11%) · Nasopharyngitis (9-10%) · Vomiting (6-9%) · Decreased appetite (9-10%) · Dyspepsia (4-7%) · Constipation (5%) · Hypoglycemia, increased risk when combined with insulin or an insulin secretagogue such as a sulfonylurea
- Serious reactions include acute pancreatitis, acute kidney injury due to volume depletion, severe gastrointestinal reactions, acute gallbladder disease, serious hypersensitivity (anaphylaxis, angioedema) and pulmonary aspiration during general anesthesia or deep sedation
RISK OF THYROID C-CELL TUMORS: liraglutide causes dose-dependent and treatment-duration-dependent thyroid C-cell tumors at clinically relevant exposures in both sexes of rats and mice; it is unknown whether Victoza causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans, because the human relevance of the rodent findings has not been determined. Victoza is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Counsel patients about the potential risk of MTC and the symptoms of thyroid tumors. Routine monitoring of serum calcitonin or thyroid ultrasound is of uncertain value for early detection of MTC.
Monitoring
- Blood glucose self-monitoring and HbA1c
- Renal function in patients reporting adverse reactions that can lead to volume depletion (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), especially during dose initiation and escalation
- Signs and symptoms of pancreatitis (persistent severe abdominal pain, sometimes radiating to the back, with or without vomiting)
- Symptoms of thyroid tumors (neck mass, dysphagia, dyspnea, persistent hoarseness); serum calcitonin and thyroid ultrasound monitoring are of uncertain value
- Hypoglycemia when used with insulin or an insulin secretagogue; consider reducing those doses
- Heart rate - mean increases of 2 to 3 beats per minute versus placebo have been observed in adults
- Signs of gallbladder disease (cholelithiasis or cholecystitis)
Generic and biosimilar landscape
Liraglutide is a 31-amino-acid peptide biologic and is not interchangeable with Victoza the way smaller molecules are: copies must be shown to be the same peptide with comparable quality, and different markets regulate them differently. In the United States the FDA approved the first generic of a once-daily GLP-1 injection (liraglutide) in December 2024 through the generic (ANDA) route rather than the biosimilar 351(k) route, and an authorized generic of Victoza (same product, no brand name) launched in June 2024. In the UK and EU, Biocon's product is described as a 'generic' of Victoza/Saxenda (UK approval March 2024; EU approval December 2024), and Biocon describes its liraglutide as synthetic. Practical implication for patients: a substituted liraglutide pen is expected to deliver the same active peptide, but pen devices, dosing steps and excipients can differ, and only products formally designated 'interchangeable' may be substituted at the pharmacy without the prescriber.
Who makes it
| Manufacturer | Country | Brand | Strength | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biocon | India | Generic liraglutide (pre-filled pen and cartridge) | 6 mg/mL, 3 mL | First generic of Victoza approved in the UK (March 2024, launched February 2025) and approved in the EU together with Zentiva (December 2024); approved by CDSCO in India in June 20 |
| Teva Pharmaceuticals | Israel / United States | Liraglutide injection (authorized generic of Victoza) | 18 mg/3 mL (6 mg/mL), 1.8 mg dose | Launched in the United States on 24 June 2024 as the first authorized generic GLP-1 product in the US - same product as Victoza without the brand name on the label, marketed by Tev |
| Hikma Pharmaceuticals | Jordan / United States | Liraglutide injection | 18 mg/3 mL (6 mg/mL) | Listed with a US FDA approval date of 23 December 2024; Hikma stated it received FDA approval and launched the generic version of Victoza in the US. |
| Lupin | India | Liraglutide injection | 6 mg/mL | Listed in the drugs.com generic Victoza availability table with a US FDA approval date of 22 July 2025. |
| Adalvo | Malta | Liraglutide pre-filled pen | Reported as the first EU-approved generic liraglutide (June 2024), ahead of the Biocon/Zentiva approval in December 2024. |
Availability in Southeast Asia
| Country | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Asia (regional) | not verified | No country-level registration or launch record for liraglutide/Victoza in Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand or Vietnam was confirmed in the sources reviewed. Novo Nordisk has stated Victoza is commercially available in more than 95-100 countries, so presence in major Southeast Asian markets is likely but unverified here. Biocon licensed its generic liraglutide to Handok Inc for South Korea, the nearest confirmed Asian market entry. |
| Bangladesh (South Asia benchmark) | available | Victoza listed on MedEx at BDT 4,960 per 3 mL pre-filled pen. Not a Southeast Asian market; included as a regional price benchmark for a knowledge site. |
Price by country
Reference prices by market
| Market | Product | Listed price | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | Victoza 6 mg/mL, 3 mL pre-filled pen (Novo Nordisk Pharma (Pvt.) Ltd) | BDT 4,960.00 per pen | medex.com.bd |
| United States | Victoza 18 mg/3 mL subcutaneous solution, 6 mL supply | about USD 539 depending on the pharmacy (quoted list price) | drugs.com |
Frequently asked questions
What is liraglutide used for in type 2 diabetes?
Liraglutide is approved for: As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients aged 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus (Victoza, US label); To reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction or non-fatal stroke) in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease (Victoza, US label); Saxenda (liraglutide 3 mg) is a separate brand approved for chronic weight management; Victoza itself is not indicated for weight loss. It is a liraglutide (GLP-1 receptor agonist), originally marketed as Victoza (诺和力); Saxenda (higher-dose brand for chronic weight management) by Novo Nordisk.
Is liraglutide the same as Victoza?
Liraglutide is a 31-amino-acid peptide biologic and is not interchangeable with Victoza the way smaller molecules are: copies must be shown to be the same peptide with comparable quality, and different markets regulate them differently. In the United States the FDA approved the first generic of a once-daily GLP-1 injection (liraglutide) in December 2024 through the generic (ANDA) route rather than the biosimilar 351(k) route, and an authorized generic of Victoza (same product, no brand name) launched in June 2024. In the UK and EU, Biocon's product is described as a 'generic' of Victoza/Saxenda (UK approval March 2024; EU approval December 2024), and Biocon describes its liraglutide as synthetic. Practical implication for patients: a substituted liraglutide pen is expected to deliver the same active peptide, but pen devices, dosing steps and excipients can differ, and only products formally designated 'interchangeable' may be substituted at the pharmacy without the prescriber. Manufacturers supplying liraglutide generic versions include Adalvo, Biocon, Hikma Pharmaceuticals, Lupin, Teva Pharmaceuticals. Brands registered in Bangladesh include Victoza.
Is there a generic version of Victoza available now?
Liraglutide is a 31-amino-acid peptide biologic and is not interchangeable with Victoza the way smaller molecules are: copies must be shown to be the same peptide with comparable quality, and different markets regulate them differently. In the United States the FDA approved the first generic of a once-daily GLP-1 injection (liraglutide) in December 2024 through the generic (ANDA) route rather than the biosimilar 351(k) route, and an authorized generic of Victoza (same product, no brand name) launched in June 2024. In the UK and EU, Biocon's product is described as a 'generic' of Victoza/Saxenda (UK approval March 2024; EU approval December 2024), and Biocon describes its liraglutide as synthetic. Practical implication for patients: a substituted liraglutide pen is expected to deliver the same active peptide, but pen devices, dosing steps and excipients can differ, and only products formally designated 'interchangeable' may be substituted at the pharmacy without the prescriber. Manufacturers supplying liraglutide generic versions include Adalvo, Biocon, Hikma Pharmaceuticals, Lupin, Teva Pharmaceuticals. Brands registered in Bangladesh include Victoza.
Is liraglutide a biosimilar or a generic?
Liraglutide is a 31-amino-acid peptide biologic and is not interchangeable with Victoza the way smaller molecules are: copies must be shown to be the same peptide with comparable quality, and different markets regulate them differently. In the United States the FDA approved the first generic of a once-daily GLP-1 injection (liraglutide) in December 2024 through the generic (ANDA) route rather than the biosimilar 351(k) route, and an authorized generic of Victoza (same product, no brand name) launched in June 2024. In the UK and EU, Biocon's product is described as a 'generic' of Victoza/Saxenda (UK approval March 2024; EU approval December 2024), and Biocon describes its liraglutide as synthetic. Practical implication for patients: a substituted liraglutide pen is expected to deliver the same active peptide, but pen devices, dosing steps and excipients can differ, and only products formally designated 'interchangeable' may be substituted at the pharmacy without the prescriber. Manufacturers supplying liraglutide generic versions include Adalvo, Biocon, Hikma Pharmaceuticals, Lupin, Teva Pharmaceuticals. Brands registered in Bangladesh include Victoza.
How long does liraglutide last in the body?
Liraglutide (GLP-1 receptor agonist (incretin mimetic); peptide antidiabetic / anti-obesity agent, originally Victoza (诺和力); Saxenda (higher-dose brand for chronic weight management) by Novo Nordisk) Liraglutide copies a natural gut hormone called GLP-1. It tells the pancreas to release more insulin only when blood sugar is high, reduces the release of glucagon (a hormone that pushes blood sugar up), and slows emptying of the stomach. Together this lowers blood sugar and reduces appetite. Adults with type 2 diabetes: start 0.6 mg subcutaneously once daily for one week (this step is only to reduce gastrointestinal reactions and is not effective for glycemic control), then increase to 1.2 mg once daily; if more glycemic control is needed increase to the maximum of 1.8 mg once daily after at least one week at 1.2 mg. Pediatric patients aged 10 years and older: start 0.6 mg once daily
Does liraglutide need to be kept in the fridge?
Liraglutide (GLP-1 receptor agonist (incretin mimetic); peptide antidiabetic / anti-obesity agent, originally Victoza (诺和力); Saxenda (higher-dose brand for chronic weight management) by Novo Nordisk) Liraglutide copies a natural gut hormone called GLP-1. It tells the pancreas to release more insulin only when blood sugar is high, reduces the release of glucagon (a hormone that pushes blood sugar up), and slows emptying of the stomach. Together this lowers blood sugar and reduces appetite. Adults with type 2 diabetes: start 0.6 mg subcutaneously once daily for one week (this step is only to reduce gastrointestinal reactions and is not effective for glycemic control), then increase to 1.2 mg once daily; if more glycemic control is needed increase to the maximum of 1.8 mg once daily after at least one week at 1.2 mg. Pediatric patients aged 10 years and older: start 0.6 mg once daily
What are the most common side effects of liraglutide?
The most frequently reported side effects of liraglutide are nausea (18% at 1.2 mg; 20% at 1.8 mg vs 5% placebo), diarrhea (10-12%), headache (10-11%), nasopharyngitis (9-10%), vomiting (6-9%), decreased appetite (9-10%), dyspepsia (4-7%). Routine monitoring: Blood glucose self-monitoring and HbA1c; Renal function in patients reporting adverse reactions that can lead to volume depletion (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), especially during dose initiation and escalation; Signs and symptoms of pancreatitis (persistent severe abdominal pain, sometimes radiating to the back, with or without vomiting). Report any new or worsening symptom to your treating physician — most adverse effects are managed by dose reduction rather than stopping treatment.
Why does liraglutide have a boxed warning about thyroid cancer?
Liraglutide (GLP-1 receptor agonist (incretin mimetic); peptide antidiabetic / anti-obesity agent, originally Victoza (诺和力); Saxenda (higher-dose brand for chronic weight management) by Novo Nordisk) Liraglutide copies a natural gut hormone called GLP-1. It tells the pancreas to release more insulin only when blood sugar is high, reduces the release of glucagon (a hormone that pushes blood sugar up), and slows emptying of the stomach. Together this lowers blood sugar and reduces appetite. Adults with type 2 diabetes: start 0.6 mg subcutaneously once daily for one week (this step is only to reduce gastrointestinal reactions and is not effective for glycemic control), then increase to 1.2 mg once daily; if more glycemic control is needed increase to the maximum of 1.8 mg once daily after at least one week at 1.2 mg. Pediatric patients aged 10 years and older: start 0.6 mg once daily
Can liraglutide be used for weight loss?
Liraglutide is approved for: As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients aged 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus (Victoza, US label); To reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction or non-fatal stroke) in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease (Victoza, US label); Saxenda (liraglutide 3 mg) is a separate brand approved for chronic weight management; Victoza itself is not indicated for weight loss. It is a liraglutide (GLP-1 receptor agonist), originally marketed as Victoza (诺和力); Saxenda (higher-dose brand for chronic weight management) by Novo Nordisk.
Can I switch from Victoza to a generic liraglutide pen safely?
Liraglutide is a 31-amino-acid peptide biologic and is not interchangeable with Victoza the way smaller molecules are: copies must be shown to be the same peptide with comparable quality, and different markets regulate them differently. In the United States the FDA approved the first generic of a once-daily GLP-1 injection (liraglutide) in December 2024 through the generic (ANDA) route rather than the biosimilar 351(k) route, and an authorized generic of Victoza (same product, no brand name) launched in June 2024. In the UK and EU, Biocon's product is described as a 'generic' of Victoza/Saxenda (UK approval March 2024; EU approval December 2024), and Biocon describes its liraglutide as synthetic. Practical implication for patients: a substituted liraglutide pen is expected to deliver the same active peptide, but pen devices, dosing steps and excipients can differ, and only products formally designated 'interchangeable' may be substituted at the pharmacy without the prescriber. Manufacturers supplying liraglutide generic versions include Adalvo, Biocon, Hikma Pharmaceuticals, Lupin, Teva Pharmaceuticals. Brands registered in Bangladesh include Victoza.
Sources
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2025/022341s044lbl.pdf
- https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=5a9ef4ea-c76a-4d34-a604-27c5b505f5a4
- https://www.drugs.com/availability/generic-victoza.html
- https://www.pearceip.law/2024/12/24/biocon-receives-eu-approval-for-generic-liraglutide
- https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=f0001ed7-d72a-422c-9238-1945c487c374
- https://www.goodrx.com/victoza/when-will-generic-victoza-be-available
- https://medex.com.bd/generics/690/liraglutide/brand-names
- https://www.drugs.com/price-guide/victoza
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