Liraglutide

Liraglutide

Liraglutide is a synthetic acylated analogue of human glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), developed by Novo Nordisk. It shares 97% sequence homology with endogenous GLP-1(7-37) and incorporates a C16 fatty acid chain attached via a glutamic acid linker to Lys26, enabling reversible albumin binding that extends its plasma half-life to approximately 13 hours — significantly longer than native GLP-1 (1–2 minutes). Liraglutide is one of the most extensively studied GLP-1 receptor agonists in metabolic research, with a well-characterised pharmacological profile across glycaemic regulation, body weight, cardiovascular function, and neuroprotection.

Mechanism of Action

Liraglutide acts as a potent, selective agonist of the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R), a class B G-protein-coupled receptor (Gs) expressed in pancreatic β-cells, hypothalamus, brainstem, heart, kidney, and peripheral tissues. GLP-1R activation stimulates glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite via central POMC/CART neuron activation and vagal afferent signalling. Liraglutide also activates GLP-1R in the cardiovascular system, promoting cardioprotective effects via cAMP-mediated signalling in cardiomyocytes, and in the brain, where it modulates dopaminergic and inflammatory pathways of research interest in neurodegeneration.

Research Applications

• GLP-1 receptor pharmacology and class B GPCR signalling studies
• Glucose-dependent insulin secretion and pancreatic β-cell function research
• Appetite regulation, hypothalamic energy homeostasis, and obesity investigation
• Cardiovascular protection and cardiomyocyte GLP-1R signalling research
• Neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation, and GLP-1R neuroprotection models

Specifications

• Molecular Formula: C₁₇₂H₂₆₅N₄₃O₅₁
• Molecular Weight: 3751.2 g/mol
• CAS Number: 204656-20-2
• Purity: ≥98%
• Form: Lyophilised powder
• Storage: -20°C
• Shelf Life: 24 months

This product is intended for legitimate laboratory and analytical research use only. Not for diagnostic, therapeutic, or consumer use.