Semaglutide vs Liraglutide
A factual side-by-side from public databases — chemical identity, literature volume, and attributed independent-test coverage. Not a recommendation; we don't rank one above the other.
Semaglutide is described in the provided sources as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, and as an once-weekly candidate developed by increasing albumin affinity to obtain prolonged exposure and action. The sources include clinical comparisons of semaglutide with tirzepatide (in type 2 diabetes and in obesity), with dulaglutide (SUSTAIN 7), and a review of semaglutide safety. The sources also describe semaglutide pharmacokinetics (half-life, exposure) and formulation context.
Liraglutide (GLP-1 receptor agonist; aliases include Saxenda and Victoza) has been studied for weight loss and for various metabolic-related conditions. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials in adults without diabetes reported weight-loss effects compared with placebo, with gastrointestinal adverse events being the predominant safety concern.
| Semaglutide | Liraglutide | |
|---|---|---|
| Family | GLP-1 & incretin agonists | GLP-1 & incretin agonists |
| Research goals | Metabolic & weight | Metabolic & weight |
| Amino acids | — | — |
| Molecular formula | C187H291N45O59 | C172H265N43O51 |
| Molecular weight | 4114 g/mol | 3751 g/mol |
| CAS number | 910463-68-2 | 204656-20-2 |
| Approx. half-life | — | — |
| Regulatory status | FDA-approved drug | FDA-approved drug |
| WADA status | — | — |
| Evidence maturity | — | — |
| Research references | 12 | 10 |
| Vendors independently tested | 20 | 0 |
| Best test score (Finnrick) | 84.0 |