Last Updated January 31, 2024

 January 31, 2024

Scientists who are curious about the research applications of liraglutide may be interested in…

How much does liraglutide cost?

While the peptide is already approved for type 2 diabetes and weight loss, studies into other potential benefits of liraglutide are ongoing.

There are several directions for further study into liraglutide that researchers can take, such as:

  • Weight loss in individuals not considered overweight or obese
  • Effects on insulin sensitivity and metabolism
  • Anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective potential

This comprehensive guide aims to provide researchers with valuable insight into the costs associated with liraglutide research.

Read on for an overview of liraglutide, information on estimated cost based on standard dosing, and details on where to buy research-grade liraglutide online at a fair price.

Buy Liraglutide from our top-rated vendor...

Disclaimer: Peptides.org contains information about products that are intended for laboratory and research use only, unless otherwise explicitly stated. This information, including any referenced scientific or clinical research, is made available for educational purposes only. Likewise, any published information relative to the dosing and administration of reference materials is made available strictly for reference and shall not be construed to encourage the self-administration or any human use of said reference materials. Peptides.org makes every effort to ensure that any information it shares complies with national and international standards for clinical trial information and is committed to the timely disclosure of the design and results of all interventional clinical studies for innovative treatments publicly available or that may be made available. However, research is not considered conclusive. Peptides.org makes no claims that any products referenced can cure, treat or prevent any conditions, including any conditions referenced on its website or in print materials.


What is Liraglutide?

Liraglutide is an analog of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is naturally produced in human intestinal L-cells. While it is synthetically modified for increased stability and half-life, liraglutide shares 97% homology with the GLP-1 hormone [1].

By activating the GLP-1 receptors, liraglutide is known to increase insulin synthesis, reduce glucagon production, slow postprandial gastric emptying, lower overall hunger, and increase feelings of fullness after a meal [2].

As a result, liraglutide is recognized as an effective tool for improving glycemic control in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients and for assisting weight loss in individuals with chronic weight management issues.

Specifically, liraglutide at up to 1.8/mg daily has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for therapy in T2D since 2010 under the brand name Victoza. In addition, liraglutide 3mg has been FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults since 2014 under the brand name Saxenda. Both Victoza and Saxenda are registered trademarks of the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk [3, 4].

Notably, liraglutide has also been approved for chronic weight management in adolescents aged 12-17, as well as for lowering cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in T2D [5, 6].

Liraglutide has also shown promise in other areas of research, and scientists are actively exploring its potential in conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), psoriasis, and even Alzheimer’s [7, 8, 9, 10].


How Much Does Liraglutide Cost


Liraglutide Benefits and Research Applications

The benefits of liraglutide for diabetes and chronic weight management are supported by extensive clinical data. Research into other applications is ongoing.

Read on for a summary of the key liraglutide benefits explored to date.

Liraglutide For T2D Management

A systematic review by Ostawal et al. (2016) summarized the available evidence on the clinical effectiveness of liraglutide for T2D. The authors found that liraglutide reduces glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) by 0.9%-2.2% within six months of treatment initiation. Further, liraglutide therapy was reported to be well-tolerated, with low risk of hypoglycemia [11].

In the review, the researchers also noted significant weight loss following treatment, ranging from nearly nine to 19 pounds, compared to baseline. Weight loss is an important goal in T2D, as loss of excess weight improves glycemic control [12].

The authors concluded that liraglutide therapy improves glycemic control and is associated with significant weight loss in T2D patients, which is consistent with the clinical trial data that led to the FDA approval of liraglutide for T2D [11].

Liraglutide For Cardiovascular Risk in T2D

Liraglutide has been approved by the FDA for lowering the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in T2D since 2017 [6]. A major study supporting this approval was the LEADER trial, which included over 9000 participants and had a median follow-up of 3.8 years [13].

Based on the LEADER trial data, 1.8mg/once-daily liraglutide can significantly reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, such as strokes and heart attacks. Specifically, the investigators noted a 40% lower risk of fatal myocardial infarction and a 36% lower risk of fatal stroke. MACE risk dropped by 13%, and the overall risk of death from any cause was 15% lower than baseline [14].

Liraglutide For Chronic Weight Management

Moon et al. (2021) conducted one of the largest meta-analyses on the appetite-suppressing and weight-loss effects of liraglutide. The researchers examined 31 randomized clinical trials involving 8060 participants.

Based on the review, once-daily liraglutide injections for at least four weeks in doses ranging from 1.8mg to 3mg significantly reduced body weight by about nine pounds, or 4.16% on average compared to baseline.

Additionally, liraglutide administration was associated with decreased body mass index (-1.55kg/m2), waist circumference (-3.11cm), blood pressure, glycated hemoglobin, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [15].


Liraglutide Side Effects

Liraglutide is generally well-tolerated according to trials examining the drug for T2D and chronic weight management. However, like any peptide medication, liraglutide comes with potential side effects.

The most common side effects reported with 3mg liraglutide are nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, headache, and increased mean resting heart rate. These tend to affect 10-40% of test subjects or patients [16, 17].

Less common side effects that occur in less than 10% of test subjects or patients include dyspepsia, abdominal pain, eructation, flatulence, dry mouth, elevated pancreatic enzymes, dizziness, hypotension, and injection site reactions such as pain, bleeding, redness, swelling, or itching.

It's important to note that rare but serious side effects have also been reported, including pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, cholestasis, and allergic reactions [18].

These can present with symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or neck, severe pain, vomiting, fever, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. If a test subject experiences any of these symptoms, discontinue liraglutide immediately and refer the subject to the relevant specialist.

Notably, animal research has suggested a potential increased risk of certain malignancies, such as thyroid, pancreatic, and breast cancer. Clinical studies are still investigating whether these effects may also occur in humans [19].


How Much Does Liraglutide Cost? | Comprehensive Breakdown

The total price of liraglutide will depend on where and how the peptide is manufactured, as well as the quantity needed for the research experiment.

We highly recommend sourcing liraglutide that is manufactured in the United States and which has undergone independent third-party laboratory testing.

Our top-rated vendor meets both criteria and stands among the most acclaimed vendors within the research community.

Core Peptides offers discounts on liraglutide when purchasing in bulk. When ordering nine or more vials of liraglutide, a researcher will find a price of $43.20 per vial.

Core Peptides also offers free U.S. shipping for orders above $200.


Liraglutide Cost Per Dose

When creating a liraglutide dosing protocol for research, the total dosage will dictate the total liraglutide cost. Therefore, any liraglutide dosage should be carefully estimated according to research objective, among other factors.

For example, the research and guidelines regarding liraglutide for weight loss report a maximum daily dose of 3mg [20].

However, researchers are advised to start with a much lower daily dose of 0.6mg and titrate up over five weeks before reaching the maximum daily dose of 3mg. This is done to minimize the risk of liraglutide side effects [21].

For reference, here is a sample liraglutide dosing protocol for weight loss based on existing research and guidelines [20, 21, 22]:

  • Liraglutide Dose: Initiate with a dose of 0.6mg/day during week one, then increase the dose to 1.2mg/day during week two, 1.8mg/day during week three, 2.4mg/day during week four, and 3.0mg/day during weeks five and beyond.
  • Frequency: Administer liraglutide as a subcutaneous injection once daily at regular times.
  • Study Duration: 20-64 weeks.
  • Notes: Rotate injection sites and do not exceed the maximum daily dose of 3mg.

Based on this sample protocol, the first ten vial batch of liraglutide 3mg from Core Peptides would last three weeks and two days for one test subject.

Below is a full breakdown of the cost per week per test subject, based on the above protocol:

  • Week 1: $60.48 (4.2mg per test subject)
  • Week 2: $120.96 (8.4mg per test subject)
  • Week 3: $181.44 (12.6mg per test subject)
  • Week 4: $241.96 (16.8mg per test subject)
  • Weeks 5 and beyond $302.40 (21mg per test subject)

The total amount of liraglutide required for the first four weeks of the dosing protocol is 42mg per test subject. This equals 14 vials or a total of $604.80 for the first 4 weeks.

Researchers should purchase at least 14 vials of liraglutide per test subject to successfully complete the first month of weight loss research.


Do Researchers Need a Prescription to Buy Liraglutide Online?

Qualified researchers and laboratory professionals may legally purchase liraglutide online, as it is available as reference material for research purposes through various vendors.

However, prospective buyers are advised to stay up-to-date on laws and regulations applicable to the purchase of peptides like liraglutide. These may vary depending on each country and jurisdiction.

Liraglutide may not be purchased legally for human use without a valid prescription from a physician. 

Again, liraglutide without a prescription is available to credentialed professionals only.


How Much Does Liraglutide Cost


Where to Buy Liraglutide Online? | 2024 Edition

Researchers looking to conduct experiments with liraglutide are well-advised to obtain the peptide strictly from a reputable vendor that specializes in research peptides.

At Peptides.org, we are pleased to offer our top recommendation for cost-effective, yet high-grade liraglutide:

PureRawz

PureRawz is known for high-quality, lab-tested liraglutide and other research chemicals. Here’s why we trust them:

  • Lab-Tested Liraglutide: This vendor sources their liraglutide from accredited partners, ensuring that their customers receive genuine and safe peptides. Each peptide batch is tested by a third-party laboratory using state-of-the-art MS analysis, providing transparent data on the contents and purity of each vial.
  • Competitive Pricing: PureRawz offers competitive pricing and sells liraglutide in 3mg vials at a unit cost of just under $52. US-based researchers can expect to receive their orders in 5-12 business days, and orders above $100 qualify for free shipping.
  • Exceptional Customer Service: PureRawz offers fantastic customer service, with knowledgeable professionals available via live chat, phone, and email to address any questions or concerns. Researchers can trust that they'll receive the support they need.

Choosing a reputable vendor like PureRawz is critical to ensuring safety in research.

But that’s not all. The vendor is now providing our readers with a special 15% discount off their first purchase. Simply plug in the following promo code at checkout:

PurePeptides

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Bacteriostatic Water and Liraglutide

Conducting effective research on liraglutide and similar peptides requires a well-equipped laboratory that includes essential tools like sterile vials, bacteriostatic water, and more.

Unfortunately, acquiring all of these necessary supplies and ensuring their quality can be a slow and difficult process. However, it is required when researching.


Liraglutide Costs | Verdict

Liraglutide is available online for research purposes, but cost can vary from one vendor to another.

Researchers can obtain liraglutide for as low as $43.20/3mg when buying from our recommended vendor.

The cost of liraglutide and options for online purchase make it highly attractive to researchers interested in investigating this peptide’s effects, potential benefits, and long-term risks.


References

  1. Cheng, K. C., Li, Y. X., Shieh, P. C., Cheng, J. T., & Hsu, C. C. (2020). Liraglutide Activates Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor to Attenuate Hyperglycemia through Endogenous Beta-Endorphin in Diabetic Rats. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 13(11), 407. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph13110407
  2. Davis, E. M., & Sandoval, D. A. (2020). Glucagon-Like Peptide-1: Actions and Influence on Pancreatic Hormone Function. Comprehensive Physiology, 10(2), 577–595. https://doi.org/10.1002/cphy.c190025
  3. Iepsen EW, Torekov SS, Holst JJ. Liraglutide for Type 2 diabetes and obesity: a 2015 update. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther. 2015;13(7):753-67. doi: 10.1586/14779072.2015.1054810. PMID: 26106933.
  4. Albaker, W., Al Sheikh, M., Albakr, A., Alkhafaji, D., Al Besher, E., & Al-Hariri, M. (2021). The Efficacy and Safety of Liraglutide 3.0 mg for Weight Management in Obese Non-Diabetic Saudi Outpatients. International journal of general medicine, 14, 8643–8650. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJGM.S336904
  5. Diene G, Angulo M, Hale PM, Jepsen CH, Hofman PL, Hokken-Koelega A, Ramesh C, Turan S, Tauber M. Liraglutide for Weight Management in Children and Adolescents With Prader-Willi Syndrome and Obesity. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2022 Dec 17;108(1):4-12. doi: 10.1210/clinem/dgac549. PMID: 36181471; PMCID: PMC9759167.
  6. Honigberg, M. C., Chang, L. S., McGuire, D. K., Plutzky, J., Aroda, V. R., & Vaduganathan, M. (2020). Use of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease: A Review. JAMA cardiology, 5(10), 1182–1190. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamacardio.2020.1966
  7. Vargas-Soria, M., Carranza-Naval, M. J., Del Marco, A., & Garcia-Alloza, M. (2021). Role of liraglutide in Alzheimer's disease pathology. Alzheimer's research & therapy, 13(1), 112. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13195-021-00853-0
  8. Rasmussen, C. B., & Lindenberg, S. (2014). The effect of liraglutide on weight loss in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: an observational study. Frontiers in endocrinology, 5, 140. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2014.00140
  9. Guss, D. A., & Mohanty, S. R. (2016). Liraglutide's use in treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver: an evaluation of the non-alcoholic steatohepatitis study. Hepatobiliary surgery and nutrition, 5(6), 515–518. https://doi.org/10.21037/hbsn.2016.11.09
  10. Lin L, Xu X, Yu Y, Ye H, He X, Chen S, Chen X, Shao Z, Chen P. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist liraglutide therapy for psoriasis patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized-controlled trial. J Dermatolog Treat. 2022 May;33(3):1428-1434. doi: 10.1080/09546634.2020.1826392. Epub 2020 Sep 24. PMID: 32962477.
  11. Ostawal A, Mocevic E, Kragh N, Xu W. Clinical Effectiveness of Liraglutide in Type 2 Diabetes Treatment in the Real-World Setting: A Systematic Literature Review. Diabetes Ther. 2016 Sep;7(3):411-38. doi: 10.1007/s13300-016-0180-0. Epub 2016 Jun 27. PMID: 27350545; PMCID: PMC5014786.
  12. Horton, E. S., Silberman, C., Davis, K. L., & Berria, R. (2010). Weight loss, glycemic control, and changes in cardiovascular biomarkers in patients with type 2 diabetes receiving incretin therapies or insulin in a large cohort database. Diabetes care, 33(8), 1759–1765. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc09-2062
  13. Marso SP, Daniels GH, Brown-Frandsen K, Kristensen P, Mann JF, Nauck MA, Nissen SE, Pocock S, Poulter NR, Ravn LS, Steinberg WM, Stockner M, Zinman B, Bergenstal RM, Buse JB; LEADER Steering Committee; LEADER Trial Investigators. Liraglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes. N Engl J Med. 2016 Jul 28;375(4):311-22. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1603827. Epub 2016 Jun 13. PMID: 27295427; PMCID: PMC4985288.
  14. Kalra S. (2016). Follow the LEADER-Liraglutide Effect and Action in Diabetes: Evaluation of Cardiovascular Outcome Results Trial. Diabetes therapy : research, treatment and education of diabetes and related disorders, 7(4), 601–609. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13300-016-0197-4
  15. Moon S, Lee J, Chung HS, Kim YJ, Yu JM, Yu SH, Oh CM. Efficacy and Safety of the New Appetite Suppressant, Liraglutide: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul). 2021 Jun;36(3):647-660. doi: 10.3803/EnM.2020.934. Epub 2021 Jun 18. PMID: 34139800; PMCID: PMC8258332.
  16. Pi-Sunyer X, Astrup A, Fujioka K, Greenway F, Halpern A, Krempf M, Lau DC, le Roux CW, Violante Ortiz R, Jensen CB, Wilding JP; SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes NN8022-1839 Study Group. A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management. N Engl J Med. 2015 Jul 2;373(1):11-22. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1411892. PMID: 26132939.
  17. Tougaard RS, Jorsal A, Tarnow L, Hansson NH, Kistorp C, Schou M, Nielsen R, Flyvbjerg A, Videbaek L, Mølgaard H, Nielsen JC, Gustafsson I, Wiggers H. Heart rate increases in liraglutide treated chronic heart failure patients: association with clinical parameters and adverse events. Scand Cardiovasc J. 2020 Oct;54(5):294-299. doi: 10.1080/14017431.2020.1751873. Epub 2020 Apr 15. PMID: 32292074.
  18. Jensen TM, Saha K, Steinberg WM. Is there a link between liraglutide and pancreatitis? A post hoc review of pooled and patient-level data from completed liraglutide type 2 diabetes clinical trials. Diabetes Care. 2015 Jun;38(6):1058-66. doi: 10.2337/dc13-1210. Epub 2014 Dec 12. Erratum in: Diabetes Care. 2015 Aug;38(8):1622. PMID: 25504028.
  19. Funch, D., Mortimer, K., Ziyadeh, N. J., D Seeger, J., Zhou, L., Ng, E., Ross, D., Major-Pedersen, A., Bosch-Traberg, H., Gydesen, H., & Dore, D. D. (2021). Risk of Thyroid Cancer Associated with Use of Liraglutide and Other Antidiabetic Drugs in a US Commercially Insured Population. Diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity : targets and therapy, 14, 2619–2629. https://doi.org/10.2147/DMSO.S305496
  20. Tilinca, M. C., Tiuca, R. A., Burlacu, A., & Varga, A. (2021). A 2021 Update on the Use of Liraglutide in the Modern Treatment of ‘Diabesity': A Narrative Review. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 57(7), 669. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina57070669
  21. Mehta, A., Marso, S. P., & Neeland, I. J. (2017). Liraglutide for weight management: a critical review of the evidence. Obesity science & practice, 3(1), 3–14. https://doi.org/10.1002/osp4.84
  22. Trenson, L., Trenson, S., van Nes, F., Moyson, C., Lannoo, M., Deleus, E., Meulemans, A., Matthys, C., Mertens, A., Van der Schueren, B., & Vangoitsenhoven, R. (2022). Liraglutide for Weight Management in the Real World: Significant Weight Loss Even if the Maximal Daily Dose Is Not Achieved. Obesity facts, 15(1), 83–89. https://doi.org/10.1159/000520217

Scientifically Fact Checked by:

Luis Daniel López Murillo, PhD

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