Acylated Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist

Liraglutide, a recombinant peptide which presents 97% homology with human glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), differing primarily by substituting arginine for lysine at position 34. Liraglutide is made by attaching a C-16 fatty acid (palmitic acid) with a glutamic acid spacer on the remaining lysine residue at position 26 of the peptide precursor. Liraglutide is resistant to the dipeptidylpeptidase-4 enzyme whic degrades the natural hormone. As a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 receptor agonist) also known as incretin mimetics, Liraglutide actives the GLP-1 receptor and exerts an incretin mimetic effect during at least 24 hours after a single subcutaneous injection. Besides a glucose-dependent stimulatory effect of insulin secretion, liraglutide inhibits glucagon secretion and retards gastric emptying. Liraglutide is an anti-diabetic medication used to treat type 2 diabetes, obesity, and chronic weight management. Liraglutide is given by injection under the skin. Liraglutide works by increasing insulin release from the pancreas and decreases excessive glucagon release.