In short
An older, once-daily GLP-1 receptor agonist. Victoza (type 2 diabetes) and Saxenda (weight management) are authorized in Canada.
Also known asVictoza, Saxenda
CategoryWeight loss & GLP-1
Canada statusAuthorized in Canada (prescription)
Human evidence Strong: large randomized human trials
Last reviewedNovember 10, 2026
How strong is the human evidence?
- Cell & animal
- Small human studies
- Some randomized trials
- Large randomized trials
What is Liraglutide?
Liraglutide is a GLP-1 analog peptide given by daily injection. It predates semaglutide.
In Health Canada's Drug Product Database (checked Nov 10, 2026), Victoza and Saxenda were listed as marketed.
Is Liraglutide legal in Canada?
Authorized prescription drug (Victoza, Saxenda).
What the research shows
- SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes (Pi-Sunyer et al., NEJM 2015): 3,731 adults without diabetes; at 56 weeks, average weight loss was 8.4 kg with liraglutide vs 2.8 kg with placebo, alongside lifestyle counselling.
What it doesn't show
- Different trials can't be compared directly, but average losses reported for liraglutide were smaller than in the semaglutide and tirzepatide trials above.
Common questions
Is Saxenda available in Canada?
Saxenda was listed as marketed in Health Canada's Drug Product Database when we checked on November 10, 2026. Availability at your pharmacy can differ.
Is liraglutide a peptide?
Yes, it is a GLP-1 analog peptide drug.
Sources
- Health Canada Drug Product Database (searched Nov 10, 2026)
- Pi-Sunyer X et al. A randomized, controlled trial of liraglutide in weight management. NEJM 2015
Related
SemaglutideA GLP-1 receptor agonist peptide drug for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. In Canada it is a prescription…Authorized in Canada (prescription)
TirzepatideA dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist. Health Canada has authorized Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes and Zepbound for chronic…Authorized in Canada (prescription)