Liraglutide vs Pramlintide
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Liraglutide
Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist FDA-approved as Victoza for type 2 diabetes and Saxenda for chronic weight management. It was one of the first daily GLP-1 agonists and paved the way for newer weekly options like semaglutide.
Full details →Pramlintide
Pramlintide (Symlin) is a synthetic analog of amylin, FDA-approved as an adjunct to insulin therapy in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It helps control post-meal blood sugar spikes and promotes modest weight loss.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Liraglutide | Pramlintide |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to and activates GLP-1 receptors, stimulating insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner, suppressing glucagon release, slowing gastric emptying, and reducing appetite through central nervous system effects. | Mimics amylin's effects: slows gastric emptying, suppresses glucagon secretion after meals, and promotes satiety through central mechanisms. Complements insulin therapy. |
| Typical Dosage | Saxenda (weight loss): Start 0.6mg daily, increase weekly by 0.6mg to maintenance dose of 3mg daily. Victoza (diabetes): 0.6mg to 1.8mg daily. | Type 1: Start 15mcg before meals, titrate to 30-60mcg. Type 2: Start 60mcg, may increase to 120mcg. Always with meal containing 30+ grams carbs or 250+ calories. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection once daily at any time, independent of meals. Rotate injection sites. Can be used with oral diabetes medications. | Subcutaneous injection immediately before major meals. Must reduce mealtime insulin by 50% when starting to prevent hypoglycemia. Never mix with insulin. |
| Side Effects | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, decreased appetite. GI effects typically diminish over time with continued use. | Nausea (very common initially), headache, anorexia, vomiting, and abdominal pain. GI effects typically improve over time. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Both Liraglutide and Pramlintide are commonly used for: