Liraglutide in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes: clinical data and practical considerations for its use

Abstract

Liraglutide is the first once-daily human glucagon-like peptide-1 analog available for use in clinical practice. It has recently been approved by the EMA and the US FDA for treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Initial approval is for use in combination with either metformin or a sulfonylurea, or in combination with metformin plus a sulfonylurea or thiazolidinedione. Liraglutide monotherapy is approved in the USA. Results from the Liraglutide Effect and Action in Diabetes (LEAD) clinical trials program indicate that liraglutide significantly lowers glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) with a low risk of hypoglycemia. Liraglutide is also associated with significant and sustained weight loss, decreased systolic blood pressure, and improvements in other markers of cardiovascular risk. Liraglutide also shows strong potential to preserve β-cell function. Maximum benefits may be achieved when liraglutide treatment is initiated early on in the course of T2DM.