Comparison
Glucagon vs. Liraglutide
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Metabolic
Metabolic
CAS no.
16941-32-5
204656-20-2
Molecular weight
3483 g/mol
3751 g/mol
Half-life
0.13 h
13 h
Sequence
HSQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTHAEGTFTSDVSSYLEGQAAKEFIAWLVRGRGMechanism of action
Glucagon
Glucagon is produced in the alpha cells of the pancreas (islets of Langerhans) and released when blood sugar is low. Glucagon binds the glucagon receptor (GCGR), a G-protein-coupled receptor expressed predominantly on hepatocytes. Activation stimulates adenylate cyclase, raises cyclic AMP and activates protein kinase A. This drives glycogenolysis (breakdown of hepatic glycogen into glucose) and gluconeogenesis (de novo glucose synthesis), which raises blood glucose. Glucagon also promotes lipolysis. As the counterpart to insulin it contributes to glucose homeostasis. It transiently relaxes gastrointestinal smooth muscle, which is the basis of its diagnostic use in imaging.
Liraglutide
Liraglutide is a synthetic GLP-1 analog with 97% sequence identity to human GLP-1. A fatty-acid side chain (C16) on Lys-26 reversibly binds serum albumin and protects against DPP-4 degradation. GLP-1 receptor activation glucose-dependently stimulates insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon secretion, delays gastric emptying and modulates central satiety.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human RCT
Human RCT
Studies
4
5
of which in humans
4
4
Effects recorded
4
3
Open conflicts
1
1
Documented adverse events
1
1
Legal status
Full entries
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between Glucagon and Liraglutide?
- Glucagon is classified as "Metabolic", while Liraglutide is classified as "Metabolic". Glucagon: Glucagon is a 29-amino-acid pancreatic hormone produced by the alpha cells of the islets of Langerhans. It is the physiological counterpart to insulin and raises blood glucose via hepatic glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. It is approved as an emergency treatment for severe hypoglycaemia and as a diagnostic aid; its receptor is also a target of modern dual and triple incretin agonists. Liraglutide: GLP-1 receptor agonist with a half-life of about 13 hours. The first daily (not weekly) modern GLP-1 RA — approved as Victoza for type 2 diabetes (2010) and Saxenda for obesity (2014). This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
- Which peptide is better supported by science, Glucagon or Liraglutide?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human RCT" for Glucagon and "Human RCT" for Liraglutide. A higher evidence level means more robust data, but says nothing about suitability for an individual. The full body of evidence is on each peptide's own page.
- What is the legal status of Glucagon and Liraglutide in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: Glucagon — Prescription, Liraglutide — Prescription. United States: Glucagon — Prescription, Liraglutide — Prescription. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.