Comparison
Liraglutide vs. Lixisenatide
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Metabolic
Metabolic
CAS no.
204656-20-2
320367-13-3
Molecular weight
3751 g/mol
4858.5 g/mol
Half-life
13 h
3 h
Sequence
HAEGTFTSDVSSYLEGQAAKEFIAWLVRGRGHGEGTFTSDLSKQMEEEAVRLFIEWLKNGGPSSGAPPSKKKKKK-NH2Mechanism of action
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.
Lixisenatide
Lixisenatide is a 44-amino-acid peptide based on exendin-4 (see exenatide) with six additional lysine residues at the C-terminus. This modification increases stability against DPP-4 degradation. The short half-life (~3 hours) and plasma peak around mealtime explain the predominantly prandial effect — stronger postprandial glucose action, weaker fasting glucose effect than weekly GLP-1 RAs.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human RCT
Human RCT
Studies
5
5
of which in humans
4
5
Effects recorded
3
3
Open conflicts
0
1
Documented adverse events
1
1