Last reviewed · How we verify
metformin and liraglutide
Metformin reduces hepatic glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity, while liraglutide stimulates insulin secretion and suppresses glucagon in a glucose-dependent manner via GLP-1 receptor activation.
Metformin reduces hepatic glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity, while liraglutide stimulates insulin secretion and suppresses glucagon in a glucose-dependent manner via GLP-1 receptor activation. Used for Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
At a glance
| Generic name | metformin and liraglutide |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Glucophage and Victoza, Glucophage tablets and Victoza 6 mg/ml solution for injection in pre-filled pen |
| Sponsor | University Medical Centre Ljubljana |
| Drug class | Biguanide + GLP-1 receptor agonist combination |
| Target | AMP-activated protein kinase (metformin); GLP-1 receptor (liraglutide) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Diabetes |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Metformin is a biguanide that decreases hepatic gluconeogenesis and enhances peripheral glucose uptake, improving insulin sensitivity without causing hypoglycemia. Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, and slows gastric emptying. Together, they provide complementary glucose-lowering effects through different mechanisms.
Approved indications
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Headache
- Hypoglycemia
- Pancreatitis (rare)
Key clinical trials
- Effect of Liraglutide in Obese Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PHASE3)
- Liraglutide Effect in Atrial Fibrillation (PHASE4)
- LIGHT-MCI Trial: GLP-1 Agonist, SGLT2 Inhibitor, and DPP-4 Inhibitor for MCI Remission in Type 2 Diabetes (NA)
- Clinical, Morphometric and Biochemical Effects on Adiposopathy Associated With the Use of GLP-1RA in CKD
- Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Four Second Line Pharmacological Strategies in Type 2 Diabetes Study
- Metabolic Surgery for Atrial Fibrillation Elimination (PHASE4)
- Efficacy and Safety of the Met+SGLT-2i+GLP-1RA in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes With Poor Glycemic Control (PHASE4)
- HbA1c Variability in Type II Diabetes (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- metformin and liraglutide CI brief — competitive landscape report
- metformin and liraglutide updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University Medical Centre Ljubljana portfolio CI