Liraglutide is a long-acting analog of GLP-1, being developed by Novo Nordisk 
and currently undergoing regulatory review for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. 
Upon injection, liraglutide binds non-covalently to albumin, giving it a 
pharmacokinetic profile suitable for once-daily administration. In clinical 
trials of up to 1 year duration, liraglutide has been demonstrated to have 
beneficial effects on islet cell function, leading to improvements in glycemic 
control. Both fasting and postprandial glucose concentrations are lowered, and 
are associated with lasting reductions in HbA1c levels. Liraglutide is effective 
as monotherapy and in combination therapy with oral antidiabetic drugs, and 
reduces HbA1c by up to approximately 1.5% from baseline (8.2%-8.4%). Because of 
the glucose-dependency of its action, there is a low incidence of hypoglycemia. 
Liraglutide is associated with body weight loss, and reductions in systolic 
blood pressure have been observed throughout the clinical trials. The most 
common adverse events reported with liraglutide are gastrointestinal (nausea, 
vomiting and diarrhea). These tend to be most pronounced during the initial 
period of therapy and decline with time. Further clinical experience with 
liraglutide will reveal its long-term durability, safety and efficacy.