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Peptide Database

Goals
Fat LossMuscle BuildingInjury HealingAnti-AgingCognitive EnhancementSleep OptimizationImmune SupportGut HealingSkin RejuvenationSexual Health
Peptides
Adipotide
Weight Management
AOD-9604
Weight Management
BPC-157
Healing & Recovery
Cagrilintide
Weight Management
CJC-1295
Growth Hormone
DSIP
Sleep & Recovery
Epithalon
Anti-Aging
GHK-Cu
Anti-Aging
GHRP-2
Growth Hormone
HCG
Hormone Support
Hexarelin
Growth Hormone
HGH
Growth Hormone
IGF-1 LR3
Growth Hormone
Kisspeptin
Hormone Support
Melanotan-2
Cosmetic
MOTS-C
Metabolic
NAD+
Anti-Aging
Oxytocin Acetate
Hormone Support
PEG-MGF
Recovery
PNC-27
Cancer Research
PT-141
Sexual Health
Retatrutide
Weight Management
Selank
Cognitive
Semaglutide
Weight Management
Semax
Cognitive
Sermorelin
Growth Hormone
Snap-8
Cosmetic
SS-31
Mitochondrial
TB-500
Healing & Recovery
Tesamorelin
Growth Hormone
Thymosin Alpha-1
Immune
Tirzepatide
Weight Management
Total Peptides: 32
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Peptide Comparison

ExenatidevsLiraglutide

First-in-class GLP-1 receptor agonist derived from Gila monster venom (Byetta/Bydureon), FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes with demonstrated cardiovascular safety in the 14,752-patient EXSCEL trial and available in both twice-daily and once-weekly formulations

FDA-approved once-daily GLP-1 receptor agonist (Victoza/Saxenda) that reduces HbA1c by 0.9–1.6%, promotes 5–10% body weight loss, and demonstrated a 13% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events in the landmark LEADER trial of 9,340 patients

Weight ManagementWeight Management

At a Glance

Quick
comparison

Dose Range

Exenatide

5–10 mcg

Liraglutide

0.6–3.0 mg

Frequency

Exenatide

Once weekly

Liraglutide

Once daily

Administration

Exenatide

Subcutaneous injection

Liraglutide

Subcutaneous injection

Cycle Length

Exenatide

Ongoing/indefinite

Liraglutide

Ongoing/indefinite

Onset Speed

Exenatide

Gradual (3-4 weeks)

Liraglutide

Gradual (3-4 weeks)

Evidence Level

Exenatide

Strong human trials (Phase 3 or FDA approved)

Liraglutide

Strong human trials (Phase 3 or FDA approved)

Efficacy

Benefit
ratings

Exenatide
Liraglutide

Weight

Exenatide95%
Liraglutide0%

Weight Management

Exenatide85%
Liraglutide9%

Metabolic

Exenatide0%
Liraglutide9%

Healing & Recovery

Exenatide0%
Liraglutide8%

Technical Data

Compound
specifications

Exenatide

Molecular Formula

C184H282N50O60S

Molecular Weight

4,187 Da

Half-Life

Byetta: ~2.4 hours (immediate-release); Bydureon: ~7 weeks effective duration via PLGA microsphere technology; Tmax ~2.1 hours (Byetta)

Bioavailability

65–75% after subcutaneous injection (Byetta); microsphere sustained release for Bydureon

CAS Number

183321-74-6

Liraglutide

Molecular Formula

C172H265N43O51

Molecular Weight

3,751 Da

Half-Life

~13 hours (enabling once-daily dosing); Tmax 8–12 hours; steady state in 3–5 days

Bioavailability

~55% after subcutaneous injection; >98% plasma protein binding to albumin via C16 fatty acid moiety

CAS Number

204656-20-2

Protocols

Dosing
tiers

Exenatide

starting

5 mcg subcutaneous twice daily (Byetta)

Twice daily, within 60 minutes before meals

First month (tolerability assessment)

Initiate at 5 mcg BID for at least one month to assess gastrointestinal tolerability before dose escalation. Inject within 60 minutes before the two main meals of the day (at least 6 hours apart). If combining with sulfonylureas, consider reducing the sulfonylurea dose to minimize hypoglycemia. Most common side effect is nausea (44%), which typically improves with continued use.

standard

10 mcg subcutaneous twice daily (Byetta) or 2 mg once weekly (Bydureon)

Twice daily (Byetta) or once weekly (Bydureon)

Ongoing chronic therapy

After 1 month at 5 mcg BID (if tolerated), increase to 10 mcg BID for improved glycemic control and weight loss. Alternatively, transition to Bydureon 2 mg once weekly for improved adherence (no titration required). Bydureon reaches steady state in 4–8 weeks via extended-release microsphere technology. Both formulations can be combined with metformin, sulfonylureas, or basal insulin.

advanced

2 mg subcutaneous once weekly (Bydureon) with combination therapy

Once weekly

Long-term chronic therapy with cardiovascular monitoring

Once-weekly exenatide combined with basal insulin and/or SGLT2 inhibitors represents the most intensive exenatide-based regimen. DURATION studies demonstrate sustained efficacy over 5+ years. If combining with insulin, reduce insulin dose and monitor for hypoglycemia. Monitor renal function, amylase/lipase periodically. Consider transition to newer GLP-1 RAs (semaglutide) if additional efficacy is needed.

Liraglutide

starting

0.6 mg subcutaneous once daily

Once daily

1 week (tolerability assessment)

Begin at 0.6 mg daily for the first week to assess gastrointestinal tolerability before dose escalation. This starting dose is sub-therapeutic for both diabetes and obesity indications. Inject in abdomen, thigh, or upper arm at any time of day regardless of meals. Rotate injection sites. GI side effects (nausea) are most common during the initial titration period.

standard

1.2–1.8 mg subcutaneous once daily

Once daily

Ongoing chronic therapy

Standard therapeutic dose range for type 2 diabetes (Victoza). Escalate from 0.6 mg to 1.2 mg at week 2 and optionally to 1.8 mg at week 3 for additional glycemic benefit. Maximum diabetes dose is 1.8 mg/day. No dose adjustment needed for renal or hepatic impairment. If combining with sulfonylureas, reduce sulfonylurea dose by 50% to minimize hypoglycemia. Store in-use pen at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 30 days.

advanced

3.0 mg subcutaneous once daily

Once daily

Ongoing chronic therapy with 16-week efficacy assessment

Obesity dose (Saxenda) reached through weekly 0.6 mg increments: 0.6→1.2→1.8→2.4→3.0 mg over 5 weeks. Evaluate response at 16 weeks — if <4% body weight loss, consider discontinuation as unlikely to achieve meaningful benefit. Must be combined with reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Approved for BMI ≥30 or BMI ≥27 with weight-related comorbidities. Do not use simultaneously with Victoza or any other GLP-1 RA.

Applications

Best
suited for

Exenatide

Type 2 diabetes patients inadequately controlled on metformin seeking add-on therapy with weight loss benefit

Exenatide is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on type 2 diabetes patients inadequately controlled on metformin seeking add-on therapy with weight loss benefit. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.

Patients preferring once-weekly dosing convenience (Bydureon 2 mg) over daily injections for improved adherence

Exenatide is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on patients preferring once-weekly dosing convenience (bydureon 2 mg) over daily injections for improved adherence. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.

Overweight or obese type 2 diabetes patients (BMI >27) requiring glycemic control without weight gain

Exenatide is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on overweight or obese type 2 diabetes patients (bmi >27) requiring glycemic control without weight gain. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.

Patients with established cardiovascular disease who need a GLP-1 RA with demonstrated cardiovascular safety

Exenatide is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on patients with established cardiovascular disease who need a glp-1 ra with demonstrated cardiovascular safety. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.

Liraglutide

Type 2 diabetes patients with HbA1c >7% requiring both glycemic control and weight management

Liraglutide is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on type 2 diabetes patients with hba1c >7% requiring both glycemic control and weight management. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.

Obese individuals (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with weight-related comorbidities seeking FDA-approved pharmacotherapy

Liraglutide is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on obese individuals (bmi ≥30) or overweight (bmi ≥27) with weight-related comorbidities seeking fda-approved pharmacotherapy. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.

Patients with established cardiovascular disease or high cardiovascular risk seeking cardioprotective diabetes therapy

Liraglutide is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on patients with established cardiovascular disease or high cardiovascular risk seeking cardioprotective diabetes therapy. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.

Patients on metformin requiring add-on therapy with favorable weight and cardiovascular profile

Liraglutide is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on patients on metformin requiring add-on therapy with favorable weight and cardiovascular profile. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.

Safety Profile

Side
effects

Exenatide

Common

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting and diarrhea
  • Injection site nodules (Bydureon)
  • Decreased appetite and constipation

Uncommon

  • Hypoglycemia

Serious

  • Acute pancreatitis
  • Renal impairment

Liraglutide

Common

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Decreased appetite and headache

Uncommon

  • Injection site reactions

Serious

  • Acute pancreatitis
  • Gallbladder disease

Research Status

Safety
& evidence

Exenatide

Evidence Level

Strong human trials (Phase 3 or FDA approved)

FDA Status

FDA approved for this use

Safety Overview

Exenatide is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist with post-market safety data spanning 15+ years, though some safety concerns have emerged. Nausea affects 30-45% of patients, dose-dependent and typically improves within 1-2 weeks but can lead to treatment discontinuation in 5% of patients. Pancreatitis risk, while rare (0.1-0.2%), is increased and contraindicated in patients with history of acute pancreatitis. Thyroid C-cell tumor risk identified in rodent studies supports clinical vigilance in patients with personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2—absolute contraindication. Acute kidney injury has been reported in 0.3-1% of patients, particularly with concurrent NSAID or ACE inhibitor use. Hypoglycemia risk is minimal when used as monotherapy but increases substantially when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas.

Contraindications

  • xPersonal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) — black box warning based on animal data
  • xMultiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
  • xPrior serious hypersensitivity reaction to exenatide or any excipient
  • xSevere renal impairment (eGFR <15 mL/min) or end-stage renal disease

Liraglutide

Evidence Level

Strong human trials (Phase 3 or FDA approved)

FDA Status

FDA approved for this use

Safety Overview

Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda) is FDA-approved with extensive safety data from 15+ years of clinical use in diabetes (GLP-1 agonist) and obesity indications. Gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) occur in 30-40% of patients during dose escalation but diminish significantly after 2-3 weeks of stable dosing. Black box warnings include risk of medullary thyroid carcinoma and pancreatitis, though absolute incidence remains rare. Injection site reactions are minimal. The compound shows no hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, or major drug interactions at approved doses.

Contraindications

  • xPersonal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) — black box warning based on rodent thyroid C-cell tumor findings
  • xMultiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
  • xKnown hypersensitivity to liraglutide or any excipients
  • xPregnancy (Saxenda indication) — contraindicated; effective contraception required

Decision Guide

Which is
right for you?

Choose Exenatide if...

  • Type 2 diabetes patients inadequately controlled on metformin seeking add-on therapy with weight loss benefit
  • Patients preferring once-weekly dosing convenience (Bydureon 2 mg) over daily injections for improved adherence
  • Overweight or obese type 2 diabetes patients (BMI >27) requiring glycemic control without weight gain
  • Patients with established cardiovascular disease who need a GLP-1 RA with demonstrated cardiovascular safety

Choose Liraglutide if...

  • Type 2 diabetes patients with HbA1c >7% requiring both glycemic control and weight management
  • Obese individuals (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with weight-related comorbidities seeking FDA-approved pharmacotherapy
  • Patients with established cardiovascular disease or high cardiovascular risk seeking cardioprotective diabetes therapy
  • Patients on metformin requiring add-on therapy with favorable weight and cardiovascular profile
Full Exenatide ProfileFull Liraglutide Profile