SHEET /vs/liraglutide-vs-semaglutide · COMPARISON
Liraglutide vs Semaglutide: what is the difference?
How they differ
Liraglutide and semaglutide are both copies of GLP-1, a gut hormone that signals fullness and helps release insulin, each fitted with a fatty acid so it rides on albumin in the blood and lasts far longer than the natural hormone. Liraglutide came first, approved for diabetes in 2009 as Victoza and later for weight loss as Saxenda. Semaglutide, from the same company, carries a longer fatty chain and one changed amino acid that resists breakdown, which stretches its effect from about a day to about a week. That is the difference in the formulas, C172H265N43O51 at about 3,751 against C187H291N45O59 at about 4,114. Semaglutide is sold as Ozempic and Wegovy, and as Rybelsus, a tablet.
Side by side
| Liraglutide | Semaglutide | |
|---|---|---|
| Formula | C172H265N43O51 | C187H291N45O59 |
| Molecular weight | 3,751 g/mol | 4,114 g/mol |
| Family | Diabetes medicines | Diabetes medicines |
| Everyday group | Prescription medicine | Prescription medicine |
| Functional groups | Alcohols, Carboxylic Acids, Amines, Aromatics, Amides, Phenols | Alcohols, Carboxylic Acids, Amines, Aromatics, Amides, Phenols, Ethers |
| GHS signal wordThe supplier-filed hazard label, not a statement about ordinary use. | Warning | Danger |
| CAS number | 204656-20-2 | 910463-68-2 |
| PubChem CID | 16134956 | 56843331 |
Structural similarity 0.84 of 1, computed as a Morgan fingerprint Tanimoto coefficient. It measures shape, not effect.
Common questions
- What is the difference between Liraglutide and Semaglutide?
- Liraglutide and semaglutide are both copies of GLP-1, a gut hormone that signals fullness and helps release insulin, each fitted with a fatty acid so it rides on albumin in the blood and lasts far longer than the natural hormone. Liraglutide came first, approved for diabetes in 2009 as Victoza and later for weight loss as Saxenda. Semaglutide, from the same company, carries a longer fatty chain and one changed amino acid that resists breakdown, which stretches its effect from about a day to about a week.
- Is Liraglutide bigger than Semaglutide?
- Semaglutide is the heavier molecule, 4,114 g/mol against 3,751 g/mol for Liraglutide. Liraglutide is C172H265N43O51 and Semaglutide is C187H291N45O59.
Read the full records: Liraglutide and Semaglutide.