title: Liraglutide: once-daily GLP-1 agonist for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The prevalence of diabetes is increasing worldwide. Over the recent years, new discoveries have led to the development of new pharmacological agents targeting the incretin hormones gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). These agents, called incretin-mimetics, are the newest agents added to the diabetes treatment options. The purpose of this article is to review the relevant literature on the chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, metabolism, clinical trials, safety, drug interactions and place in therapy of liraglutide in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
  
  
  METHODS
  An extensive search of the literature was performed with liraglutide and NN2211 as key terms. This article presents a review of the literature related to the chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, drug interactions and safety and efficacy of liraglutide.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Liraglutide, a subcutaneously administered GLP-1 agonist, displays phamacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties that allow for once-daily administration. The agent has been shown to be efficacious as monotherapy, as well as in combination with glimperide, metformin and/or rosiglitazone, reducing glycoslyated haemoglobin (A1C) between 0·84% and 1·5%. The primary adverse event reported with liraglutide is transient nausea.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Liraglutide has been well studied in dual and triple combination therapies with sulfonylureas, metformin and rosiglitazone and appears safe and effective. For patients who cannot tolerate first-line agents, metformin, insulin and sulfonylureas, liraglutide is a reasonable treatment option.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy Practice, Mercer University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Atlanta, GA 30341-1455, USA. ryan_gj@mercer.edu
authors.forename: Gina J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Ryan
authors.forename: Yolanda
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Hardy
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy*; D052216:Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000819:agonists* / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D054795:Incretins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000069450:Liraglutide; D009325:Nausea / Q000139:chemically induced
chemical_list: D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D054795:Incretins; D000069450:Liraglutide; D052216:Glucagon-Like Peptide 1