Liraglutide Research Peptide (GLP-1 Receptor Agonist) Supplier — UPOR Biotech
Liraglutide (CAS 204656-20-2) is a 31-amino-acid GLP-1 receptor agonist and synthetic analogue of human GLP-1(7-37) with 97% sequence homology. Two key modifications — the Arg34Lys substitution and Lys26 C16 palmitoyl acylation via a γ-glutamic acid spacer — confer a ~13-hour (once-daily) half-life through reversible albumin binding. A defining incretin-mimetic reference standard for glycemic control, β-cell, and body-weight research — supplied as ≥98% HPLC lyophilized powder from UPOR Biotech.
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Liraglutide (CAS 204656-20-2, C₁₇₂H₂₆₅N₄₃O₅₁, MW 3751.20 g/mol) is a 31-amino-acid synthetic analogue of human GLP-1(7-37) sharing 97% sequence homology with the native incretin hormone. Two engineered modifications account for its extended pharmacology: (1) a Lys-for-Arg substitution at position 34 (Arg34Lys), and (2) acylation of Lys26 with a C16 palmitic (hexadecanoyl) fatty acid through a γ-glutamic acid (γ-Glu) spacer. This fatty-acid appendage enables non-covalent self-association and reversible albumin binding, delaying DPP-IV-mediated degradation and renal clearance to yield a ~13-hour (once-daily) half-life. As a GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist, liraglutide triggers glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon, delays gastric emptying, and promotes central satiety and appetite suppression — producing glycemic control and weight reduction. Supplied as a white to off-white lyophilized powder for reconstitution in aqueous buffers.
Liraglutide is the active principle of the FDA-approved Victoza (type 2 diabetes) and Saxenda (obesity/weight management) and was the first once-daily GLP-1 receptor agonist — making it an essential reference standard for metabolic, incretin, and obesity research. UPOR Biotech supplies Research Grade (RUO) liraglutide as a bulk lyophilized peptide for academic and industrial laboratories. Research Use Only (RUO) — not for human diagnostic or therapeutic use. Certifications include ISO 9001, cGMP, and FDA facility registration, with packaging available in 1 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 50 mg vials.
Liraglutide vs Semaglutide — Once-Daily C16 Palmitoyl vs Once-Weekly C18 Diacid Acylation
Both liraglutide and semaglutide are GLP-1 receptor agonists, but they differ fundamentally in their fatty-acid acylation strategy and dosing interval. Liraglutide uses a C16 palmitic acid conjugated to Lys26 via a γ-Glu spacer, producing once-daily dosing with a ~13-hour half-life. Semaglutide uses a C18 diacid with an AEEA linker and an Aib8 substitution, extending half-life to ~165 hours (once-weekly) through stronger albumin affinity. Liraglutide was the first once-daily GLP-1 RA and remains a key reference standard for incretin research, head-to-head pharmacology, and formulation development.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Liraglutide (GLP-1 Receptor Agonist) — Research Grade (RUO) |
| CAS Number | 204656-20-2 |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₇₂H₂₆₅N₄₃O₅₁ |
| Molecular Weight | 3751.20 g/mol |
| Amino Acid Residues | 31 (synthetic GLP-1(7-37) analogue) |
| Sequence Homology | 97% to native human GLP-1(7-37) |
| Key Modifications | Arg34Lys substitution; Lys26 C16 palmitoyl acylation via γ-Glu spacer |
| Mechanism of Action | GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist — incretin mimetic |
| Extended Half-Life | ~13 hours (once-daily) via reversible albumin binding |
| Synthesis Method | Solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) with C16 palmitoyl conjugation |
| Physical Form | Lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder |
| Purity (HPLC) | ≥98.0% |
| Peptide Content | ≥90% |
| Appearance | White to off-white lyophilized powder |
| Solubility | Soluble in water, PBS, and DMSO (0.1–1.0 mg/mL); pH-dependent |
| Endotoxin | ≤1.0 EU/mg |
| Water Content | ≤5.0% |
| Counter-ion | Acetate |
| pH | 4.0–5.0 (1 mg/mL aqueous solution) |
| Heavy Metals | ≤10 ppm |
| Storage | -20°C, desiccated, protected from light |
| Grade | Research Grade (RUO) |
| Applications | GLP-1R signaling, incretin physiology, T2D & obesity research |
| Certifications | ISO 9001, cGMP, FDA facility registration |
| Packaging | 1 mg / 5 mg / 10 mg / 50 mg vials |
| Shelf Life | 2 years at -20°C |
| Disclaimer | Research Use Only (RUO) — not for human diagnostic or therapeutic use |
Key Benefits — Liraglutide Research Peptide
Once-Daily GLP-1R Activation via C16 Palmitoyl Albumin Binding
The Lys26 C16 palmitoyl acylation via a γ-Glu spacer drives non-covalent self-association and reversible albumin binding, delaying DPP-IV degradation and renal clearance to yield a ~13-hour (once-daily) half-life — the defining feature of liraglutide’s extended pharmacology.
C16 Palmitoyl / Once-DailyGlucose-Dependent Insulin Secretion
Liraglutide activates the GLP-1 receptor to stimulate insulin secretion only when glucose is elevated, suppress glucagon, and restore incretin physiology — a glucose-dependent mechanism that minimizes hypoglycemia risk and faithfully models native GLP-1 signaling.
GLP-1R AgonistCentral Satiety & Gastric Emptying Modulation
Beyond the pancreas, liraglutide acts centrally to suppress appetite and promote satiety while delaying gastric emptying — the dual pathway underlying its weight-management effects and the basis of its obesity research applications.
Satiety & GI Modulation≥98% HPLC Purity 31-aa Research Peptide
A 31-amino-acid synthetic GLP-1(7-37) analogue with 97% sequence homology, supplied as ≥98% HPLC purity (≥90% peptide content) lyophilized powder with full COA/MSDS/MS documentation — a dependable reference standard for reproducible research.
≥98% HPLCApplications
Type 2 Diabetes & Glycemic Control Research
GLP-1R agonist reference standard for modeling glucose-dependent insulin secretion, glucagon suppression, and beta-cell incretin response in T2D cell and animal models.
Obesity & Weight-Management Research
Reference active principle of Saxenda for studying central satiety, appetite suppression, gastric emptying, and body-weight regulation pathways.
GLP-1 Receptor Signaling / GPCR Studies
Tool for GLP-1R binding, cAMP, biased agonism, and internalization assays in the class B GPCR and incretin signaling field.
Incretin Physiology & Beta-Cell Function Studies
Model GLP-1(7-37) analogue for investigating incretin hormone action, insulin secretion dynamics, and islet/beta-cell function.
Combination & Next-Gen GLP-1 Research
Baseline comparator for head-to-head studies with semaglutide, tirzepatide, and dual GIP/GLP-1 or next-generation incretin agonists.
Peptide Reference Standard & Assay Development
High-purity lyophilized reference standard for LC-MS method development, ELISA validation, and quantitative bioanalytical assays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Liraglutide (CAS 204656-20-2) is a 31-amino-acid synthetic analogue of human GLP-1(7-37) with 97% sequence homology, engineered as a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Its Lys26 C16 palmitoyl acylation (via a γ-Glu spacer) enables reversible albumin binding that extends its half-life to ~13 hours, allowing once-daily dosing. It lowers blood glucose through glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon, delays gastric emptying, and promotes central satiety and appetite suppression — the classic incretin mechanism.
Both liraglutide and semaglutide are GLP-1 receptor agonists, but they differ in fatty-acid acylation and dosing interval. Liraglutide carries a C16 palmitic fatty acid (once-daily, ~13-hour half-life); semaglutide carries a C18 diacid with an AEEA linker and an Aib8 substitution (once-weekly, ~165-hour half-life). Liraglutide was the first once-daily GLP-1 RA and remains a key reference standard for head-to-head incretin research.
Two modifications extend liraglutide’s half-life: (1) Arg34Lys — substitution of Lys for Arg at position 34; and (2) Lys26 C16 palmitoyl acylation — a C16 palmitic (hexadecanoyl) fatty acid conjugated to Lys26 via a γ-glutamic acid spacer. These promote non-covalent self-association and reversible albumin binding, delaying DPP-IV degradation and renal clearance to yield a ~13-hour, once-daily profile.
Store liraglutide lyophilized powder at -20°C, desiccated and protected from light. Reconstitute in sterile water or PBS at 0.1–1.0 mg/mL, gently and without vortexing, and use promptly. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles; aliquot reconstituted solutions and store at -20°C for short-term use. Single-use aliquots are recommended for reproducible research.
Every order includes a COA (HPLC purity ≥98.0%, peptide content ≥90%, endotoxin ≤1.0 EU/mg, water content, counter-ion, heavy metals), MSDS, HPLC chromatogram, and MS (mass spectrometry) report. UPOR Biotech operates under ISO 9001, cGMP, and FDA facility registration. All liraglutide is supplied Research Use Only (RUO) — not for human diagnostic or therapeutic use.