Liraglutide vs Exenatide half-life
Liraglutide has an elimination half-life of about 13 h; Exenatide has about 2.4 h. Exenatide, a synthetic version of a peptide found in Gila monster saliva, was the first GLP-1 agonist; its immediate-release form is injected twice daily. Liraglutide is injected once daily.
Side by side
| Liraglutide | Exenatide | |
|---|---|---|
| Half-life | 13 h | 2.4 h |
| Route | SC daily | SC twice daily |
| Category | GLP-1 & incretins | GLP-1 & incretins |
| Evidence | Clinical | Clinical |
| Remaining after 24 hours | 27.8% | 0.1% |
| Remaining after 7 days | 0.01% | <0.01% |
| ~97% cleared (5 half-lives) | 2.7 days | 12 h |
| Steady state (4-5 half-lives) | 2.2 days to 2.7 days | 9.6 h to 12 h |
Single-dose decay
Share of one dose remaining over time, assuming first-order elimination. Dashed lines mark each half-life.
Liraglutide (t½ 13 h) Exenatide (t½ 2.4 h)
Liraglutide: FDA label: about 13 hours. Exenatide: Immediate-release label value. Extended-release (Bydureon) is absorption-limited.
FAQ
Which lasts longer, Liraglutide or Exenatide?
Liraglutide lasts longer. Its half-life is about 13 h, versus 2.4 h for Exenatide, roughly 5.4 times longer.
How long do Liraglutide and Exenatide stay in your system?
With first-order elimination, about 97% of a single dose is cleared after five half-lives: roughly 2.7 days for Liraglutide and 12 h for Exenatide. Individual clearance varies.
How long until Liraglutide and Exenatide reach steady state?
With consistent repeated dosing, levels approach steady state after 4 to 5 half-lives: about 2.2 days to 2.7 days for Liraglutide, and 9.6 h to 12 h for Exenatide.
How reliable are these half-lives?
Liraglutide: Clinical evidence. Exenatide: Clinical evidence. Anecdotal values are community estimates and may be far off.