Characteristics of GLP-1 RAs available for T2D treatment

CompoundApproval dateRouteMolecular weight (Da)Duration of actionHalf-lifeDosageFrequency and timing of administration
Daily administration
Exen B.I.D.2005 (FDA), 2006 (EMA)Injective4,186.6Short3–4 hStarting: 5 μg, maintenance: 10 μgTwice daily, within 60 min since morning and evening meal
Lira2009 (EMA), 2010 (FDA)Injective3,751.2Long12–14 hStarting: 0.6 mg, maintenance: 1.2 mg or 1.8 mgOnce daily, any time (independent of meals) but preferably at the same time each day
Lixi2013 (EMA), 2016 (FDA)Injective4,858.5Short2–3 hStarting: 10 μg, maintenance: 20 μgOnce daily, within 60 min of any meal (preferably the same meal each day)
Sema2019 (FDA), 2020 (EMA)Oral4,113.6Long6–7 daysStarting: 3 mg, maintenance: 7 mg or 14 mgOnce daily, empty stomach, 30 min before eating, drinking, or taking other oral medications
Weekly administration
Exen LAR2011 (EMA), 2012 (FDA)Injective4,186.6Long3–4 h2 mgOnce weekly, any time of day, with or without meals
Dula2014 (EMA/FDA)Injective59,670.6Long5–6 days0.75 mg or 1.5 mgOnce weekly, any time of day, with or without meals
Sema2017 (FDA), 2019 (EMA)Injective4,113.6Long6–7 daysStarting: 0.25 mg, maintenance: 0.5 mg or 1.0 mgOnce weekly, any time of day, with or without meals

B.I.D.: bis in die; Da: dalton; Dula: dulaglutide; EMA: European Medicines Agency; Exen: exenatide; FDA: Food and Drugs Administration; LAR: long-acting release; Lira: liraglutide; Lixi: lixisenatide; Sema: semaglutide