In this expansive episode of The Deep Dive, we explore the full lifecycle of liraglutide, a first-generation GLP-1 receptor agonist that helped redefine how we treat both type 2 diabetes and obesity. From the early 20th-century discovery of incretin hormones to the molecular engineering breakthroughs that enabled liraglutide’s once-daily dosing, the episode traces the drug’s scientific and clinical journey in vivid detail. We break down its mechanism of action—including glucose-dependent insulin secretion and appetite regulation through central satiety pathways—as well as its pharmacokinetic properties, such as albumin binding and extended half-life. Clinical trials are explored in depth, with attention to both its glycemic benefits and its weight loss efficacy in diverse populations, including those with prediabetes, sl ...