About Saxenda®
Class: Brand liraglutide for weight loss
Brand/Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk
Dosing: Daily subcutaneous (3.0 mg)
Mean weight loss: 8.0%
Pivotal trial: SCALE
Saxenda® is Novo Nordisk's brand-name daily liraglutide approved for chronic weight management. SCALE showed 8.0% mean weight loss at 56 weeks. Retail $1,349/month. Largely replaced by weekly semaglutide and tirzepatide.
Mechanism of action
Saxenda® acts on the GLP-1 receptor (and GIP receptor in the case of tirzepatide), producing four primary effects: central appetite suppression, delayed gastric emptying, glucose-dependent insulin release, and glucagon suppression. The combined effect on body weight averaged across pivotal trials is 8.0% body weight reduction at the trial endpoint.
Clinical evidence
The pivotal trial supporting Saxenda®'s weight management indication is SCALE. Detailed data including primary and secondary endpoints, population characteristics, and adverse event frequencies is summarized on our clinical research page.
How to access Saxenda® via telehealth
Saxenda® is available through several U.S. telehealth providers. Compounded versions (where applicable) are dispensed by 503A licensed compounding pharmacies and 503B FDA-registered outsourcing facilities. NexLife is our editorial #1 pick for Saxenda® access — see the side panel for details.
FAQ
Is Saxenda® FDA-approved?
The brand-name versions of Saxenda® are FDA-approved for the indications listed above. Compounded versions are not FDA-approved.
How much does Saxenda® cost?
Brand-name Saxenda® typically costs hundreds to over a thousand dollars per month at retail. Compounded equivalents (where available) cost significantly less. See our cost guide for verified May 2026 pricing.