Liraglutide once a day versus exenatide twice a day for type 2 diabetes: a 26-week randomised, parallel-group, multinational, open-label trial (LEAD-6).

Buse JB, Rosenstock J, Sesti G, Schmidt WE, Montanya E, Brett JH, Zychma M, Blonde L

Lancet (London, England)8 Jun 2009Cited by 1,104 (Europe PMC)

PMID19515413DOI10.1016/s0140-6736(09)60659-0PepBankPUB-19515413

Publisher page PubMedAsk about this study

Summary

The text of this summary is not shown here, because the article license does not allow reuse. Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)

Text rights: Publisher copyright. Results still quote short attributed sentences.

Results from this study16

16 results from studies that gave the peptide. 16 results from people.

01HumanRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In adults with type 2 diabetes, liraglutide 1.8 mg reduced HbA1c by 1.12% versus 0.79% with exenatide, a significant difference.
In plain wordsIn adults with type 2 diabetes, liraglutide lowered HbA1c more than exenatide did.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
DecreaseHbA1c change
Study
n = 464
Comparator
Exenatide 10 microg twice a day
Analysis
Primary
Outcome group
Glycemic control · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
1.8 mg once a day · 26 weeksAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
HbA1c change
−1.12%
liraglutide
HbA1c change
−0.79%
exenatide
estimated treatment difference
−0.33%
95% CI -0.47 to -0.18
Source sentences
Summary
Liraglutide reduced mean HbA(1c) significantly more than did exenatide (-1.12% [SE 0.08] vs -0.79% [0.08]; estimated treatment difference -0.33; 95% CI -0.47 to -0.18; p<0.0001)
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Adults with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes on maximally tolerated doses of metformin, sulphonylurea, or both, were stratified by previous oral antidiabetic therapy and randomly assigned to receive additional liraglutide 1.8 mg once a day (n=233) or exenatide 10 microg twice a day (n=231) in…
Report a problemFND-1951541301
02HumanRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In adults with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes, exenatide reduced HbA1c less than liraglutide.
In plain wordsIn adults with type 2 diabetes, exenatide lowered HbA1c less than liraglutide.
Peptide
Exenatide (exendin-4)
Outcome
DecreaseHbA1c reduction
Study
n = 464
Comparator
Liraglutide 1.8 mg once daily
Analysis
Primary
Outcome group
Glycemic control · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
10 microg twice daily · 26 weeksAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
HbA1c change
−0.79%
exenatide
HbA1c change
−1.12%
liraglutide
Estimated treatment difference in HbA1c change
−0.33%
estimated treatment difference (liraglutide versus exenatide)
95% CI of treatment difference
−0.47 to −0.18%
estimated treatment difference (liraglutide versus exenatide)
Source sentences
Summary
Liraglutide reduced mean HbA(1c) significantly more than did exenatide (-1.12% [SE 0.08] vs -0.79% [0.08]; estimated treatment difference -0.33; 95% CI -0.47 to -0.18; p<0.0001)
3 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
The primary outcome was change in glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA(1c)).
Summary · context
Adults with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes on maximally tolerated doses of metformin, sulphonylurea, or both, were stratified by previous oral antidiabetic therapy
Summary · context
and randomly assigned to receive additional liraglutide 1.8 mg once a day (n=233) or exenatide 10 microg twice a day (n=231) in a 26-week open-label, parallel-group, multinational (15 countries) study.
Report a problemFND-1951541308
03HumanRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In adults with type 2 diabetes, 54% reached HbA1c below 7% with liraglutide versus 43% with exenatide.
In plain wordsIn adults with type 2 diabetes, more people reached the HbA1c target with liraglutide than with exenatide.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
IncreasePatients reaching HbA1c below 7%
Study
n = 464
Comparator
Exenatide 10 microg twice a day
Outcome group
Glycemic control · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
1.8 mg once a day · 26 weeksAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
patients with HbA1c < 7%
54%
liraglutide
patients with HbA1c < 7%
43%
exenatide
Source sentences
Summary
and more patients achieved a HbA(1c) value of less than 7% (54%vs 43%, respectively; odds ratio 2.02; 95% CI 1.31 to 3.11; p=0.0015).
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Adults with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes on maximally tolerated doses of metformin, sulphonylurea, or both, were stratified by previous oral antidiabetic therapy and randomly assigned to receive additional liraglutide 1.8 mg once a day (n=233) or exenatide 10 microg twice a day (n=231) in…
Report a problemFND-1951541302
04HumanRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In adults with type 2 diabetes, liraglutide lowered fasting plasma glucose by 1.61 mmol/L versus 0.60 mmol/L with exenatide.
In plain wordsIn adults with type 2 diabetes, liraglutide lowered fasting blood glucose more than exenatide did.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
DecreaseFasting plasma glucose change
Study
n = 464
Comparator
Exenatide 10 microg twice a day
Outcome group
Glycemic control · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
1.8 mg once a day · 26 weeksAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
fasting plasma glucose change
−1.61 mmol/L
liraglutide
fasting plasma glucose change
−0.6 mmol/L
exenatide
Source sentences
Summary
Liraglutide reduced mean fasting plasma glucose more than did exenatide (-1.61 mmol/L [SE 0.20] vs -0.60 mmol/L [0.20]; estimated treatment difference -1.01 mmol/L; 95% CI -1.37 to -0.65; p<0.0001)
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Adults with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes on maximally tolerated doses of metformin, sulphonylurea, or both, were stratified by previous oral antidiabetic therapy and randomly assigned to receive additional liraglutide 1.8 mg once a day (n=233) or exenatide 10 microg twice a day (n=231) in…
Report a problemFND-1951541303
05HumanRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In adults with type 2 diabetes, postprandial glucose control after breakfast and dinner was less effective with liraglutide than with exenatide.
In plain wordsIn adults with type 2 diabetes, blood sugar control after breakfast and dinner was weaker with liraglutide than with exenatide.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
DecreasePostprandial glucose control after breakfast and dinner
Study
n = 464
Comparator
Exenatide 10 microg twice a day
Outcome group
Glycemic control · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
1.8 mg once a day · 26 weeksAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
but postprandial glucose control was less effective after breakfast and dinner.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Adults with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes on maximally tolerated doses of metformin, sulphonylurea, or both, were stratified by previous oral antidiabetic therapy and randomly assigned to receive additional liraglutide 1.8 mg once a day (n=233) or exenatide 10 microg twice a day (n=231) in…
Report a problemFND-1951541304
06HumanRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In adults with type 2 diabetes, liraglutide and exenatide produced similar weight losses (-3.24 kg versus -2.87 kg).
In plain wordsIn adults with type 2 diabetes, liraglutide and exenatide led to similar weight loss.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
No significant changeWeight change
Study
n = 464
Comparator
Exenatide 10 microg twice a day
Outcome group
Body weight · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
1.8 mg once a day · 26 weeksAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
weight change
−3.24 kg
liraglutide
weight change
−2.87 kg
exenatide
Source sentences
Summary
Both drugs promoted similar weight losses (liraglutide -3.24 kg vs exenatide -2.87 kg).
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Adults with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes on maximally tolerated doses of metformin, sulphonylurea, or both, were stratified by previous oral antidiabetic therapy and randomly assigned to receive additional liraglutide 1.8 mg once a day (n=233) or exenatide 10 microg twice a day (n=231) in…
Report a problemFND-1951541305
07HumanRandomized controlled trialSafety outcome
In adults with type 2 diabetes, nausea was less persistent with liraglutide than with exenatide (treatment rate ratio 0.448).
In plain wordsIn adults with type 2 diabetes, nausea lasted less long with liraglutide than with exenatide.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
DecreaseNausea persistence
Study
n = 464
Comparator
Exenatide 10 microg twice a day
Outcome group
Gastrointestinal adverse events · Gastrointestinal
Studied dose
1.8 mg once a day · 26 weeksAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
estimated treatment rate ratio
0.448 ratio
nausea, liraglutide vs exenatide
Source sentences
Summary
nausea was less persistent (estimated treatment rate ratio 0.448, p<0.0001)
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Adults with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes on maximally tolerated doses of metformin, sulphonylurea, or both, were stratified by previous oral antidiabetic therapy and randomly assigned to receive additional liraglutide 1.8 mg once a day (n=233) or exenatide 10 microg twice a day (n=231) in…
Report a problemFND-1951541306
08HumanRandomized controlled trialSafety outcome
In adults with type 2 diabetes, minor hypoglycaemia was less frequent with liraglutide than with exenatide (25.5% versus 33.6% of patients).
In plain wordsIn adults with type 2 diabetes, minor low blood sugar happened less often with liraglutide than with exenatide.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
DecreaseMinor hypoglycaemia
Study
n = 464
Comparator
Exenatide 10 microg twice a day
Outcome group
Adverse events · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
1.8 mg once a day · 26 weeksAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
minor hypoglycaemia rate
1.93 events per patient per year
liraglutide
minor hypoglycaemia rate
2.6 events per patient per year
exenatide
patients with minor hypoglycaemia
25.5%
liraglutide
patients with minor hypoglycaemia
33.6%
exenatide
Source sentences
Summary
minor hypoglycaemia less frequent with liraglutide than with exenatide (1.93 vs 2.60 events per patient per year; rate ratio 0.55; 95% CI 0.34 to 0.88; p=0.0131; 25.5%vs 33.6% had minor hypoglycaemia)
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Adults with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes on maximally tolerated doses of metformin, sulphonylurea, or both, were stratified by previous oral antidiabetic therapy and randomly assigned to receive additional liraglutide 1.8 mg once a day (n=233) or exenatide 10 microg twice a day (n=231) in…
Report a problemFND-1951541307
09HumanRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In adults with type 2 diabetes, fewer exenatide recipients than liraglutide recipients achieved HbA1c below 7%.
In plain wordsIn adults with type 2 diabetes, fewer people reached HbA1c below 7% with exenatide than with liraglutide.
Peptide
Exenatide (exendin-4)
Outcome
DecreaseHbA1c below 7%
Study
n = 464
Comparator
Liraglutide 1.8 mg once daily
Outcome group
Glycemic control · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
10 microg twice daily · 26 weeksAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
HbA1c below 7%
43%
exenatide
HbA1c below 7%
54%
liraglutide
Odds ratio for HbA1c below 7% (liraglutide versus exenatide)
2.02
liraglutide versus exenatide
95% CI of odds ratio
1.31 to 3.11
liraglutide versus exenatide
Source sentences
Summary
Liraglutide reduced mean HbA(1c) significantly more than did exenatide (-1.12% [SE 0.08] vs -0.79% [0.08]; estimated treatment difference -0.33; 95% CI -0.47 to -0.18; p<0.0001) and more patients achieved a HbA(1c) value of less than 7% (54%vs 43%, respectively; odds ratio 2.02; 95% CI 1.31 to 3.11; p=0.0015).
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Adults with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes on maximally tolerated doses of metformin, sulphonylurea, or both, were stratified by previous oral antidiabetic therapy
Summary · context
and randomly assigned to receive additional liraglutide 1.8 mg once a day (n=233) or exenatide 10 microg twice a day (n=231) in a 26-week open-label, parallel-group, multinational (15 countries) study.
Report a problemFND-1951541309
10HumanRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In adults with type 2 diabetes, exenatide reduced fasting plasma glucose less than liraglutide.
In plain wordsIn adults with type 2 diabetes, exenatide lowered fasting blood sugar less than liraglutide.
Peptide
Exenatide (exendin-4)
Outcome
DecreaseFasting plasma glucose reduction
Study
n = 464
Comparator
Liraglutide 1.8 mg once daily
Outcome group
Glycemic control · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
10 microg twice daily · 26 weeksAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
Fasting plasma glucose change
−0.6 mmol/L
exenatide
Fasting plasma glucose change
−1.61 mmol/L
liraglutide
Estimated treatment difference in fasting plasma glucose change
−1.01 mmol/L
estimated treatment difference (liraglutide versus exenatide)
95% CI of treatment difference
−1.37 to −0.65 mmol/L
estimated treatment difference (liraglutide versus exenatide)
Source sentences
Summary
Liraglutide reduced mean fasting plasma glucose more than did exenatide (-1.61 mmol/L [SE 0.20] vs -0.60 mmol/L [0.20]; estimated treatment difference -1.01 mmol/L; 95% CI -1.37 to -0.65; p<0.0001)
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Adults with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes on maximally tolerated doses of metformin, sulphonylurea, or both, were stratified by previous oral antidiabetic therapy
Summary · context
and randomly assigned to receive additional liraglutide 1.8 mg once a day (n=233) or exenatide 10 microg twice a day (n=231) in a 26-week open-label, parallel-group, multinational (15 countries) study.
Report a problemFND-1951541310
11HumanRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In adults with type 2 diabetes, postprandial glucose control after breakfast and dinner was less effective with liraglutide than with exenatide.
In plain wordsIn adults with type 2 diabetes, blood sugar control after breakfast and dinner was better with exenatide than with liraglutide.
Peptide
Exenatide (exendin-4)
Outcome
DecreasePostprandial glucose control after breakfast and dinner
Study
n = 464
Comparator
Liraglutide 1.8 mg once daily
Outcome group
Glycemic control · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
10 microg twice daily · 26 weeksAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
Liraglutide reduced mean fasting plasma glucose more than did exenatide (-1.61 mmol/L [SE 0.20] vs -0.60 mmol/L [0.20]; estimated treatment difference -1.01 mmol/L; 95% CI -1.37 to -0.65; p<0.0001) but postprandial glucose control was less effective after breakfast and dinner.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Adults with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes on maximally tolerated doses of metformin, sulphonylurea, or both, were stratified by previous oral antidiabetic therapy
Summary · context
and randomly assigned to receive additional liraglutide 1.8 mg once a day (n=233) or exenatide 10 microg twice a day (n=231) in a 26-week open-label, parallel-group, multinational (15 countries) study.
Report a problemFND-1951541311
12HumanRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In adults with type 2 diabetes, exenatide and liraglutide produced similar weight loss.
In plain wordsIn adults with type 2 diabetes, weight loss was similar with exenatide and liraglutide.
Peptide
Exenatide (exendin-4)
Outcome
No significant changeWeight loss
Study
n = 464
Comparator
Liraglutide 1.8 mg once daily
Outcome group
Body weight · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
10 microg twice daily · 26 weeksAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
Body weight change
−2.87 kg
exenatide
Body weight change
−3.24 kg
liraglutide
Source sentences
Summary
Both drugs promoted similar weight losses (liraglutide -3.24 kg vs exenatide -2.87 kg).
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Adults with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes on maximally tolerated doses of metformin, sulphonylurea, or both, were stratified by previous oral antidiabetic therapy
Summary · context
and randomly assigned to receive additional liraglutide 1.8 mg once a day (n=233) or exenatide 10 microg twice a day (n=231) in a 26-week open-label, parallel-group, multinational (15 countries) study.
Report a problemFND-1951541313
13HumanRandomized controlled trialSafety outcome
In adults with type 2 diabetes, nausea persisted longer with exenatide than with liraglutide.
In plain wordsIn adults with type 2 diabetes, nausea lasted longer with exenatide than with liraglutide.
Peptide
Exenatide (exendin-4)
Outcome
IncreaseNausea persistence
Study
n = 464
Comparator
Liraglutide 1.8 mg once daily
Outcome group
Gastrointestinal adverse events · Gastrointestinal
Studied dose
10 microg twice daily · 26 weeksAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
Nausea treatment rate ratio (liraglutide versus exenatide)
0.448
liraglutide versus exenatide
Source sentences
Summary
Both drugs were well tolerated, but nausea was less persistent (estimated treatment rate ratio 0.448, p<0.0001) and minor hypoglycaemia less frequent with liraglutide than with exenatide (1.93 vs 2.60 events per patient per year; rate ratio 0.55; 95% CI 0.34 to 0.88; p=0.0131; 25.5%vs 33.6% had minor hypoglycaemia).
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
and minor hypoglycaemia less frequent with liraglutide than with exenatide
Summary · context
Adults with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes on maximally tolerated doses of metformin, sulphonylurea, or both, were stratified by previous oral antidiabetic therapy and randomly assigned to receive additional liraglutide 1.8 mg once a day (n=233) or exenatide 10 microg twice a day (n=231) in…
Report a problemFND-1951541314
14HumanRandomized controlled trialSafety outcome
In adults with type 2 diabetes, minor hypoglycaemia occurred more frequently with exenatide than with liraglutide.
In plain wordsIn adults with type 2 diabetes, minor low blood sugar occurred more frequently with exenatide than with liraglutide.
Peptide
Exenatide (exendin-4)
Outcome
IncreaseMinor hypoglycaemia event rate
Study
n = 464
Comparator
Liraglutide 1.8 mg once daily
Outcome group
Adverse events · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
10 microg twice daily · 26 weeksAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
Minor hypoglycaemia rate
2.6 events per patient per year
exenatide
Minor hypoglycaemia rate
1.93 events per patient per year
liraglutide
Rate ratio for minor hypoglycaemia (liraglutide versus exenatide)
0.55
liraglutide versus exenatide
95% CI of rate ratio
0.34 to 0.88
liraglutide versus exenatide
Source sentences
Summary
and minor hypoglycaemia less frequent with liraglutide than with exenatide (1.93 vs 2.60 events per patient per year; rate ratio 0.55; 95% CI 0.34 to 0.88; p=0.0131
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Adults with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes on maximally tolerated doses of metformin, sulphonylurea, or both, were stratified by previous oral antidiabetic therapy
Summary · context
and randomly assigned to receive additional liraglutide 1.8 mg once a day (n=233) or exenatide 10 microg twice a day (n=231) in a 26-week open-label, parallel-group, multinational (15 countries) study.
Report a problemFND-1951541315
15HumanRandomized controlled trialSafety outcome
In adults with type 2 diabetes, more exenatide recipients than liraglutide recipients experienced minor hypoglycaemia.
In plain wordsIn adults with type 2 diabetes, more people experienced minor low blood sugar with exenatide than with liraglutide.
Peptide
Exenatide (exendin-4)
Outcome
IncreasePatients with minor hypoglycaemia
Study
n = 464
Comparator
Liraglutide 1.8 mg once daily
Outcome group
Adverse events · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
10 microg twice daily · 26 weeksAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
Patients with minor hypoglycaemia
33.6%
exenatide
Patients with minor hypoglycaemia
25.5%
liraglutide
Source sentences
Summary
and minor hypoglycaemia less frequent with liraglutide than with exenatide (1.93 vs 2.60 events per patient per year; rate ratio 0.55; 95% CI 0.34 to 0.88; p=0.0131; 25.5%vs 33.6% had minor hypoglycaemia).
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Adults with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes on maximally tolerated doses of metformin, sulphonylurea, or both, were stratified by previous oral antidiabetic therapy
Summary · context
and randomly assigned to receive additional liraglutide 1.8 mg once a day (n=233) or exenatide 10 microg twice a day (n=231) in a 26-week open-label, parallel-group, multinational (15 countries) study.
Report a problemFND-1951541316
16HumanRandomized controlled trialSafety outcome
In adults with type 2 diabetes, two patients taking exenatide with a sulphonylurea had a major hypoglycaemic episode.
In plain wordsTwo adults with type 2 diabetes who took exenatide with a sulphonylurea experienced a major low blood sugar episode.
Peptide
Exenatide (exendin-4)
Outcome
Not applicableMajor hypoglycaemic episode
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Adverse events · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
10 microg twice daily · 26 weeksAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
Patients with major hypoglycaemia
2 patients
exenatide with a sulphonylurea
Source sentences
Summary
Two patients taking both exenatide and a sulphonylurea had a major hypoglycaemic episode.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Adults with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes on maximally tolerated doses of metformin, sulphonylurea, or both, were stratified by previous oral antidiabetic therapy
Summary · context
and randomly assigned to receive additional liraglutide 1.8 mg once a day (n=233) or exenatide 10 microg twice a day (n=231) in a 26-week open-label, parallel-group, multinational (15 countries) study.
Report a problemFND-1951541317

AI wrote and checked these results. AI can make mistakes, so check important results against the source.

Registered trials2

Trials this study reports on, or that list this study as a reference. Registry data from ClinicalTrials.gov.

2 trials · 1 completed · 1 with posted results · source ClinicalTrials.gov (opens in a new tab)

Status unknownPhase 3NCT03421119

Comparing Efficacy and Safety of CinnaGen-liraglutide Versus Victoza® in Patients With Type II Diabetes

Cinnagenn = 300est. 20 Jun 2019 to est. 1 Dec 2019

Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 6 Feb 2019

CompletedPhase 3Results postedNCT00518882

Effect of Liraglutide or Exenatide Added to an Ongoing Treatment on Blood Glucose Control in Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes

Novo Nordisk A/Sn = 467Aug 2007 to Apr 2009

Diabetes · Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 8 Mar 2017

Version history

PepBank keeps every version of the data on this study. Status changes from Retraction Watch, Europe PMC and Crossref are listed with their source.

Versions 4 to 8Current
28 Oct 2026, 02:03 UTC
The same notice was added 5 times, first on 22 Oct 2026, 02:26 UTC. The status did not change between them.
Study results updated
Version 3
21 Oct 2026, 18:59 UTC
Study data updated · source update from Europe PMC
Version 2
12 Oct 2026, 12:10 UTC
Study results updated
Version 1
9 Oct 2026, 03:05 UTC
First added · source update from Europe PMC