Both are GLP-1 receptor agonists. Beyond that they differ in molecule, FDA indication, dose ceiling, and — most importantly to most people reading this — what the scale actually does over the long run.
Semaglutide
Liraglutide
Same family (Novo Nordisk's GLP-1 line for obesity), generations apart. Saxenda is daily liraglutide (~5–8% mean weight loss). Wegovy is weekly semaglutide (~15%). Saxenda is now mostly relevant for patients who can't tolerate weekly drugs — the daily titration sometimes works for people whose stomach can't handle a once-weekly bolus.
Molecule
WegovySemaglutide
SaxendaLiraglutide
Receptor(s)
WegovyGLP-1
SaxendaGLP-1
Manufacturer
WegovyNovo Nordisk
SaxendaNovo Nordisk
FDA approval
WegovyJune 2021 (obesity); March 2024 (cardiovascular risk reduction)
SaxendaDecember 2014
Indication
WegovyChronic weight management in adults with BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with comorbidity; cardiovascular risk reduction
SaxendaChronic weight management
Delivery
WegovySubcutaneous injection, once weekly
SaxendaSubcutaneous injection, once daily
Dose ceiling
Wegovy2.4 mg weekly
Saxenda3.0 mg daily
Titration
Wegovy4 weeks per step (16 weeks to maintenance)
Saxenda1 week per step
Typical loss
Wegovy~14.9% mean body weight at 68 weeks in STEP-1 (vs 2.4% placebo); ~17% in adolescents (STEP TEENS)
Saxenda~5–8% body weight at 56 weeks (SCALE trial)
Cash list
Wegovy$1,350 list (often $0–$25 with commercial coverage)
Saxenda$1,350 list
On patent until
Wegovy2031 (US composition of matter)
SaxendaOff-patent; generic forms now available for daily liraglutide