Liraglutide vs. Metformin: Comparing Effects in Obese Women with PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common and complex endocrine disorder affecting women, often leading to infertility, obesity, and various metabolic dysfunctions. Current therapeutic approaches, including metformin, aim to manage symptoms but often have varying degrees of success. This Phase 3 clinical trial was designed to directly compare the hormonal, metabolic, and clinical effects of liraglutide against metformin in obese, infertile women diagnosed with PCOS.

As a recently completed Phase 3 clinical trial (completion date March 30, 2025), the specific quantitative results comparing liraglutide and metformin in obese women with PCOS are not yet publicly available. The study's primary objective was to evaluate and compare the impact of these two interventions on a range of hormonal parameters (e.g., androgen levels, LH/FSH ratio), metabolic markers (e.g., insulin resistance, lipid profiles, weight loss), and clinical outcomes (e.g., menstrual regularity, ovulation rates, infertility markers). Researchers aimed to determine if liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, could offer superior or distinct benefits over metformin, a biguanide antihyperglycemic, across these critical areas. The ultimate goal is to identify which treatment, liraglutide or metformin, demonstrates a more significant positive effect on PCOS-related symptoms and fertility potential in this specific patient population.