Exenatide
Also known as · Byetta · Bydureon · Exendin-4
Overview
A synthetic version of exendin-4, a lizard-venom peptide with ≈ 53% homology to human GLP-1 but marked resistance to DPP-4 degradation. The first incretin mimetic brought to market.
Research profile · for clinicians
Based on research: the founding incretin mimetic. Studied for post-prandial glucose control, weight reduction, and — more recently — neuroprotective signalling in Parkinson's disease trials.
Mechanism of action
Resists DPP-4 cleavage at position 2, giving durable GLP-1 receptor agonism: glucose-dependent insulin release, glucagon suppression, delayed gastric emptying, and central satiety signalling.
Research record
- [01]AMIGO trials: HbA1c reduction of ≈ 0.8–1.0% with modest weight loss.
- [02]Exenatide-PD3 (Lancet, 2017): exploratory motor-score benefit in Parkinson's disease.
Selected references
Exenatide once weekly versus twice daily (DURATION-1)
Lancet, 2008
Exenatide once weekly in Parkinson's disease
Lancet, 2017
Research deep dive
Every cited study, explained
Plain-language walkthroughs of each reference, with direct PubMed links and dosing-literature context.