The incretin mimetic, exenatide: a novel treatment option for type 2 diabetes Published by:

Exenatide, (BYETTA TM), is the first in a new class of agents termed incretin mimetics, which replicate several glucoregulatory effects of the endogenous incretin hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Currently approved (April 2005) in the United States as an injectable adjunct to metformin and/or sulphonylurea therapy, exenatide improves glycaemic control through multiple mechanisms of action including: enhancement of glucose-dependent insulin secretion, restoration of first-phase insulin response, suppression of inappropriately elevated glucagon secretion, slowing of gastric emptying and reduction in food intake. Subcutaneous exenatide injected twice