Library · Metabolic & weight · Treatment of type 2 diabetes and weight management
Exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon)
Byetta, Bydureon, AC2993, Exendin-4 (synthetic)
Synthetic GLP-1 receptor agonist marketed as twice-daily Byetta (approved 2005) and once-weekly extended-release Bydureon (approved 2012). Mimics GLP-1 to boost insulin, suppress glucagon, slow digestion, and reduce appetite in type 2 diabetes, often with modest weight loss.
Research score 90/100. Reference only, not a dose.
Boxed warning: Risk of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) with Bydureon BCise. Contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
- Blood Sugar Control
- Appetite Suppression
- GLP-1 Agonist
- Weight Loss
- Metabolic Enhancement
- Neuroprotective
- US status
- FDA Approved
- Approval
- FDA + EMA Approved
- Evidence
- Extensive Human Studies
- Research score
- 90 / 100
- Indication
- Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
- Origin
- USA
- Source category
- Digestive System
- Status group
- Approved / prescription
Mechanism
Shares 53% sequence identity with human GLP-1 and activates GLP-1 receptors on pancreatic beta cells via cAMP/PKA and PI3K/Akt signaling; resists DPP-4 breakdown for a longer half-life, slows gastric emptying via vagal signaling, and supports beta-cell survival through CREB activation.
Safety file
Boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors; common effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache; risks include pancreatitis, hypoglycemia with other diabetes drugs, kidney injury, and gallbladder disease.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Abdominal pain
- Injection site reactions
- Hypoglycemia (when used with sulfonylureas)
- Pancreatitis
- Kidney injury
- Gallbladder disease
- Severe allergic reactions