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IndexedBuilt automatically from public databases on 2026-09-30. Not yet hand-reviewed by PLOBT.How this works →

Exenatide

FDA approved · Rx

GLP-1 receptor agonist

Also known as: Byetta, Bydureon, Bydureon Pen, Exendin 4, PT302, exenatidum, Exendin 4 (Heloderma suspectum)

Evidence score
95/ 100
Strong evidence

Strong, human-grade evidence

  • Regulatory standing. FDA-approved prescription medicine
  • Human trials. Backed by controlled human studies
  • Registered human trials. 379 registered studies on ClinicalTrials.gov, most advanced Phase 4
  • 2 cited sources. Includes primary / regulatory sources

Computed with the same four public criteria as every profile. The human-evidence grade on an indexed profile is set automatically and may change when it is hand-reviewed. It is not a safety score, not a purity rating, and not medical advice, and not a claim that this compound treats, cures, or prevents any condition.

What it is

Exenatide is a synthetic version of exendin-4, a 39 amino acid peptide first found in the saliva of the Gila monster lizard. It activates the GLP-1 receptor, which increases glucose-dependent insulin release, lowers glucagon, and slows stomach emptying. It is sold under brand names including Byetta and Bydureon.

What the evidence shows

Automatic summaryHuman trials

Exenatide is FDA approved for improving blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, supported by hundreds of registered human trials reaching Phase 4. Uses outside that approved indication, such as for weight loss alone or neurological conditions, remain under study and are not established.

Key facts

Molecular formula
C184H282N50O60S
Molecular weight
4187 g/mol
FDA approval
Confirmed on openFDA

Registered human trials

Live from ClinicalTrials.gov, refreshed daily.

379registered studies
Phase 4most advanced phase
78completed (sample)
2recruiting (sample)

Metformin vs Metformin Combined With GLP-1RA (Glucagon-like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonist) on Overweight/Obese PCOS Patients

Phase 4UnknownNCT04029272

BESTMED: Observational Evaluation of Second Line Therapy Medications in Diabetes

UnknownNCT05161429

GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Lixisenatide Versus Exenatide in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes for Glycemic Control and Safety Evaluation, on Top of Metformin

Phase 3CompletedNCT00707031

COMBinAtion Therapy in Myocardial Infarction: The COMBAT-MI Trial

Phase 3CompletedNCT02404376

Published literature

Live from Europe PMC. This is how much has been published, not how much is proven in humans.

2,902papers referencing Exenatide

The incretin system: glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors in type 2 diabetes.

Lancet2006

Effects of Once-Weekly Exenatide on Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes.

N Engl J Med2017

Cardiovascular, mortality, and kidney outcomes with GLP-1 receptor agonists in patients with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cardiovascular outcome trials.

Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol2019

GLP-1 receptor agonists in the treatment of type 2 diabetes - state-of-the-art.

Mol Metab2021

Sources

Risks, side effects and study doses are only published on hand-reviewed profiles. Want this one reviewed, or spotted something wrong? Tell us.