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

Abstract

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-daily before morning and evening meals shows immediate and sustained effects on both postprandial and fasting glucose concentrations and is accompanied by reductions in body weight. Since the actions of exenatide on insulin and glucagon secretion are glucose dependent, the risk of hypoglycaemia is minimised except when exenatide is used in conjunction with agents that induce hypoglycaemia, such as sulphonylureas. Mild-to-moderate nausea is the most common side effect, which can be reduced with dose titration upon initiation of therapy. The incretin mimetic, exenatide, is a novel therapeutic option to improve glycaemic control with potential weight reduction in patients with type 2 diabetes suboptimally controlled with metformin or a sulphonylurea.