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Exenatide
Also known as Byetta, Bydureon, exendin-4.
Best known for The first GLP-1 drug, and it came from a lizard
Evidence★★★★☆
Safety dataWell characterised
Route Twice-daily or weekly injection
United StatesFDA approved (type 2 diabetes)
AustraliaSchedule 4
as at 16 September 2026
What it is
Exenatide is the first GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for human use, in 2005. It is a synthetic version of exendin-4, a peptide found in the saliva of the Gila monster, a venomous lizard native to the southwestern United States.
What the full entry covers
The book carries the rest of this entry:
- Where the research stands, with every claim cited
- What people commonly ask, and what the research shows so far
- Dosing in four labelled bands, described and not recommended
- Side effects, serious risks, cautions and interactions
- Questions to discuss with your doctor
- How it compares with Liraglutide, Semaglutide, Dulaglutide
Related entries
A certificate of analysis tells you what is in a vial. The evidence rating above tells you whether the compound has been shown to work in humans. Neither answers the other's question. How to read a certificate of analysis.
This page describes what is known and not known about Exenatide. It is not medical advice and not a recommendation to use it.