Amylin Pharmaceuticals and Eli Lilly & Company are the proud formulators and marketers of the first of its kind in the latest class of medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, named as Exenatide - also popularly known as Exendidn-4 which is being marketed as Byetta.  Exenatide is derived from the saliva of the Gila monster and the 39 amino acid peptide that imitates the GLP-1 incretin which is the insulin secretagogue with glucoregulatory effects. 

The drug lessens the blood glucose levels automatically and may be merged with other medication like Pioglitazone, Metformin, Sulfonylurea and/or insulin for enhancing glucose control. However, the approved use of Exenatide is in combination with either of Sulfonylurea, Metformin and Thiazolinediones. As per the recommended dosage of this medication it is to be injected twice every day using the exclusively designed pre-filled pen device.

The characteristic human responses to Exenatide comprise progression in the preliminary quick discharge of endogenous insulin, inhibition of glucagons discharged by the pancreas, managing the emptying of gastric as well as diminished craving – all of which act for minimizing blood glucose. The drug is considered as self-managing for decreasing blood sugar levels when they are increased but not continuing to reduce blood sugar when they come back to normal levels, as with the use of Sulfonylurea or insulin. Salbutamol, sertraline, spironolactone and tamoxifen are amongst other significant medicines.

Byetta-Exenatide is the synthetic peptide having incretin-mimetic functions and was earlier recognized in the lizard Heloderma suspectum. The glucose dependent insulin secretion is improved by Exenatide-Byetta by the pancreatic beta-cell restrains improperly raised glucagons secretion and inhibits gastric emptying. The drug differs in chemical structure and pharmacological action from insulin.