Is Byetta the same as exenatide?

Byetta is a brand name for exenatide, the GLP-1 drug this site's profile lists as Byetta and Bydureon. They are not the same labeled product. Byetta is the twice-daily, fast-acting form (the body clears half of it in about 2.4 hours). Bydureon is the once-weekly form. Exenatide comes from exendin-4, found in Gila monster venom. It was the first FDA approved GLP-1 drug, in 2005. The largest study, EXSCEL, followed 14,752 people on weekly exenatide. Major heart events happened in 11.4% versus 12.2% on a dummy shot, which showed it was no worse, not that it was better. In the study behind its approval, 336 people on 10 micrograms twice daily saw long-term blood sugar (HbA1c) fall 0.78%, versus a 0.08% rise on a dummy shot. A prescription for one brand is not automatically a prescription for the other. Full record at /compounds/exenatide.

Educational use only. This database summarizes published research and is not medical advice. Where a dose appears it is a record of what a trial or clinic ran, or what people describe doing, with its source attached. Nothing here is a recommendation for personal use.

Part of glp-1 and metabolic peptides. Semaglutide, tirzepatide, retatrutide, and the rest of the incretin and glucagon receptor family.