EXEN
Exenatide (marketed as Byetta and Bydureon) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist originally derived from the saliva of the Gila monster lizard. It was the first GLP-1-based therapy approved for type 2 diabetes.
Regulatory status (as of Sept 2026)
FDA-approved (Byetta IR; Bydureon ER) for T2DM; ER formulation carries boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors.
See the FDA peptide regulatory tracker · Read our July 27, 2026 dispatch on the FDA PCAC peptide vote8 studies referenced · Last reviewed Oct 1, 2026 · Reviewed by The Peptide Dispatch Editorial Team · How we research & label content
Exenatide is an FDA-approved prescription drug. Exenatide (marketed as Byetta and Bydureon) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist originally derived from the saliva of the Gila monster lizard.
| Half-life | 2.4 hours (immediate-release) |
|---|---|
| How it's given in studies | Subcutaneous injection |
| Research stage | FDA-approved |
| Dosing | Published research: IR 5-10 µg SC BID (label) detailsIR 5-10 µg SC BID (label); ER 2 mg SC weekly (EXSCEL; Parkinson's trials).Community-reportedCommunity-reported: 5–10 mcg twice daily (IR) or 2 mg weekly (ER), subcutaneous injection |
Published-research dosing is what was given in the cited studies (species and units as reported). Community-reported dosing is what users describe, not from clinical studies. Neither is a recommendation. Not medical advice.
Where each point comes from: Clinicalhuman trials and FDA labels Lab / animalrodent, cell and ex vivo studies Community-reporteduser experience and commonly used protocols, not from clinical studies
In plain terms: It copies the gut hormone GLP-1, which helps the body release insulin when blood sugar is high and slows how fast the stomach empties. Proposed mechanism (GLP-1 receptor agonist pharmacology): binds to and activates GLP-1 receptors, enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppressing inappropriately elevated glucagon and slowing gastric emptying; central effects on satiety are also proposed. Its clinical effects come from the trials cited below (e.g. EXSCEL, Holman 2017).
How to read this: Each item below is an effect observed in research subjects in the cited studies — think of Dexter, our stand-in research subject. These are findings from the literature, not results you should expect, and not medical advice.
Community-reportedSome users report running Exenatide at 5–10 mcg twice daily (IR) or 2 mg weekly (ER) — subcutaneous injection. This is not a recommendation.
Community reports are anecdotal, vary widely in product quality and purity, and are not medical advice. Talk to a licensed provider.
Exenatide is a 39-amino acid peptide that shares approximately 53% sequence homology with human GLP-1. It was originally isolated from the saliva of the Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum), where it was identified as exendin-4 by Dr. John Eng in 1992. The peptide naturally resists degradation by the enzyme DPP-4, which rapidly breaks down native GLP-1, giving exenatide a much longer biological half-life. Exenatide was approved by the FDA in 2005 as Byetta (immediate-release, twice daily) and later in 2012 as Bydureon (extended-release, once weekly using microsphere technology). It was the first GLP-1 receptor agonist to reach market, paving the way for the entire class.
His-Gly-Glu-Gly-Thr-Phe-Thr-Ser-Asp-Leu-Ser-Lys-Gln-Met-Glu-Glu-Glu-Ala-Val-Arg-Leu-Phe-Ile-Glu-Trp-Leu-Lys-Asn-Gly-Gly-Pro-Ser-Ser-Gly-Ala-Pro-Pro-Pro-Ser-NH2 (39 amino acids)
Molecular Weight: 4,186.6 Da
Molecular Formula: C184H282N50O60S
Structure Details: Linear 39-amino acid peptide with C-terminal amidation. Derived from exendin-4 found in Gila monster venom. The C-terminal proline-rich region provides resistance to DPP-4 degradation.
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| Peptide | Half-Life | Route | Research Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exenatide | 2.4 hours (immediate-release) | Subcutaneous injection | FDA-approved |
| 5-Amino-1MQ | Unknown | Oral | Preclinical (animal) |
| AOD-9604 | No published PK data found | Subcutaneous injection | Discontinued |
| Adipotide (FTPP) | No published PK data found | Subcutaneous injection | Preclinical (animal) |
| Dulaglutide | ~5 days | Subcutaneous injection | FDA-approved |
Values reflect figures reported in published research. Compare any peptides side-by-side →
This peptide belongs to the Metabolic category. View All Metabolic Peptides
Research
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Dosing, half-life figures, and mechanism descriptions on this page are compiled from peer-reviewed published research, with the species and study type stated where reported. Figures labeled “Dosing used in published research” describe what was given in those studies and do not constitute dosing recommendations for any human use. Each cited paper is listed with DOI and PubMed links in the References section above. Found an error? Contact us.