Exenatide: first-in-class incretin mimetic for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Exenatide is the first-in-class incretin mimetic for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Mechanistically, it mimics several of the glucoregulatory effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 including: 1) glucose-dependent insulin secretion via the glucose-dependent glucagon-like peptide-1 pancreatic receptor; 2) suppression of elevated plasma glucagon levels; 3) reduction in the rate of appearance of glucose into the systemic circulation by normalizing the accelerated rate of gastric emptying often present in Type 2 diabetes mellitus; 4) reduction of food intake, which in turn promotes weight loss; 5) stimulation of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor. AC reductions of approximately 1% can be expected with a baseline AC of 8.0-8.5%. Exenatide significantly reduces postprandial glucose levels, while having only a modest effect on the fasting plasma glucose. Hypoglycemic risk is no different to placebo when combined with metformin or a thiazolidinediones, but is higher when combined with a sulfonylurea, possibly requiring reduction in the sulfonylurea dose. Exenatide may cause gastrointestinal side effects upon initiation, which usually lessen over time. Gastrointestinal side effects can be reduced by starting exenatide 5 µg subcutaneously twice daily before meals; if tolerated, titration to 10 µg twice daily before meals at 1 month may further improve glycemia and weight loss.