Exenatide
Also called Byetta, Bydureon, Bydureon BCise, Exenatide immediate-release, Exenatide extended-release.
Exenatide had FDA-approved products that FDA records now list as discontinued. This page cites 2 sources, and the strongest evidence comes from human trials.
- Status
- Approved, now discontinued
- Form
- Pen injection
- Half-life
- Not modeled
- Strongest evidence
- Human trials
- Cited claims
- 2
- Last updated
- November 6, 2026
What the evidence says
Each claim names the kind of study behind it, what it can't tell you, and where it comes from.
Human trials
In DURATION-1, weekly extended-release exenatide lowered HbA1c more than twice-daily immediate-release exenatide over 30 weeks in 295 adults with type 2 diabetes.
Limits: This open-label trial compared specific research formulations. It did not establish that all extended-release devices are interchangeable, and its glycemic result does not establish weight-management approval or cardiovascular benefit.
Human trials
EXSCEL found weekly extended-release exenatide noninferior to placebo for major cardiovascular events in 14,752 adults with type 2 diabetes, but did not establish cardiovascular superiority.
Limits: Median follow-up was 3.2 years, and most participants had prior cardiovascular disease. A nonsignificant superiority test does not support a claim that exenatide prevents cardiovascular events better than placebo.
Regulatory status
United States
Byetta is the FDA-approved immediate-release subcutaneous exenatide product for adults with type 2 diabetes, alongside diet and exercise. Its label describes twice-daily administration before meals. This approval does not establish a weight-management indication or apply to every exenatide preparation.
United States
Bydureon BCise is the FDA-approved extended-release subcutaneous exenatide product for type 2 diabetes in adults and children aged 10 years or older, alongside diet and exercise. Its label describes weekly administration without a meal requirement. Its formulation and eligible age range differ from Byetta.
United States
FDA product records updated November 6, 2026 list the AstraZeneca Byetta and Bydureon BCise presentations as discontinued. Discontinued is a marketing category, not approval withdrawal. These records do not establish pharmacy stock or the availability of every exenatide presentation.