Exenatide
Exenatide is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist. Exenatide is a 39-amino-acid peptide originally isolated from Gila monster venom that shares partial homology with human GLP-1 while resisting degradation by dipeptidyl peptidase-4. It binds the GLP-1 receptor on pancreatic beta cells, enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppressing inappropriate glucagon release, and slowing gastric emptying.
For research use only.
Key Facts
- CAS
- 141758-74-9
- Molecular Weight (MW)
- 4187 g/mol
- Half-life
- —
- FDA status
- Approved
- Administration Route
- subcutaneous
- Frequency
- —
- Last updated
- Aug 30, 2026
- Reviewed
- Aug 30, 2026
Research summary
Synthetic form of exendin-4 and the first GLP-1 receptor agonist approved in the United States, marketed as Byetta (twice daily) and Bydureon (extended release). Approved as an adjunct to diet and exercise for glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes.
Peptide Library's Exenatide profile summarises 5 cited studies listed in the Science section, the compound's regulatory status, and research-protocol parameters reported for it. It is a research reference, not medical advice.
Protocol
- Dosage Range
- —
- Frequency
- —
- Cycle
- —
- Administration Route
- subcutaneous
- Reconstitution Guide
- —
Sequence & molecular data
| Amino acid sequence | 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 |
|---|---|
| Molecular formula | C184H282N50O60S |
| Molecular weight | 4187 g/mol |
| CAS number | 141758-74-9 |
| PubChem CID | 45588096 |
| FDA UNII | 9P1872D4OL |
Identifiers link to the public PubChem, FDA Substance Registration (UNII), ChEMBL and DrugBank records for the same entity.
Science
Mechanism of Action
Exenatide is a 39-amino-acid peptide originally isolated from Gila monster venom that shares partial homology with human GLP-1 while resisting degradation by dipeptidyl peptidase-4. It binds the GLP-1 receptor on pancreatic beta cells, enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppressing inappropriate glucagon release, and slowing gastric emptying. Because the insulinotropic effect is glucose-dependent, the risk of hypoglycaemia when used alone is low.
Studies
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of exenatide for the treatment of olanzapine-related weight gain in obese and overweight adults
- Effect on glycemic control of exenatide (synthetic exendin-4) additive to existing metformin and/or sulfonylurea treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes
- Exendin-4 for Parkinson's disease
- Protective effects of the GLP-1 mimetic exendin-4 in Parkinson's disease
- A Review of the Long-Term Efficacy, Tolerability, and Safety of Exenatide Once Weekly for Type 2 Diabetes
Regulatory & research status
Exenatide is an FDA-approved product for specific labelled indications. Approval does not extend to the research contexts described on this page, and approved products are prescription medicines.
| FDA status | Approved |
|---|---|
| Research status | Approved product (see FDA status) |
| Availability | Prescription-Only |
| WADA (sport) | Unknown / Not Listed |
| Library classification | FDA-Approved |
Benefits
—
Potential Side Effects
No side effects listed yet for this entry.
Storage & stability
Lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptide powder is far more stable than the reconstituted solution. Keep sealed vials cold, dry and away from light; long-term storage is typically frozen, with short-term refrigeration for vials in use.
Once reconstituted in bacteriostatic water, keep the solution refrigerated, avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles and agitation, and label the vial with the reconstitution date and concentration. Discard any solution that turns cloudy or shows particulates.
Degradation rates differ by sequence: peptides containing methionine, cysteine, asparagine or glutamine are more prone to oxidation and deamidation, so shelf life after reconstitution is compound-specific rather than universal.
Read the full guide: how to store peptides before and after reconstitution →
Source: Manning MC, Chou DK, Murphy BM, Payne RW, Katayama DS. Stability of protein pharmaceuticals: an update. Pharm Res. 2010;27(4):544–575. (PMID 20143256). General guidance for research handling; not product-specific instructions.
Exenatide: frequently asked questions
What is Exenatide?
Synthetic form of exendin-4 and the first GLP-1 receptor agonist approved in the United States, marketed as Byetta (twice daily) and Bydureon (extended release). Approved as an adjunct to diet and exercise for glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes.
How does Exenatide work?
Exenatide is a 39-amino-acid peptide originally isolated from Gila monster venom that shares partial homology with human GLP-1 while resisting degradation by dipeptidyl peptidase-4. It binds the GLP-1 receptor on pancreatic beta cells, enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppressing inappropriate glucagon release, and slowing gastric emptying.
Is Exenatide FDA approved?
Yes. Exenatide is approved by the FDA, and approved products are prescription medicines. Approval is always for specific indications studied in clinical trials, so an approved status does not mean the compound is approved for every use it is discussed for. Research-chemical material sold under the same name is not the approved product.
What is the amino acid sequence of Exenatide?
Exenatide has the sequence 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, giving a chain of 39 amino acids. Its molecular formula is C184H282N50O60S.
What peptides are similar to Exenatide?
Compounds most often compared with Exenatide include Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, Retatrutide and Liraglutide. They are grouped by shared mechanism or research area rather than by equivalence, and their regulatory status and evidence base differ.
References
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of exenatide for the treatment of olanzapine-related weight gain in obese and overweight adults — J Affect Disord, 2025External reference
- Effect on glycemic control of exenatide (synthetic exendin-4) additive to existing metformin and/or sulfonylurea treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes — Diabetes Care, 2003External reference
- Exendin-4 for Parkinson's disease — Brain Circ, 2021External reference
- Protective effects of the GLP-1 mimetic exendin-4 in Parkinson's disease — Neuropharmacology, 2018External reference
- A Review of the Long-Term Efficacy, Tolerability, and Safety of Exenatide Once Weekly for Type 2 Diabetes — Adv Ther, 2017External reference
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Compiled by Peptide Library Editorial · Reviewed Aug 30, 2026 · Updated Aug 30, 2026 · Version 1
This Exenatide profile is compiled from published literature (5 cited studies linked above), public regulatory records and chemical registries. It describes what research reports; it is not medical advice, and nothing here is a dosing recommendation for humans. Peptide Library does not sell peptides. Editorial policy · How profiles are compiled · Report an error
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