Sunday, May 22, 2005

Diabetes Drug Based on Gila Monster Saliva Approved by FDA

Byetta (exenatide) is the first among a new class of diabetes drugs called incretin mimetics -- synthetic medications that mimic action of a hormone that spurs insulin production after a person eats and blood sugar levels rise above a certain threshold. Traditional diabetes drugs that promote insulin production do so even if glucose levels aren't high enough, which could cause a dangerous low blood-sugar condition called hypoglycemia.

Byetta, derived from the lizard's saliva, mimics that action of the human hormone GLP-1, which prompts the body to secrete insulin and is also thought to play a role in deciding when a person feels full.


via: PakTribune

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