The Origin of Byetta

Byetta is a medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Byetta is the market name for exenatide.

Origin

Byetta is synthesized from a hormone found in the saliva of the lizard of the class Heloderma suspectum. It is a venomous reptile better known as the Gila monster.

Manufacture

Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Company manufactures Byetta. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved of the drug in 2005.

Use

Byetta is used to treat high blood sugar levels caused by type 2 diabetes, and is administered via injection.

Purpose

Byetta provides a number of functions. It helps pancreatic cells produce insulin when there is too much sugar in the blood, assists in liver cells decreasing the amount of sugar that the liver puts in the blood, and monitors the amount of sugar that enters the body.

Risks

Soon after it hit the market, there were reports that Byetta adversely affected kidney function, as well as trigger nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In response to this, the FDA approved of Eli Lilly and Company's revisions of the drug in 2009.