Exenatide Tracker App
Track Byetta (Twice-Daily) and Bydureon (Weekly) in Shotlee
Exenatide is the active ingredient in both Byetta (5/10 mcg twice daily, approved 2005) and Bydureon (2 mg once weekly, approved 2012). Based on exendin-4 from Gila monster venom, exenatide was the first GLP-1 receptor agonist ever approved — founding the class that now includes semaglutide, tirzepatide, and retatrutide. Track either formulation in Shotlee.
What Is Exenatide?
Exenatide is a synthetic analogue of exendin-4, a peptide originally discovered in the venom of the Gila monster lizard. With 53% sequence homology to human GLP-1 and natural resistance to DPP-4 degradation, exenatide was the compound that proved the GLP-1 receptor agonist class concept could work clinically. The FDA approved Byetta (twice-daily exenatide) on April 28, 2005 — the founding date of the modern GLP-1 drug class.
Exenatide is available in two formulations with very different dosing profiles. Byetta (5/10 mcg BID) requires meal-timed twice-daily injections and has a 2.4-hour half-life. Bydureon (2 mg weekly) uses PLGA microsphere depot technology to release exenatide slowly over 7 days. Both target the same GLP-1 receptor via the same mechanism, but Bydureon achieves more consistent plasma levels and better tolerability than Byetta.
Exenatide Formulations and Doses
Starting dose for twice-daily exenatide. Inject within 60 min before breakfast and dinner. At least 6 hours between doses.
Maintenance dose for Byetta. Twice-daily meal-timed injection. Most clinical trial efficacy data uses this dose.
Single fixed dose for once-weekly extended-release exenatide. No titration required. DURATION-1: -1.6% HbA1c at 30 weeks.
Exenatide Clinical Data
What to Track in Shotlee
Whether you use Byetta twice daily or Bydureon weekly, Shotlee supports both dosing schedules with equal precision.
Protocol FAQs
Both contain exenatide. Byetta (5/10 mcg twice daily) requires meal-timed injections with a 2.4-hour half-life. Bydureon (2 mg once weekly) uses microsphere depot technology for slow 7-day release. Bydureon achieves more consistent levels, less nausea, and slightly better HbA1c reduction vs Byetta.
Semaglutide (Ozempic weekly) outperforms both exenatide formulations on HbA1c reduction (1.4–1.9% vs 0.8–1.6%) and weight loss (3–6 kg vs 2–4 kg), and has demonstrated cardiovascular mortality benefit (SELECT trial). Exenatide remains relevant where cost or formulary access favours it.
In the 1990s, researcher John Eng discovered exendin-4 in Gila monster venom — a peptide with significant GLP-1 receptor activity and DPP-4 resistance. Its natural resistance to degradation was what made a practical GLP-1 drug possible. This discovery ultimately led to the entire modern GLP-1 drug class.
Yes, particularly for cost-sensitive prescribing, patients with established stable control, and markets with limited semaglutide access. The EXSCEL trial confirmed Bydureon is CV-safe (non-inferior). For patients needing maximum HbA1c or weight reduction, semaglutide or tirzepatide are preferred.
Start a new medication entry in Shotlee for Bydureon when you switch. Your Byetta history remains in the app as a reference. Note that Bydureon takes 6–7 weeks to reach steady state — your HbA1c response should be assessed at the 3-month mark after switching.