Exenatide improves glucose control among diabetes patients in mid-stage trial

SAN DIEGO — A once-monthly formulation of a drug made by Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Eli Lilly and Alkermes improved glucose control in patients with Type 2 diabetes, according to results of a mid-stage clinical trial presented at the American Diabetes Association’s 71st Scientific Sessions.

The three companies said once-monthly injections of the drug exenatide improved blood-sugar control and produced modest weight loss in the 121-patient phase-2 study.

Exenatide is the active ingredient of Byetta, which Amylin markets under an agreement with Lilly and Bydureon, a once-weekly formulation of Byetta currently undergoing regulatory review.