Effect on Glycemic Control of Exenatide (Synthetic Exendin-4) Additive to Existing Metformin and/or Sulfonylurea Treatment in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract
OBJECTIVE—AC2993 (synthetic exendin-4; exenatide) is a peptide that enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppresses inappropriately elevated glucagon secretion, and slows gastric emptying. AC2993 also promotes β-cell proliferation and neogenesis in vitro and in animal models. This study examines the activity and safety of subcutaneously injected AC2993 in patients with type 2 diabetes currently treated with diet and/or oral antidiabetic agents (OAAs). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—A total of 109 patients treated with diet and a sulfonylurea and/or metformin were enrolled in a blinded study. Patients were randomly assigned to one of three subcutaneously (SC) injected regimens of AC2993 (0.08 μg/kg) or placebo for 28 days. RESULTS—All three AC2993 regimens led to significant reductions in serum fructosamine relative to placebo (P ≤ 0.004). Mean reductions ranged from 39 to 46 μmol/l. All AC2993 groups had reductions in HbA1c ranging from 0.7 to 1.1% (P ≤ 0.006). An end-of-study HbA1c 1c levels in patients not currently achieving optimal glucose control with diet and/or OAAs.