Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Eli Lilly and Company and Alkermes, Inc. will unveil data from more than 20 studies at the 45th Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Vienna, Austria, taking place from September 29 to October 2. The companies will present the latest research findings on Byetta (exenatide) injection and exenatide once weekly. The EASD annual meeting, which brings together more than 14,000 delegates, is the most important platform in Europe for professional exchange in the diabetes field.
"The presentations at EASD continue to reinforce the efficacy and safety of Byetta and the promise of exenatide once weekly as a potential new treatment option for patients with type 2 diabetes," stated Orville G. Kolterman, M.D., senior vice president of research and development, Amylin Pharmaceuticals. "EASD is a venue where researchers and clinical practitioners from around the world gather to discuss new developments in diabetes care. We look forward to participating in this exchange of ideas by presenting compelling data on the exenatide molecule."
Byetta is the first and only FDA-approved incretin mimetic for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Byetta exhibits many of the same effects as the human incretin hormone glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 improves blood sugar after food intake through multiple effects that work in concert on the stomach, liver, pancreas and brain. Byetta is approved by the FDA for use by people with type 2 diabetes who are unsuccessful at controlling their blood sugar levels. Byetta is an add-on therapy for people currently using metformin, a sulfonylurea, or a thiazolidinedione. Byetta provides sustained A1C control and low incidence of hypoglycaemia when used with metformin or a thiazolidinedione, with potential weight-loss. Byetta is not a weight loss product. Byetta was approved in April 2005 and has been used by more than 1 million patients since its introduction.
Byetta is not a substitute for insulin in patients whose diabetes requires insulin treatment. Byetta is not recommended for use in patients with severe problems digesting food or those who have severe disease of the stomach or kidney.
Amylin, Lilly and Alkermes are working together to develop exenatide once weekly, a subcutaneous injection of exenatide for the treatment of type 2 diabetes based on Alkermes' proprietary technology for long-acting medications. Exenatide once weekly is not currently approved by any regulatory agencies.