⌕♙🛒

Exenatide

$44.99

Exenatide — the first FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist (Byetta®/Bydureon®), derived from exendin-4 found in Gila monster saliva. Foundational GLP-1R research tool with documented Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and neuroprotective properties in preclinical models. Supplied lyophilized at ≥98% purity (HPLC-verified) with batch-specific COA. For research use only.

SKU: RPS-EXENATIDE Category:

Exenatide Research Peptide — Scientific Overview

Exenatide is a 39-amino-acid peptide derived from exendin-4, a naturally occurring peptide originally isolated from the saliva of the Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum). It was the first GLP-1 receptor agonist approved by the FDA (2005) for Type 2 diabetes treatment, establishing the class. Exenatide shares approximately 53% sequence homology with human GLP-1 but, unlike native GLP-1, is not susceptible to DPP-4 cleavage — giving it a substantially longer half-life. It is available as twice-daily (Byetta®) and once-weekly extended-release (Bydureon®) formulations.

Exenatide is a 39-amino-acid peptide derived from exendin-4, a naturally occurring peptide originally isolated from the saliva of the Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum). It was the first GLP-1 receptor agonist approved by the FDA (2005) for Type 2 diabetes treatment, establishing the class. Exenatide shares approximately 53% sequence homology with human GLP-1 but, unlike native GLP-1, is not susceptible to DPP-4 cleavage — giving it a substantially longer half-life. It is available as twice-daily (Byetta®) and once-weekly extended-release (Bydureon®) formulations. As the founding member of the GLP-1 receptor agonist class, Exenatide has generated the broadest preclinical research literature — with documented effects in models of Type 2 diabetes, obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, Parkinson’s disease neuroprotection, Alzheimer’s disease models, and kidney protection. Its use as a research comparator standard is well-established across metabolic and neuroprotection research domains.

Research Background

As the founding member of the GLP-1 receptor agonist class, Exenatide has generated the broadest preclinical research literature — with documented effects in models of Type 2 diabetes, obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, Parkinson’s disease neuroprotection, Alzheimer’s disease models, and kidney protection. Its use as a research comparator standard is well-established across metabolic and neuroprotection research domains.

Key Research Areas

  • GLP-1R Pharmacology Research: Foundational GLP-1 receptor agonism studies and receptor biology
  • Metabolic Research: Glycemic control, insulin secretion, and β-cell protection models
  • Neuroprotection Research: Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and neuroinflammation research in animal models
  • Obesity Research: GLP-1R-mediated appetite suppression and body weight reduction
  • NASH/NAFLD Research: Liver steatosis and hepatic inflammation research models
  • Renal Research: Kidney protection and GLP-1R renal signaling

Technical Specifications

Parameter Value
Sequence His-Gly-Glu-Gly-Thr-Phe-Thr-Ser-Asp-Leu-Ser-Lys-Gln-Met-Glu-Glu-Glu-Ala-Val-Arg-Leu-Phe-Ile-Glu-Trp-Leu-Lys-Asn-Gly-Gly-Pro-Ser-Ser-Gly-Ala-Pro-Pro-Pro-Ser (39 AA)
Molecular Weight 4186.6 Da
Purity ≥98% (HPLC-verified)
Form Lyophilized powder, sealed under argon
Storage −20°C (long-term)
Documentation Batch-specific COA (HPLC + Mass Spec)

Storage & Handling (Research Laboratories)

Lyophilized Exenatide should be stored at −20°C for long-term preservation, protected from light and moisture. For short-term active research use, 4°C storage is acceptable for up to approximately 4 weeks. Minimize repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Follow standard laboratory peptide reconstitution and handling protocols for all experimental use.

Frequently Asked Questions — Exenatide Research

Why is Exenatide (exendin-4) naturally resistant to DPP-4?
Native GLP-1 has alanine at position 2 — DPP-4 cleaves Xaa-Pro and Xaa-Ala dipeptide bonds at the N-terminus, rapidly inactivating GLP-1. Exendin-4 (exenatide) has glycine at position 2 instead of alanine — DPP-4 cannot efficiently cleave Gly at that position, conferring intrinsic DPP-4 resistance and a dramatically extended half-life (~2.4 hours for twice-daily exenatide vs. ~2 minutes for native GLP-1). This natural DPP-4 resistance from the Gila monster peptide was key to its development as the first GLP-1 agonist.
What neuroprotection research has been conducted with Exenatide?
Exenatide has been studied in Parkinson’s disease models — where it reduced dopaminergic neuron loss in MPTP-treated rodents and showed significant GLP-1R expression on dopaminergic neurons. A randomized controlled trial (Aviles-Olmos, 2013; Athauda 2017, Lancet) showed that exenatide-treated Parkinson’s patients maintained better motor scores at 60 weeks compared to controls, including after treatment cessation. Exenatide has also been studied in Alzheimer’s models, showing reduction in amyloid deposition and tau phosphorylation in preclinical studies. These findings have established GLP-1R agonism as a neurological research target.
How does Exenatide compare to newer GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide?
Exenatide was the first GLP-1 agonist and established the class. Newer agents offer improvements: semaglutide has approximately 94% homology to human GLP-1 (vs. exenatide’s 53%) and is more potent at GLP-1R; liraglutide’s acylation enables fatty acid-based albumin binding; dulaglutide’s Fc fusion enables weekly dosing. For research, exenatide’s extensive published literature and well-characterized pharmacology make it a valuable baseline comparator. Its lower homology to human GLP-1 also provides a useful structural contrast for receptor selectivity studies.
Is Exenatide approved for human use?
Yes — Exenatide (Byetta®/Bydureon®) is FDA-approved for Type 2 diabetes. Research Peptides Supplies supplies it as a research-use reference standard for in vitro and laboratory research models. Not for human administration outside approved clinical settings.
What documentation comes with Exenatide?
Exenatide from Research Peptides Supplies is verified at ≥98% purity by HPLC, with identity confirmed by Mass Spectrometry confirming the 39-amino-acid sequence. A batch-specific COA is provided with every order.
⚗️ Research Use Only: This product is strictly intended for qualified laboratory and scientific research use by trained professionals in appropriate laboratory settings. It is not intended for human or veterinary administration, therapeutic use, food supplement applications, or any use outside controlled research environments. Not for human consumption.
Shopping Cart
Scroll to Top