What Is an Incretin Mimetic?
Byetta is the first FDA-approved drug known as an incretin mimetic. Byetta “mimics” and exhibits the glucose-lowering actions of the human incretin hormone known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is secreted in response to food intake. GLP-1 has multiple effects on the stomach, liver, pancreas and brain that work in concert to regulate blood glucose, including: • Stimulating the body’s ability to produce insulin in response to elevated levels of blood glucose • Inhibiting the release of a hormone called glucagon following meals • Slowing the rate at which nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream • Reducing food intake Sources: Amylin Pharmaceuticals and Eli Lilly & Co.
