Last reviewed 2026-05-14 · How we verify

Exenatide once weekly (QW)

Exenatide activates GLP-1 receptors on pancreatic beta cells to stimulate insulin secretion in response to elevated blood glucose.

Exenatide activates GLP-1 receptors on pancreatic beta cells to stimulate insulin secretion in response to elevated blood glucose. Used for Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Exenatide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics glucagon-like peptide-1, an incretin hormone. It binds to GLP-1 receptors on pancreatic beta cells, enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion, slowing gastric emptying, and reducing glucagon secretion. The once-weekly formulation uses extended-release microsphere technology to provide sustained drug delivery over 7 days.

Approved indications

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Common side effects

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Injection site reactions
• Hypoglycemia

Key clinical trials

• A Comparison of Two Treatment Strategies in Older Participants With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) (PHASE4)
• Efficacy and Safety of Semaglutide Once-weekly Versus Exenatide ER 2.0 mg Once-weekly as add-on to 1-2 Oral Antidiabetic Drugs (OADs) in Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes (PHASE3)

Primary sources

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Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

• Exenatide once weekly (QW) CI brief — competitive landscape report
• Exenatide once weekly (QW) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
• Eli Lilly and Company portfolio CI