Last reviewed · How we verify
metformin\pioglitazone\exenatide
This triple-agent combination improves blood glucose control through three complementary mechanisms: metformin reduces hepatic glucose production, pioglitazone increases insulin sensitivity in muscle and fat, and exenatide stimulates insulin secretion in response to glucose.
This triple-agent combination improves blood glucose control through three complementary mechanisms: metformin reduces hepatic glucose production, pioglitazone increases insulin sensitivity in muscle and fat, and exenatide stimulates insulin secretion in response to glucose. Used for Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
At a glance
| Generic name | metformin\pioglitazone\exenatide |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio |
| Drug class | Combination antidiabetic agent (biguanide + thiazolidinedione + GLP-1 receptor agonist) |
| Target | Multiple: AMPK pathway (metformin), PPAR-γ (pioglitazone), GLP-1 receptor (exenatide) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Diabetes |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Metformin is a biguanide that decreases hepatic gluconeogenesis and improves peripheral insulin sensitivity. Pioglitazone is a thiazolidinedione that acts as a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) agonist to enhance insulin sensitivity in target tissues. Exenatide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that stimulates glucose-dependent insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon, and slows gastric emptying.
Approved indications
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weight gain
- Hypoglycemia
- Fluid retention/edema
Key clinical trials
- Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Four Second Line Pharmacological Strategies in Type 2 Diabetes Study
- Durability of Combination Therapy With Exenatide/Pioglitazone/Metformin vs. Conventional Therapy in New Onset T2DM (PHASE4)
- Real-World Evaluation of Omarigliptin for Type 2 Diabetes Meliitus in Bangladesh (PHASE4)
- Efficacy and Safety of the Insulin Glargine/Lixisenatide Fixed Ratio Combination (FRC) Versus GLP-1 Receptor Agonist in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes, With a FRC Extension Period (PHASE3)
- Evaluation of the Impact of Intensive Short-Term Drug Therapy in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (PHASE4)
- A Comparison of Two Treatment Strategies in Older Participants With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) (PHASE4)
- Incretin-based Drugs and Acute Pancreatitis
- Addition Of Exenatide To Insulin Glargine In Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape: