Skip to content
PeptideHormone

Exenatide vs Glucagon-like peptide-1

A GLP-1 receptor agonist derived from Gila monster venom (exendin-4). The incretin that anchors the modern metabolic toolkit. Side by side: type, evidence tier, receptor, molecular weight, and half-life — the same fields as each monograph, rearranged so the engineering difference is visible.

Exenatide
Glucagon-like peptide-1
GLP-1
Also known asByetta, Bydureon
TypeAnalogEndogenous
EvidenceEstablishedEstablished
FamilyIncretins & metabolicIncretins & metabolic
ClassGLP-1 receptor agonist (exendin-4, 39 aa)Proglucagon-derived peptide (~30–31 aa)
ReceptorGLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R)GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R), a class B GPCR
Molecular weight~4,186.6 Da~3,297.7 Da
Half-life
~2.4 h (immediate-release)
Model dosing
~1–2 min (native; DPP-4 cleaved)
Model dosing
Based onGlucagon-like peptide-1Native hormone

Half-life bars are on a logarithmic scale across the molecules shown. Reference values for the native or representative form — educational only, not medical or dosing advice.

Common questions

What is the difference between Exenatide and Glucagon-like peptide-1?
Exenatide is an engineered analog based on Glucagon-like peptide-1; Glucagon-like peptide-1 is an endogenous hormone. Exenatide signals at GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R); Glucagon-like peptide-1 signals at GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R), a class B GPCR.
How do the half-lives of Exenatide and GLP-1 compare?
The reported circulating half-life of Exenatide is ~2.4 h (immediate-release); Glucagon-like peptide-1 is ~1–2 min (native; DPP-4 cleaved). These are reference values for the native or representative form — educational only, not dosing advice.
Is Exenatide the same as Byetta?
Byetta, Bydureon are brand names of Exenatide. This comparison describes the molecules, not branded products.

Prefer the other order? Glucagon-like peptide-1 vs Exenatide. Or open the interactive comparison tool to add more molecules.