Recombinant exendin-4 is a glucagon-like peptide-1 originally isolated from intestines of Heloderma suspectum. It shows 50% sequence similarity to mammalian glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). It stimulates insulin secretion without drastic decrease of plasma glucose concentration that usually takes place as a result of the use of insulin and other antidiabetic drugs. The latest investigations have resulted in the creation of a unique drug for type 2 diabetes on the basis of the saliva of Heloderma suspectum. Exendin-4 enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion, but supresses glucagon secretion. It also stimulates B-cell proliferation. This protein is from E. coli.
