[lurkingforacure]

Does anyone understand the difference, if any, between these things? I understand that Byetta is currently available to treat diabetes here in the US and some here are considering taking it as an off-label for PD, but Exendin and/or E-4 are in clinical trials, or going to be, involving the Cure PD Trust headed by Tom Isaacs. What is the difference between these three?

[reverett123]

Exendin 4 is the natural form found in the gila monster.
Exenatide and Byetta are two names for the synthetic form of Ex-4.

http://diabetes.about.com/od/equipme...s/p/byetta.htm

http://www.cafepharma.com/boards/sho....php?p=1507806

http://www.glucagon.com/exenatide.html

Another term you need to know is "GLP-1" or "glucagon like peptide 1". GLP-1 is produced in the gut when we eat. It triggers insulin production and quenches appetite. That's why it is used for diabetes. When it finds its way into the bloodstream, an enzyme breaks it up. There is some confusion about just how quickly this happens. Some (who just happen to be working on the synthetics) say that it lasts only minutes. But reading the research indicates levels increased for hours. Whatever the case, once it finds its way into the brain, it triggers neurogenesis. As in "cures Parkinson's". It does this when it stimulates specific receptors called GLP-1R.

Ex-4, Byetta, Exenatide are all mimics of GLP-1 and resist enzymatic degradation. Therefore, if you temporarily put aside the enzyme question, they get to the brain unscathed and stimulate the same receptors with the same results.

Now, I am cynical enough to think that the ability to patent a synthetic may be a factor here. But this is one time that I don't care. More power to them. Git 'er done!

Originally Posted by lurkingforacure

Does anyone understand the difference, if any, between these things? I understand that Byetta is currently available to treat diabetes here in the US and some here are considering taking it as an off-label for PD, but Exendin and/or E-4 are in clinical trials, or going to be, involving the Cure PD Trust headed by Tom Isaacs. What is the difference between these three?

[hiptothat]

It would seem likely that there are patients with both Parkinson's and Type 2 Diabetes who may have been treated with Byetta? Do we have any anecdotal evidence of Byetta's benefit on their Parkinson's symptoms?