The 'lizard spit' in diabetes drug Byetta: New hope for weight loss?

September 22, 11:38 AMWeight Loss ExaminerGail Gedan Spencer

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The injectable diabetes drug Byetta has been around for a few years but lately the buzz is growing stronger about its effect on weight loss. It has been in the news lately because researchers say a weekly injection of the drug is proving more effective in controlling blood sugar than the current twice-daily use.

So where do lizards come in?

The active ingredient in Byetta is an incretin mimetic, which means it mimics the venom of the desert-dwelling Gila monster. Many diabetics who take the drug have noticed substantial weight loss. Researchers are not entirely sure how it works, but MayoClinic.com says it may slow the movement of food from the stomach to the lower intestine, prolonging the feeling of fullness.

As for now the drug is not approved for anything but diabetes.

(Much thanks to Amylin Lilly for explaining the drug.)

High Desert Museum photo