Diabetes drug from lizard saliva

A DRUG made from lizard saliva controls blood sugar levels in diabetics and helps them lose weight, say researchers. Successful clinical trials of exenatide mean it could be approved for use in patients with type 2 diabetes next year. The drug is derived from the saliva of the Gila monster lizard, which lives in the Arizona desert and eats only about four times a year. The lizard's salivary secretions prevent a sudden surge in blood sugar levels in response to these infrequent but large meals - an ability being harnessed to help diabetics. Results of a new study were released by Amylin Pharmaceuticals and Eli Lilly and Co at the 18th Congress of the International Diabetes Federation in Paris. The study involved 155 patients who had failed to reach target glucose levels on established diabetes drugs. When researchers added injections of exenatide, almost half of patients who completed 24 weeks of treatment achieved their target levels. Patients also lost, on average, 7.5lb.

Daily Mail, Tuesday, September 2, 2003