"Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease in which insulin production typically decreases over time," said Michaela Diamant, M.D., professor of diabetology, director, Diabetes Center VUMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and principal investigator of the study. "These findings suggest that with extended use, BYETTA treatment may help improve insulin production and help people with type 2 diabetes better control their blood sugar levels."

Study Design and Findings

In the controlled portion of the study, metformin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized to receive BYETTA>Diabetes Care, found that patients receiving BYETTA, compared to those treated with Lantus, showed significant improvements in beta-cell function. However, the improvements were not sustained following an initial four-week off-drug period.

In this study, a total of 46 patients entered the two-year open-label extension period, and 36 completed the study. 

SOURCE Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.