Lizard hormone

Scientists have developed a drug based on lizard hormone that could help people with type 2 diabetes.

Scientists at Amylin Pharmaceuticals and Eli Lilly and Company have developed a new drug based on a lizard hormone that could help people with type 2 diabetes.

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According to BBC, the drug exenatide mimics the action of a hormone, exendin-4 found in the venomous Gila monster lizard and boosts cells responsible for insulin production. The companies researchers carried out studies on around 1,400 patients showed the drug lowered average blood sugar levels and average weight.

According to Dr Anthony Barnett of the University of Birmingham who was speaking on behalf of Eli Lily, "These results demonstrate Exenatide's potential to help patients reduce and maintain their blood sugar levels at a healthy range. In addition, patients also experienced reductions in body weight and showed evidence of improved beta cell function.