A synthetic form of exendin-4, a 39-amino acid peptide isolated from the venom of the Gila monster lizard (Heloderma suspectum). Exenatide increases CYCLIC AMP levels in pancreatic acinar cells and acts as a GLUCAGON-LIKE PEPTIDE-1 RECEPTOR (GLP-1) agonist and incretin mimetic, enhancing insulin secretion in response to increased glucose levels; it also suppresses inappropriate glucagon secretion and slows gastric emptying. It is used an anti-diabetic and anti-obesity agent.