The addition of exenatide, an incretin mimetic, to standard oral therapy with metformin and/or a sulfonylurea provides improved glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, according to results from three pivotal phase III studies presented at the 64th Annual Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) [Orlando, US; June 2004]. Significant reductions in blood glucose levels and bodyweight were observed in exenatide recipients, compared with patients receiving metformin and/or sulfonylureas alone. Furthermore, results from open-label extensions of these studies demonstrated that the effects of exenatide on glycaemic control and bodyweight were maintained at 52 weeks. Data from a separate study presented at the meeting showed that exenatide restored first-phase insulin response, as evidenced by the ability of β-cells to release insulin immediately following an influx of glucose into the blood. Dr David Kendall, from the International Diabetes Center, Minneapolis, US, commented that"the reduction in blood sugar and the associated weight loss seen with exenatide is an important combination of effects. With other therapies, improved blood sugar control is often accompanied by weight gain – and this weight gain can be a significant frustration for people working to achieve better control of their diabetes".