The drug Byetta (exenatide) mimics the hormone GLP-1 (glucagonlike peptide-1). Byetta is made by Amylin Pharmaceuticals and is generally prescribed for twice daily injection for type 2 diabetes. In a recent study, Byetta achieved reduction in A1c levels of over 1% which is comparable to results observed with insulin therapy in combination with sulfonylurea and metformin.

To diabetics who must self-inject twice per day, a once daily dosing schedule can be a huge benefit. Several drug companies are at work on once daily insulin dosing schedules, so be on the lookout for updates on this topic.

The drug Januvia (Sitagliptin) is a relatively new DPP-IV inhibitor by OSI Pharmaceuticals that is approved for once-daily dosing. Januvia has been shown to reduce A1c levels up to 1% and to reduce fasting plasma glucose levels (FPG) by about 15 mg/dL.

Liraglutide is another GLP-1 analog under development for type 2 diabetes by Novo Nordisk. As of September 2008, liraglutide is in phase 3 development for a once-daily dosing schedule.