Sevenoaks Catalyst Magazine - Science and Society Issue 3 - Lent term 2021 | Page 23

One of the characteristics of the Gila monster which captured the interest of scientists was its unusual ability to survive on as little as 3 meals per year , whilst maintaining stable blood sugar levels . Years later , scientists would then study its venom , interested in how it caused such pain . Dr Eng at the time was studying peptides and was particularly interested in the anatomy of certain reptilia and their use in medicine . This was when the peptide Exendin-4 was isolated from the Gila monster ! s venom . Exendin-4 is a naturally occurring hormone in the Gila lizard . It mimics incretins , one role of which is to regulate insulin release . In Byetta , a synthetic form of Exendin-4 is used called Exenatide .

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