AstraZeneca has announced that it will discontinue the sale of Byetta, an exenatide-based injectable pen for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, effective November 29, 2024. Healthcare professionals and patients will need to anticipate this disappearance and seek alternatives.
By Violette Pelletier, published on September 13, 2024
AstraZeneca has announced that it will soon discontinue the marketing of Byetta, an injectable solution in a pen containing exenatide. This treatment, used in combination for type 2 diabetes, will no longer be available from November 29, 2024. Healthcare professionals and patients concerned must prepare for this imminent disappearance and consider alternatives.
Why is Byetta disappearing from the market?
Byetta, a GLP-1 analogue, is indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in combination with other medicines. However, AstraZeneca has decided to discontinue production of Byetta 5 and 10 µg without any safety, efficacy, quality or manufacturing issues. This decision comes at a time when other exenatide-based products, such as Bydureon, have also been withdrawn from the market, leaving a gap in the treatment options available to patients.
Consequences for patients and healthcare professionals
Pharmacists are advised to inform patients who present with a prescription for Byetta that this treatment will be discontinued. Prescribers are also advised not to initiate or renew prescriptions for Byetta and to explore other options for managing type 2 diabetes. The lack of alternative exenatide-based products makes it difficult for healthcare professionals to find effective and appropriate treatments for each patient.
