E-news: NICE gives green light to prolonged-release exenatide for type 2 diabetes

In final draft guidance published earlier this month, NICE, the healthcare guidance body, has confirmed its initial draft recommendation of prolonged release exenatide (Bydureon, Eli Lilly) in triple therapy regimens (in combination with metformin and a sulphonylurea, or metformin and a thiazolidinedionei) as a treatment option for people with type 2 diabetes, when control of blood glucose remains or becomes inadequate (HbA1cii of 7.5% or above, or other higher level agreed with the individual), and the person has:

- a body mass index (BMI) of 35 kg/m2 or higher in those of European family origin (with appropriate adjustment for other ethnic groups) and specific psychological or medical problems associated with high body weight, or

- a BMI below 35 kg/m2, and therapy with insulin would have significant occupational implications or weight loss would benefit other significant obesity-related comorbidities.