Lixisenatide

also known as: Adlyxin, Lyxumia, AVE0010

A short-acting, prandial GLP-1 agonist primarily used to target postprandial glucose excursions.

A 44-amino-acid exendin-4 derivative with six additional lysine residues at the C-terminus, giving a shorter half-life (~3 hours) that favors postprandial glucose control.

Mechanism of action

GLP-1 receptor agonism with emphasis on delayed gastric emptying — producing stronger postprandial glucose suppression than longer-acting agents at equivalent exposures. The short half-life means glucagon suppression and satiety effects are confined to the immediate postprandial period.

Primary uses

Type 2 diabetes mellitus — primarily postprandial glucose control
Combination therapy with basal insulin (Soliqua)

Typical dosing

10–20 mcg once daily (subcutaneous)

Initiated at 10 mcg daily for 14 days, then 20 mcg daily. Administered within 1 hour before the first meal.

Regulatory status

FDA-approved as Adlyxin in 2016. Discontinued from US market in 2023 by Sanofi but remains available as Lyxumia in other regions and as a component of Soliqua (with insulin glargine).

References

[fda-pi] Adlyxin (lixisenatide) Prescribing Information. Sanofi.
[clinical-trial] Pfeffer MA, et al. "Lixisenatide in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Acute Coronary Syndrome (ELIXA)." N Engl J Med, 2015;373:2247-2257.

Related peptides

Exenatide

The first GLP-1 receptor agonist to reach market (2005), available in both twice-daily and weekly extended-release formulations.

Liraglutide

The first once-daily GLP-1 analog to be FDA-approved for both type 2 diabetes (Victoza) and chronic weight management (Saxenda).

Disclaimer

This entry is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Dosing information reflects published regulatory or research data and is not a recommendation. Many compounds described here are not approved for human use in the United States. Consult a licensed medical professional before considering any peptide therapy.