Lixisenatide is a once-daily GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Sanofi for type 2 diabetes. Unlike longer-acting GLP-1 RAs, lixisenatide’s short duration of action produces particularly strong postprandial glucose lowering through gastric emptying delay, making it a strategic complement to basal insulin therapy.
Dosage Information (Research Use)
10mcg SC once daily for 14 days, then 20mcg once daily. Administered within 1 hour before the first meal. Prescription medication.
Reconstitution & Handling
Pre-filled pen — no reconstitution required.
Half-Life & Pharmacokinetics
2-4 hours
Reported Observations in Literature
Nausea (25%), vomiting (10%), headache (9%), diarrhea (8%). GI effects typically transient. Lower incidence of nausea than longer-acting GLP-1 RAs in some studies.
Key Research References
- Pfeffer MA et al. “Lixisenatide in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Acute Coronary Syndrome (ELIXA).” N Engl J Med. 2015;373:2247-57