Exendin-4 is a naturally occurring 39-amino-acid peptide and a potent glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It was originally isolated from the saliva of the Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum) and served as the structural basis for the development of exenatide.
Exendin-4 binds to GLP-1 receptors and produces glucose-dependent effects on insulin and glucagon secretion, as well as effects on gastric emptying and appetite regulation.
Exendin-4 is a peptide that shares functional similarity with human GLP-1 but is more resistant to degradation by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4). It is widely used as a research and pharmaceutical-development peptide and is the parent peptide of exenatide.
CAS Number: 141732-76-5
Molecular Formula: C₁₈₄H₂₈₂N₅₀O₆₀S
Molecular Weight: Approximately 4186.6 g/mol
Exendin-4 activates the GLP-1 receptor, a G-protein-coupled receptor involved in glucose homeostasis.
Its pharmacological effects include:
Exendin-4 is used in:
Note: Exendin-4 itself should not be presented as an approved therapeutic product unless the specific formulation and indication have received applicable regulatory approval. Exenatide is the approved therapeutic derivative based on Exendin-4.
Exendin-4 is a peptide active pharmaceutical ingredient / research peptide rather than a conventional small-molecule API. Pharmaceutical or research-grade material requires appropriate control of peptide identity, purity, related peptides and biological activity.
Typical quality evaluation may include:
Exendin-4 material should be manufactured according to the applicable GMP or research-grade quality requirements, depending on its intended use.
A qualified supplier may provide Certificate of Analysis (CoA), specification sheet, SDS/MSDS, chromatographic data, batch traceability and applicable analytical documentation.
Exendin-4 is a peptide and should be stored under controlled conditions appropriate to the material's formulation and stability data, with protection from excessive heat, moisture and other factors that may affect peptide stability.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Identification | IR & HPLC compliant |
| Assay (HPLC) | 98.0% – 102.0% |
| Loss on Drying | NMT 1.0% |
| Residue on Ignition | NMT 0.5% |
| Heavy Metals | NMT 10 ppm |
| pH (1% Solution) | 2.0 – 4.0 |
| Individual Impurity | ≤ 0.5% |
| Total Impurities | ≤ 1.5% |
| Water Content | NMT 0.5% |