"Does any one know if Byetta provides the same results as Symlin?  The
advantage that I see so far is that Byetta comes in a pen where Symlin
requires a syringe per dose."

It does not as it works on a very different principle.  Symlin controls
glucose release from the liver, byetta prompts insulin release when
blood glucose levels get high enough and also helps with liver glucose
release.

Jim wrote in message ...

  Both tend to suppress appetite.   Both tend to slow the digestion of food
(to give whatever insulin we have a fighting chance).    However,  their
mechanisms of operation are different.

In general,   if you are still making insulin,   Byetta is the favored drug.

If you are making little or none,  Symlin is the favored drug.

However,  Symlin and Byetta were part of one of the "hot" symposia at the
last ADA Scientific Conference in D.C.   As the docs' experience increases,
we're going to see what off-label fiddling can produce.    (mixing and
matching)

My friend's sister worked on Byetta for a while  (since quit and moved)
There was a bit of controversy over trying to get Byetta through the FDA as
a prescription weight loss med.    AIUI,  not enough Company resources to
register for both applications.    It's going to be interesting to see what
the docs do;   they can go off-label as they wish.

Regards
 Old Al

Also, the Symlin pen is in process. It should be just a matter of
time.

p.