Exenatide vs Follistatin 344
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
GLP-1 / Weight Loss AgonistsCognitive Enhancement
ExenatideAnabolic & IGF
Follistatin 344- Summary
- Exenatide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist derived from the Gila monster lizard peptide exendin-4, with 53% homology to human GLP-1 and natural resistance to DPP-4 degradation. Available as twice-daily (Byetta) or once-weekly (Bydureon) formulation, it is also being studied for Parkinson's disease neuroprotection.
- Follistatin 344 is a recombinant form of the endogenous follistatin protein. It inhibits myostatin and activin — the primary negative regulators of muscle growth — potentially removing the genetic ceiling on muscle development. It is one of the most theoretically powerful anabolic compounds but is experimental with limited human data.
- Half-Life
- ~2.4 hours (Byetta/twice-daily); Bydureon BCISE: weekly via microsphere release
- ~24–36 hours
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- SubQ, IM
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 5 mcg, titrate to 10 mcg
- 100 mcg
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Once daily
- Key Benefits
- Blood glucose control in type 2 diabetes
- Weight loss (average 2–3 kg in clinical trials)
- Once-weekly extended-release formulation available
- Reduces appetite and food intake
- Possible neuroprotective in Parkinson's disease (Phase II trials)
- Reduces systemic inflammation
- May protect pancreatic beta cells
- Cardiovascular neutral or potentially protective
- Inhibits myostatin — removes muscle growth ceiling
- Significant increases in muscle mass and strength
- Reduces fat mass
- Promotes bone density
- May stimulate hair follicle cycling
- Anti-fibrotic effects in muscle tissue
- Synergistic with IGF-1 and other anabolic peptides
- Side Effects
- Nausea (most common, especially initially)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- +4 more
- Muscle soreness (from rapid hypertrophy)
- Potential reproductive effects (activin inhibition)
- Unknown long-term safety profile
- Possible esophageal effects at high doses (animal data)
- Stacks With
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