A once-a-week version of the diabetes drug Byetta appears to better control the blood sugar of type 2 diabetics than the twice-a-day version of the drug on the market, according to manufactuer Amylin Pharmaceuticals.

In a 30-week study involving 295 patients, 75 percent of those taking Byetta LAR reduced their A1C -- a measure of blood glucose control -- an average of 1.9 percent, while those taking twice-daily Byetta reduced their A1C an average of 1.5 percent.

While the results for the once-a-week version were superior, the results for the twice-daily Byetta were better than those previously reported, according to Amylin Chief Executive Daniel Bradbury.

Participants in the trial taking both versions of Byetta lost an average of eight pounds. There were no major or severe cases of hypoglycemia with Byetta LAR, and patients taking the once-a-week version reported 30 percent less nausea than those taking the drug daily.

Amylin said it expects to file for FDA approval of the new version in mid-2009.