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Pick up to three peptides to see how their mechanisms, studied uses and evidence levels differ. Rows where the entries disagree are marked with a blue edge.
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Comparison
Plecanatide
Gastrointestinal
Evidence level
Strong evidence
Approval status
Approved drug
Mechanism of action
- 1.Activates guanylate cyclase-C receptors on the gut lining.
- 2.Increases cGMP, driving chloride and bicarbonate secretion with water into the lumen.
- 3.Speeds transit and softens stool.
- 4.Reduces activity in pain-sensing visceral nerves.
- 5.Its pH-sensitive activity means it acts mainly where the gut is less acidic.
Studied for
- Chronic idiopathic constipation
- Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation
- Comparison with placebo on spontaneous bowel movement frequency
Reported effects
- Increased complete spontaneous bowel movements per week
- Modest improvement in abdominal pain in the IBS trials
- Diarrhoea in a minority, usually early
- Effects appear within the first week of treatment
Side effects
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal distension
- Flatulence
- Nausea
- Dehydration with severe diarrhoea
Research protocol
Research context only - prescription medicine. Licensed adult dosing is 3 mg once daily, taken with or without food; the phase 3 programmes ran 12 weeks with a 2-week follow-up and used complete spontaneous bowel movements and abdominal pain as co-primary endpoints.
Research context only
Evidence justification
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trials for both indications with symptom-based co-primary endpoints.