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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
Teduglutide
Gastrointestinal
Evidence level
Moderate evidence
Approval status
Approved drug
Mechanism of action
- 1.Binds GLP-2 receptors on intestinal cells and enteric neurons.
- 2.Increases crypt cell proliferation and villus height, enlarging absorptive surface.
- 3.Reduces gut permeability and improves barrier function.
- 4.Slows gastric emptying and enhances intestinal blood flow.
- 5.The single amino-acid substitution blocks DPP-4 cleavage and prolongs its action.
Studied for
- Short bowel syndrome with intestinal failure (STEPS trials)
- Reduction of parenteral nutrition volume and days
- Paediatric intestinal failure
- Intestinal adaptation research
Reported effects
- Reduced parenteral nutrition volume in roughly half of treated patients in trials
- Some patients weaned off parenteral support entirely
- Increased citrulline, a marker of intestinal mass
- Risk of intestinal obstruction and gallbladder complications
Side effects
- Abdominal pain and distension
- Nausea
- Intestinal obstruction
- Injection-site reactions
- Fluid overload in some patients
- Growth of intestinal polyps with long-term use
- Raised liver enzymes
Research protocol
Research context only - specialist prescription. The licensed dose is 0.05 mg per kilogram subcutaneously once daily, with a baseline colonoscopy and monitoring for intestinal polyps; the phase 3 trial ran 24 weeks of treatment with a 4-week withdrawal period, measuring parenteral nutrition volume reduction as the primary endpoint.
Research context only
Evidence justification
Randomised double-blind phase 3 trials exist but are small, and the outcome is parenteral nutrition volume rather than a hard clinical endpoint.