Gastrointestinal

Teduglutide

A GLP-2 analogue that helps the remaining bowel adapt in short bowel syndrome, reducing the need for intravenous feeding.

Moderate evidenceApproved drugAdd to compare

What it is

Teduglutide is a 33-amino-acid analogue of glucagon-like peptide 2 with one substitution that resists breakdown, extending its half-life from minutes to hours. GLP-2 is the gut's own growth signal for the intestinal lining. It is licensed (Revestive, Gattex) for adults and children with short bowel syndrome who depend on parenteral nutrition.

How it works

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.

What it's studied for

Short bowel syndrome with intestinal failure (STEPS trials)

Reduction of parenteral nutrition volume and days

Paediatric intestinal failure

Intestinal adaptation research

Reported and studied 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

Research protocol notes

Research context only

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.

These figures are described so you can understand what researchers did. They are not a dose, a schedule, or a suggestion — and they are not a substitute for a doctor.

Possible side effects and contraindications

Safety profile

Possible 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

Contraindications and cautions

Active or suspected gastrointestinal cancer
Prior hypersensitivity
Recent intestinal resection needs specialist timing
Caution with a history of polyps or intestinal obstruction

A side-effect list is never complete, and these are not the only situations that warrant caution. Anything unexpected, or anything you are unsure about, should be discussed with a doctor before use.

Evidence assessment

Moderate evidenceSeveral human trials, some inconsistencies

Several human trials, some inconsistencies

Randomised double-blind phase 3 trials exist but are small, and the outcome is parenteral nutrition volume rather than a hard clinical endpoint.

References

References link to published literature, regulator pages or literature indexes. Where a link points to a search, it collects the peer-reviewed work on that molecule rather than a single study.

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