Teduglutide is a 33-amino-acid recombinant analog of human glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) (MW ~3752 g/mol) with a single amino acid substitution (Ala2 to Gly) that confers resistance to dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) degradation. It was FDA-approved in December 2012 (brand name Gattex in the US, Revestive in Europe) for the treatment of adults with short bowel syndrome (SBS) who are dependent on parenteral support. Teduglutide is the first and only GLP-2 analog approved for this indication.
Category: Gastrointestinal / GLP-2 Analog. Evidence rating: A (strong human clinical data).
Clinical status: FDA-approved (Gattex for SBS, December 2012)
Teduglutide binds to the GLP-2 receptor expressed on intestinal subepithelial myofibroblasts, enteric neurons, and enteroendocrine cells. It promotes intestinal mucosal growth by increasing villus height, crypt depth, and intestinal absorptive surface area through stimulation of crypt cell…
Safety considerations: Common (>=10%): abdominal pain, nausea, injection site reactions, headache, abdominal distension, upper respiratory tract infection; GI-related: intestinal obstruction, pancreatitis, biliary and pancreatic duct stenosis reported; Potential for accelerated neoplastic growth: FDA requires colonoscopy within 6 months before starting and at least every 5 years during treatment.
Reviewed by the PeptideAtlas Editorial Team.
| Molecular weight | ~3752 g/mol |
|---|---|
| CAS number | 197922-42-2 |
| Half-life | ~2-3 hours |
| Bioavailability | ~88% subcutaneous |
| Production method | recombinant |
| Anti-doping status | not-listed |
| US regulatory status | FDA-approved. Gattex approved December 2012 for SBS in adults; expanded to pediatric patients (1 year and older) in 2019. |
Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a malabsorptive condition resulting from surgical resection of a significant portion of the small intestine (or congenital short bowel), leaving insufficient absorptive surface area to maintain nutrition and hydration through oral/enteral intake alone. Patients often require intravenous parenteral nutrition and/or fluids, which carries risks of liver disease,…
They are entirely different drugs. Teduglutide is a GLP-2 analog that promotes intestinal mucosal growth for SBS. GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide target the GLP-1 receptor and are used for diabetes and obesity. GLP-1 and GLP-2 are distinct hormones with different receptors and biological effects, though both are derived from proglucagon.
Teduglutide stimulates intestinal cell proliferation, raising a theoretical concern about accelerating growth of pre-existing neoplasms. The FDA requires colonoscopy within 6 months before starting treatment and surveillance every 5 years during treatment. It is contraindicated in patients with active GI malignancy. No causal link to cancer has been established in clinical trials, but long-term…
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