Source: FDA label
| Molecular formula | C164H252N44O55S |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 3752.1 g/mol |
| Registered trials | 50 |
| PubChem CID | 16139605 |
| Drug class | GLP-2 Analog [EPC] |
| Brand names | Gattex |
Mechanism of Action
12.1 Mechanism of Action Teduglutide is an analog of naturally occurring human glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2), a peptide secreted by L-cells of the distal intestine. GLP-2 is known to increase intestinal and portal blood flow and inhibit gastric acid secretion. Teduglutide binds to the glucagon-like peptide-2 receptors located in intestinal subpopulations of enteroendocrine cells, subepithelial myofibroblasts and enteric neurons of the submucosal and myenteric plexus. Activation of these recept
Key takeaways
- Teduglutide is a GLP-2 analog approved under the brand name Gattex.
- It is indicated for adults and children 1 year and older with short bowel syndrome who depend on parenteral support.
- It works by mimicking a natural gut hormone that supports intestinal absorption and blood flow.
- More than 50 trials have been registered, including a completed Phase 4 study comparing it to placebo in short bowel syndrome.
- The most frequently reported issues involve weight changes, gastrointestinal symptoms, and infections linked to the catheters used for parenteral support.
What teduglutide is
Teduglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) analog. It is a synthetic version of a hormone naturally released by cells in the lower intestine. The compound binds to GLP-2 receptors found on intestinal cells, subepithelial myofibroblasts, and enteric neurons. Through this binding, it supports intestinal and portal blood flow and reduces gastric acid secretion, functions tied to how the gut absorbs nutrients.
What teduglutide is approved for
Teduglutide is approved, under the brand name Gattex, for treating short bowel syndrome (SBS) in adults and pediatric patients aged 1 year and older. It is specifically indicated for patients with SBS who remain dependent on parenteral support for nutrition or fluids. The label carries no boxed warning.
What the evidence shows
More than 50 trials involving teduglutide have been registered. Among them, a completed Phase 4 study directly compared teduglutide to placebo in patients with short bowel syndrome. A separate completed study examined its use across children, teenagers, and adults with short bowel disease, reflecting the drug's pediatric and adult indication.
Reported side effects
FAERS reports for teduglutide (a measure of report counts, not confirmed incidence or causation) show several recurring patterns. Gastrointestinal complaints are common, with nausea (1,104 reports), abdominal pain (1,066), and diarrhoea (1,060) among the most cited. Weight fluctuates in both directions, with weight decreased (1,266 reports) reported more often than weight increased (881). Vascular device infection (1,176 reports) and dehydration (876) also appear frequently, consistent with the catheter-dependent population this drug treats, alongside reports of dose omission issues (1,070).
FAQ
What is teduglutide used for?
Teduglutide, sold as Gattex, is approved to treat short bowel syndrome in adults and children aged 1 year and older. It is specifically for patients who still depend on parenteral support for nutrition or hydration. It works by mimicking a natural gut hormone that helps the intestine absorb nutrients.
How does teduglutide work in the body?
Teduglutide is an analog of glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2), a hormone the intestine produces naturally. It binds to GLP-2 receptors on intestinal cells and nearby tissue, which increases intestinal and portal blood flow and reduces stomach acid secretion. These actions support the gut's capacity to absorb nutrients.
What are the most common side effects reported with teduglutide?
FAERS reports most frequently mention weight changes, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea. Vascular device infections and dehydration are also commonly reported, likely reflecting the catheter use common in patients with short bowel syndrome. These are counts of submitted reports, not confirmed rates or proof of causation.
Is teduglutide approved for children?
Yes. Teduglutide is approved for pediatric patients aged 1 year and older who have short bowel syndrome and depend on parenteral support. This mirrors the approval for adults with the same condition.
Has teduglutide been studied in clinical trials?
More than 50 trials involving teduglutide have been registered. These include a completed Phase 4 trial comparing it against placebo in short bowel syndrome and a completed study spanning children through adults with the condition.
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Content is editorial information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor before any treatment decision.
Sources: DailyMed label (Gattex) ClinicalTrials.gov FDA FAERS PubChem
Updated 2026-08-04