Teduglutide
Also known as: Gattex, ALX-0600
Teduglutide is a synthetic analog of glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) that promotes intestinal growth and repair by enhancing mucosal surface area and nutrient absorption. This peptide stimulates intestinal epithelial cell proliferation and reduces gastric acid secretion.
Teduglutide is a 3752.3 Da research peptide. Teduglutide is a synthetic analog of glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) that promotes intestinal growth and repair by enhancing mucosal surface area and nutrient absorption. This peptide stimulates intestinal epithelial cell proliferation and reduces gastric acid secretion.
Also called: Gattex, ALX-0600
3752.3
Molecular Weight
Daltons
2
Strong Evidence
benefits
3
Studies Cited
peer-reviewed
0.05-0.1
Typical Dose
mg/kg
Overview
Teduglutide represents a breakthrough in gastrointestinal therapeutics as a recombinant human GLP-2 analog designed to address intestinal insufficiency conditions. The peptide works by binding to GLP-2 receptors located throughout the gastrointestinal tract, triggering a cascade of cellular responses that promote intestinal adaptation and healing. Unlike endogenous GLP-2 which has a brief half-life of approximately 7 minutes, teduglutide incorporates modifications that extend its duration of action to several hours. This extended activity allows for meaningful therapeutic effects including increased villus height, enhanced crypt depth, improved intestinal blood flow, and reduced intestinal permeability. Research demonstrates teduglutide's ability to stimulate intestinal epithelial cell proliferation while simultaneously reducing gastric emptying and acid secretion. The peptide's primary mechanism involves activation of adenylyl cyclase, leading to increased cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels and subsequent protein kinase A activation. These molecular events translate into enhanced nutrient absorption, improved barrier function, and accelerated mucosal repair processes.
Key Takeaways: Teduglutide
- Strongest evidence supports Teduglutide for enhanced intestinal absorption and reduced parenteral nutrition dependence
- Research doses typically range from 0.05 to 0.1 mg/kg via subcutaneous
- 2 benefits with strong evidence, 4 moderate, 0 preliminary
- Half-life: 1.3-2.0 hours
- 3 cited research studies in this guide
Mechanism of Action
Teduglutide functions as a GLP-2 receptor agonist, binding specifically to GLP-2 receptors expressed on intestinal L-cells, enteric neurons, and subepithelial myofibroblasts. Upon receptor binding, the peptide activates adenylyl cyclase through G-protein coupling, elevating intracellular cAMP levels. This increase in cAMP activates protein kinase A, which phosphorylates multiple downstream targets including CREB (cAMP response element-binding protein). CREB phosphorylation leads to transcription of genes involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Additionally, teduglutide stimulates the release of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and keratinocyte growth factor, both of which contribute to intestinal epithelial cell growth and repair. The peptide also modulates intestinal blood flow through nitric oxide-dependent mechanisms and reduces gastric acid secretion via somatostatin pathway activation.
Research Benefits
Teduglutide at a Glance
Teduglutide functions as a GLP-2 receptor agonist, binding specifically to GLP-2 receptors expressed on intestinal L-cells, enteric neurons, and subepithelial myofibroblasts.
Enhanced Intestinal Absorption
Strong EvidenceTeduglutide increases villus height and crypt depth, expanding the absorptive surface area of the small intestine. Clinical studies show 20-30% improvements in wet weight absorption and significant increases in plasma citrulline levels, a biomarker of intestinal function.
Reduced Parenteral Nutrition Dependence
Strong EvidenceResearch demonstrates that teduglutide treatment allows patients with short bowel syndrome to reduce parenteral nutrition requirements by 20% or more. Some patients achieve complete independence from intravenous nutrition support.
Improved Intestinal Barrier Function
Moderate EvidenceThe peptide strengthens tight junctions between intestinal epithelial cells, reducing intestinal permeability and bacterial translocation. This enhanced barrier function decreases the risk of systemic infections and inflammatory responses.
Accelerated Mucosal Healing
Moderate EvidenceTeduglutide promotes rapid repair of damaged intestinal mucosa by stimulating epithelial cell proliferation and migration. Animal studies show significant acceleration of healing in models of intestinal injury and inflammation.
Increased Intestinal Blood Flow
Moderate EvidenceThe peptide enhances mesenteric blood flow through nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation, improving oxygen and nutrient delivery to intestinal tissues. This vascular effect supports the metabolic demands of rapidly proliferating epithelial cells.
Reduced Gastric Acid Secretion
Moderate EvidenceTeduglutide inhibits gastric acid production through somatostatin pathway activation, creating a more favorable environment for intestinal healing and reducing the risk of peptic complications.
Research Dosing Protocols
Research Purposes Only: All content is for informational and research purposes only. This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide or supplement.
| Research Protocol | Dose Range | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Short bowel syndrome research | 0.05–0.1 mg/kg | subcutaneous |
| Intestinal adaptation studies | 0.025–0.075 mg/kg | subcutaneous |
| Mucosal healing research | 0.05–0.15 mg/kg | subcutaneous |
Frequency
Once daily
Timing
Same time each day, preferably in the evening
Cycle Length
Research protocols typically span 12-24 weeks
Research Notes
- 1Rotate injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy
- 2Allow solution to reach room temperature before injection
- 3Research doses should be calculated based on ideal body weight
- 4Dose adjustments may be necessary based on renal function
- 5For research purposes only - not for human consumption
Reconstitution Guide
Standard Reconstitution
Vial Size
5 mg
Bacteriostatic Water
0.5 mL
Concentration
100 mcg
per 0.1 mL (10 units)
Step-by-Step Guide
Gather Materials
Teduglutide vial, bacteriostatic water, alcohol swabs, insulin syringes.
Equilibrate Temperature
Remove the vial from storage and allow it to reach room temperature (5-10 minutes).
Sanitize
Swab the rubber stopper of both the peptide vial and bacteriostatic water vial with alcohol.
Draw Water
Draw 0.5 mL of bacteriostatic water into a syringe.
Add Water to Vial
Insert the needle into the peptide vial and direct the water stream against the glass wall — not directly onto the powder.
Mix Gently
Swirl the vial gently until the powder is fully dissolved. Never shake. The solution should be clear and colorless.
Store Properly
Refrigerate at 2-8°C (36-46°F). 14 days refrigerated after reconstitution.
Storage Temperature
2-8°C (36-46°F)
Shelf Life
14 days refrigerated after reconstitution
Important Notes
- •Use sterile water for injection or bacteriostatic water
- •Inject water slowly down the side of the vial to minimize foaming
- •Gently swirl - do not shake vigorously to avoid protein denaturation
- •Solution should be clear and colorless after reconstitution
- •Discard if solution appears cloudy, discolored, or contains particles
- •Single-use vials should not be stored after opening
Teduglutide Dosing Calculator
Calculate daily intake, cycle totals, and vials needed with pre-filled protocols →
Teduglutide Reconstitution Calculator
Calculate concentration, syringe units, and doses per vial with auto-filled values →
Safety & Side Effects
Reported Side Effects
- !Injection site reactions (redness, swelling, pain)
- !Nausea and vomiting
- !Abdominal pain and distension
- !Headache
- !Upper respiratory tract infections
- !Fluid retention and peripheral edema
- !Small bowel obstruction risk
- !Gallbladder and biliary tract disorders
- !Decreased appetite
- !Sleep disturbances
Potential Interactions
- ⚡May affect absorption of oral medications due to altered gastric emptying
- ⚡Potential interactions with medications requiring specific gastric pH
- ⚡May influence the effectiveness of enteric-coated formulations
- ⚡Could affect the pharmacokinetics of narrow therapeutic index drugs
- ⚡May interact with medications that alter gastrointestinal motility
Important: Side effects and interactions listed here are compiled from published research and community reports. This is not a complete list. No formal drug interaction studies have been conducted for most research peptides. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Research Studies
The following studies are referenced in this profile. PubMed IDs are provided where available for independent verification.
Efficacy and safety of teduglutide in patients with short bowel syndrome: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III study
Phase III trial demonstrating that teduglutide significantly reduced parenteral nutrition requirements in short bowel syndrome patients, with 63% of patients achieving 20% or greater reduction in parenteral support compared to 30% in placebo group.
Teduglutide enhances structural adaptation of small intestinal mucosa in patients with short bowel syndrome
Study showing teduglutide treatment increased small bowel mucosal surface area by approximately 10% and villus height by 16% in short bowel syndrome patients after 6 months of treatment.
Long-term efficacy and safety of teduglutide for the treatment of short bowel syndrome
Long-term safety study over 30 months demonstrated sustained efficacy of teduglutide in maintaining reduced parenteral nutrition requirements with acceptable safety profile.
Note: This is not an exhaustive list of all published research. Studies are selected for relevance and quality. Click PubMed IDs to verify sources independently. Inclusion does not imply endorsement of the peptide for any clinical use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Initial effects on intestinal function may be observed within 2-4 weeks, with maximal benefits typically seen after 12-24 weeks of consistent treatment. Plasma citrulline levels, a marker of intestinal function, often increase within the first month of therapy.
Teduglutide is a synthetic analog of GLP-2 with modified amino acid structure that extends its half-life from 7 minutes to approximately 1.3-2 hours. This longer duration allows for once-daily dosing and sustained therapeutic effects.
While primarily studied for short bowel syndrome, research is investigating teduglutide's potential in inflammatory bowel disease, necrotizing enterocolitis, and other conditions involving intestinal injury or dysfunction.
Unopened vials should be stored at 2-8°C (36-46°F) and protected from light. After reconstitution, the solution remains stable for up to 14 days when refrigerated. Never freeze the peptide.
Teduglutide is administered via subcutaneous injection, typically in the thigh or abdomen. Rotate injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy and allow the solution to reach room temperature before injection to reduce discomfort.
Regular monitoring should include intestinal function assessments, nutritional status evaluations, liver function tests, and surveillance for potential complications such as intestinal obstruction or biliary disorders.
Preclinical studies raised concerns about potential increased risk of intestinal neoplasms due to the proliferative effects on intestinal epithelium. However, clinical studies have not demonstrated increased tumor risk in humans.
Teduglutide enhances absorption of macronutrients, electrolytes, and fluids by increasing intestinal surface area and improving barrier function. Studies show significant improvements in wet weight absorption and reduced fecal losses.
Research & Educational Use Only
All content is for informational and research purposes only. This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide or supplement.
The information presented here is compiled from published research studies and is intended for informational purposes only. Individual results may vary. Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider.