What is Teduglutide used for?

Teduglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) analogue. It is made up of 33 amino acids and is manufactured using a strain of Escherichia coli modified by recombinant DNA technology. Teduglutide differs from GLP-2 by one amino acid (alanine is substituted by glycine). The significance of this substitution is that teduglutide is longer acting than endogenous GLP-2 as it is more resistant to proteolysis from dipeptidyl peptidase-4. FDA approved on December 21, 2012.

Teduglutide (brand names Gattex in the US and Revestive in Europe) is a 33-membered polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) analog that is used for the treatment of short bowel syndrome. It works by promoting mucosal growth and possibly restoring gastric emptying and secretion. In Europe it has been granted orphan drug status and is marketed under the brand Revestive by Nycomed. It was approved by the United States under the name Gattex on 21 December 2012 and also is an orphan drug there.

Medical uses

Up to a certain point, the gut can adapt to partial resections that result in short bowel syndrome. Still, parenteral substitution of water, minerals and vitamins (depending on which part of the gut has been removed) is often necessary. Teduglutide may reduce or shorten the necessity of such infusions by improving the intestinal mucosa and possibly by other mechanisms.

Teduglutide injection is used to treat short bowel syndrome in people who need additional nutrition or fluids from intravenous (IV) therapy. Teduglutide injection is in a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) analogs. It works by improving the absorption of fluids and nutrients in the intestines.

Usage

Teduglutide comes as a powder to be mixed with liquid and injected subcutaneously (under the skin). It is usually injected once a day. Inject teduglutide at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Inject teduglutide exactly as directed. Do not inject more or less of it or inject it more often than prescribed by your doctor. 

Side effects

Common adverse effects in clinical studies included abdominal discomfort (49% of patients), respiratory infections (28%), nausea (27%) and vomiting (14%), local reactions at the injection site (21%), and headache (17%).

The most common side effects of GATTEX in adults include:

Stomach area (abdomen) pain or swelling

Nausea

Cold or flu symptoms

Skin reaction where the injection was given

Vomiting

Swelling of the hands or feet

Allergic reactions