Teduglutide Is Effective for Short Bowel Syndrome

Teduglutide is a glucagon-like peptide 2 analog that can improve fluid and nutrient absorption in patients with short bowel syndrome and intestinal failure by stimulating growth of intestinal mucosa and reducing gastric emptying and secretion. In this latest phase III safety and efficacy trial, investigators randomized 86 patients to receive 0.05 mg/kg/day of teduglutide or placebo.

Participants had been dependent on parenteral support for at least 12 months and ≥3 times weekly prior to study entry and underwent a 4- to 8-week stabilization period prior to initiation of the study drug. They were assessed at baseline 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 weeks. Measurements of 48-hour oral fluid intake and urinary output were taken prior to each visit, wit…