FDA-approved
Digestive & weight
Teduglutide
Teduglutide is a GLP-2 analog, FDA-approved since 2012, for short bowel syndrome. Learn how it helps the gut absorb nutrients, who uses it, and key risks.
- Reviewed by
- William Maish, MD MBA MPH, Clinical Product Lead
- Published
- October 5, 2026
- Last updated
- October 5, 2026
Key takeaway
Teduglutide (sold as Gattex) is a long-acting analog of the hormone GLP-2 that helps the intestine absorb more nutrients, used in short bowel syndrome to reduce dependence on intravenous nutrition. It promotes growth of the intestinal lining, enlarging the absorptive surface. It has been FDA-approved in the U.S. since 2012 and is given as a daily subcutaneous injection.
At a glance
| What it is | A glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) analog |
| Approved for | Short bowel syndrome in people dependent on parenteral (intravenous) support |
| Key fact | In extended trials, the large majority of continuously treated patients reduced their parenteral support, and some achieved full independence from it |
| Route | Subcutaneous injection, once daily |
| Evidence strength | FDA approved |
What is teduglutide?
Teduglutide, sold under the brand Gattex (Revestive in some regions), is a modified version of glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2), a hormone that promotes growth and repair of the intestinal lining. It is used for short bowel syndrome, a condition in which a large portion of the intestine has been removed or is not functioning, leaving patients unable to absorb enough nutrition and often dependent on intravenous (parenteral) feeding. It was developed under the code ALX-0600 and approved in the United States in 2012.
How does teduglutide work?
Teduglutide binds the GLP-2 receptor in the intestine, acting as a longer-lasting version of the natural hormone; a single amino-acid change makes it resistant to the enzyme that normally breaks GLP-2 down within minutes. Stimulating this receptor promotes growth of the intestinal mucosa, increasing the height of the villi and the depth of the crypts, which enlarges the surface available to absorb nutrients and fluid.
In short bowel syndrome, that expanded absorptive surface lets patients take in more nutrition through the gut and depend less on intravenous feeding. In the pivotal program and its extension, the large majority of patients who continued teduglutide reduced1 their parenteral support, and a subset reached full independence from it. The trade-off is that the same growth-promoting effect requires monitoring of the colon for polyps.
Is it FDA-approved?
Yes. Teduglutide was approved2 by the FDA in 2012 for short bowel syndrome in adults dependent on parenteral support, with a later pediatric approval for children 1 year and older. It is given as a once-daily subcutaneous injection.
What is teduglutide prescribed for?
Teduglutide is prescribed for adults and children with short bowel syndrome who depend on parenteral nutrition or intravenous fluids, to reduce that dependence. Because it stimulates tissue growth, a colonoscopy is recommended before starting, with periodic surveillance afterward.
What are the side effects?
According to the prescribing information, common side effects include:
- Abdominal pain and distension
- Nausea and vomiting
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Injection-site reactions
- Fluid overload
- Allergic reactions
More serious considerations include:
- Growth of colorectal polyps, so colon surveillance is advised
- Intestinal obstruction
- Gallbladder, biliary, and pancreatic problems
- Fluid overload
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Sources: FDA prescribing information for Gattex; the STEPS program and its STEPS-2 extension (Schwartz et al., Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology, 2016, DOI: 10.1038/ctg.2015.691), indexed on PubMed. This document is educational and does not constitute medical advice.