Teduglutide

How it works

GLP-2 made enzyme-proof, taken daily: villi, the gut's absorbing folds, grow taller, so a short bowel needs less IV feeding.

What it's made of

33 amino acids: human GLP-2 with 1 change (glycine in place of alanine at position 2) so DPP-4 does not cut it. It lasts about 2 hours.

What it's for

Prescribed for

Short bowel syndrome with dependence on IV nutrition or fluids: from age 1 in the US and from 4 months in the EU.