Teduglutide Shows Promise as Short Bowel Syndrome Intestinal Failure Treatment

Results from a year-long clinical trial show that drug candidate teduglutide shows promise in treating patients with short-bowel syndrome intestinal failure (SBS-IF).

Dr Stephen J D O'Keefe of the University of Pittsburgh Medical School and colleagues published their findings in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

Findings revealed that an impressive 68% of patients who received the once-daily injection exhibited reduced dependence on parenteral nutrition or intravenous (IV) feeding.

Multiple patients even managed to achieve complete independence from the support as a result of the treatment, showing it could have a hugely positive impact on quality of life.

Scientists from Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen who authored similar research said that teduglutide may help by "promoting growth of the mucosa and reducing gastric emptying and secretion".

Patients with SBS-IF suffer significant tissue loss in the bowel which hinders their ability to absorb vital nutrients, vitamins and water from their diet, but the drug could help re-establish functionality of their digestive system.