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# GLP-2 analogues

Injected versions of the gut hormone GLP-2 that make the intestinal lining grow, so a short bowel absorbs more and needs less intravenous nutrition.

Updated Nov 12, 2026

## What they are

In short bowel syndrome, after surgery or disease has removed much of the small intestine, too little fluid and nutrient is absorbed and many patients depend on intravenous (parenteral) nutrition or fluids. GLP-2 analogues help the remaining bowel adapt. Teduglutide is the established member; newer analogues such as glepaglutide and apraglutide have ATC codes. They are added to diet, fluid and parenteral support, not used instead of them.

## Mechanism of action

GLP-2 is released by L cells of the ileum and colon and is the main hormone that makes the intestinal lining grow. GLP-2 analogues activate GLP-2 receptors, enlarging villi and crypts, so more fluid and nutrients are absorbed. Because they stimulate the growth of gut tissue, colon polyps and growth of existing tumours are the main concerns.

Target: GLP-2 receptor in the gut

## Key points

- Used in short bowel syndrome when patients depend on parenteral nutrition or fluids.
- They make the lining grow, so colonoscopy is done before starting and at intervals during treatment.
- Watch for bowel or stoma obstruction, gallbladder and pancreatic disease, and fluid overload.
- As absorption improves, parenteral support and the doses of oral medicines are reviewed.

## Drugs in this class

- [**Teduglutide** A GLP-2 analogue injected under the skin that helps the remaining bowel absorb more in short bowel syndrome, reducing… Glucagon-like peptide-2 receptor (GLP-2R)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/teduglutide/)

## Others in the class

- Glepaglutide
- Apraglutide

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## Which hormone do GLP-2 analogues mimic, and where is it made?

Glucagon-like peptide-2, released by L cells of the ileum and colon.

## How do GLP-2 analogues help in short bowel syndrome?

They make the intestinal lining grow, so the remaining bowel absorbs more and less parenteral support is needed.

## Why is colonoscopy part of treatment with GLP-2 analogues?

They can cause colon polyps and may speed the growth of bowel cancer.

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Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.

Sources: [Teduglutide Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a613019.html) (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); [ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index](https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=A16AX) (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).

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License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/glp-2-analogues/