A pragmatic look at teduglutide, the approved GLP-2 analog, and how a self-experimenter might track gut-related outcomes.
At a glance
Best for
Teduglutide (brand name Gattex, often abbreviated GLP-2 TZ in research-chemical contexts) is a recombinant analog of glucagon-like peptide-2. It is approved for adults and children with short bowel syndrome who are dependent on parenteral nutrition. Outside that indication, any use is off-label and the human data is essentially limited to the SBS trials.
This guide is for self-experimenters who want to track honestly, not a recommendation to use it.
GLP-2 is secreted by intestinal L-cells after meals. Teduglutide is a DPP-IV-resistant version with a longer half-life. It promotes:
In SBS trials, patients reduced their parenteral nutrition needs. Whether any of this translates to leaky gut, IBD, or general digestive complaints in otherwise healthy adults is unproven.
The trial standard for SBS is 0.05 mg/kg subcutaneous, once daily. Self-experimenter reports commonly describe shorter cycles (4-8 weeks) rather than indefinite use, given cost and the theoretical concern about unchecked mucosal growth.
Peptide IA's daily log handles this well if you set up custom fields for stool scale and bloating score.
Baseline and at 4-week intervals:
A colonoscopy before starting is recommended in the prescribing label because of polyp risk. Self-experimenters skip this; the label exists for a reason.
Labeled risks include intestinal obstruction, biliary and pancreatic disease, fluid overload, and accelerated growth of neoplasms. Anyone with a polyp history or active GI cancer concern should not be self-experimenting here.
Peptide IA is an educational and self-tracking tool. Nothing in this post is medical advice. Doses mentioned reflect what is commonly reported in research literature — they are not recommendations. Always consult a qualified physician before starting, changing, or stopping any protocol.