Gaxilose

Gaxilose is a synthetic disaccharide and small molecule diagnostic agent used primarily for the noninvasive diagnosis of hypolactasia (lactase deficiency), which underlies lactose intolerance. Structurally, it is a close analogue of lactose (specifically 4-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-d-xylose). After oral administration, gaxilose is hydrolyzed in the intestine by the enzyme lactase into galactose and xylose. The amount of xylose excreted in urine after ingestion directly reflects intestinal lactase activity and thus serves as a quantitative marker for diagnosing hypolactasia. Gaxilose has been approved for use as a diagnostic tool in some countries under brand names such as LacTEST and Lactophan[2][4][5][6].

Brand names

LactophanLacTEST

Other names

gaxilosa4-O-galactopyranosylxylose4-O-galactosyl-D-xylose4-O-galactosylxylose