plecanatide

Plecanatide is a synthetic 16-amino acid peptide structurally related to human uroguanylin and functions as a guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) agonist. It is approved for the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in adults. Plecanatide acts locally on the luminal surface of intestinal epithelial cells, activating GC-C receptors in a pH-sensitive manner. This activation increases intracellular cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which stimulates secretion of chloride and bicarbonate into the intestinal lumen via activation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). The resulting increase in intestinal fluid softens stool and accelerates transit through the gastrointestinal tract. Plecanatide is minimally absorbed systemically, with its effects localized to the GI tract.

Brand names

TrulancePlectide

Other names

plecanatide