synthetic human secretin

RG1068 (synthetic human secretin) is a synthetic version of the naturally occurring 27-amino acid gastrointestinal peptide hormone secretin. Developed by Repligen Corporation, it was primarily investigated as a potential treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) following anecdotal reports suggesting that secretin administration improved social and language skills in children with gastrointestinal issues. The drug acts as an agonist at the secretin receptor, which is expressed in the pancreas and the central nervous system. Despite reaching Phase 3 clinical trials, the drug failed to meet its primary endpoints for improving social interaction and clinical global impression in children with autism and gastrointestinal dysfunction. Consequently, development for the autism indication was discontinued in 2004. The drug was also explored as a diagnostic imaging agent (SecreFlo) to enhance the detection of pancreatic duct abnormalities during MRI procedures.

Brand names

SecreFlo

Other names

secretinhuman secretin