About GLP-2
Binds GLP-2 receptor on intestinal enteroendocrine cells. Promotes enterocyte proliferation and reduces apoptosis, increasing villus height and crypt depth. Strengthens tight junctions and reduces intestinal permeability.
GLP-2 (glucagon-like peptide-2) is a 33-amino-acid endogenous proglucagon-derived peptide secreted by intestinal L-cells in response to nutrient ingestion, functioning as a trophic and protective hormone for the intestinal epithelium with roles in mucosal growth, barrier integrity, and nutrient absorption. GLP-2 signals through a specific receptor (GLP-2R) expressed on intestinal subepithelial myofibroblasts and enteric neurons, promoting enterocyte proliferation while inhibiting apoptosis, reducing intestinal permeability, and modulating gut motility to collectively support intestinal adaptation and absorptive capacity. Clinical evidence for GLP-2 pathway activity is established through teduglutide (Gattex/Revestive), a DPP-IV-resistant GLP-2 analog approved by the FDA in 2012 for short bowel syndrome-associated intestinal failure; Phase 3 trials and long-term follow-up studies demonstrated significant reductions in parenteral nutrition requirements, validating GLP-2 receptor agonism as a viable therapeutic approach. Native GLP-2 itself is not used therapeutically due to a plasma half-life of approximately 7 minutes from rapid DPP-IV degradation; clinical application is exclusively through the stabilized analog teduglutide, which requires a prescription and is indicated specifically for short bowel syndrome — a rare gastrointestinal condition — rather than general wellness or off-label intestinal support.
GLP-2 Benefits & Research Areas
Regulatory & Evidence
Risk Profile
Moderate risk profile in research contexts. Review contraindications and administration guidelines before use.
Regulatory Status
- Availability Status
- Research Only
Regulatory status reflects publicly available information and may change. This is not legal or medical advice.
Research Sources
6 sources cited · 6 moderate
1 RCT · 5 Cohorts
PERCC1-associated enteropathy: Diagnostic challenges and enteral autonomy achieved with teduglutide.
JPGN Rep · 2026
This study demonstrated that a patient with a novel PERCC1 gene mutation causing congenital enteropathy and chronic diarrhea achieved independence from parenteral nutrition following treatment with teduglutide, a GLP-2 receptor agonist. The finding suggests that GLP-2 therapy may offer therapeutic benefit in certain genetic forms of congenital enteropathy by improving intestinal function and nutrient absorption.
Prostaglandin E2 stimulates GLP-1 and GLP-2 secretion and reduces glucose absorption in the perfused rat small intestine.
Endocrinology · 2026
# Summary Research found that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) stimulates the secretion of both GLP-1 and GLP-2 hormones from the small intestine while simultaneously reducing glucose absorption. This study demonstrated that PGE2's effects on gut hormone release may explain some of its physiological roles in intestinal function and the gastrointestinal effects associated with blocking prostaglandin production.
Early ecological changes in intestinal microbiota with the long-acting GLP-2 analog apraglutide in short bowel syndrome.
Clin Nutr ESPEN · 2026
# Summary Research found that apraglutide, a long-acting GLP-2 analog, promoted early maturation of the altered gut microbiota in patients with short bowel syndrome by reducing variability in microbial composition and shifting bacterial populations toward a more balanced ecosystem. This study demonstrated that while apraglutide did not change overall microbial diversity, it fostered ecological changes that may support intestinal adaptation in this rare condition.
Show 3 more sources ↓
A Long-Acting Glucagon-like Peptide 2 Protracted by Coomassie Brilliant Blue to Enhance Intestinal Growth in Mice.
Bioconjug Chem · 2026
# Summary Research found that a modified version of GLP-2 created by attaching Coomassie brilliant blue achieved a significantly extended circulation time in the body while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness. This study demonstrated that the modified compound produced enhanced intestinal growth effects in mice, including increases in small intestine weight, villus height, and crypt depth compared to controls.
From childhood to adulthood in chronic intestinal failure: A nationwide study.
Clin Nutr · 2026
# Summary Research found that among patients with childhood-onset chronic intestinal failure who transitioned to adult care, GLP-2 analogues (specifically teduglutide) were associated with reduced dependence on parenteral nutrition support. This study demonstrated that GLP-2 treatment was the only measured intervention showing a statistically significant association with decreased HPN dependence in long-term follow-up of pediatric-onset cases extending into adulthood.
Reduction of Parenteral Nutrition and Hydration Support and Safety With Long-Term Teduglutide Treatment in Patients With Short Bowel Syndrome-Associated Intestinal Failure: STEPS-3 Study
Nutrition in Clinical Practice · 2018
Research in the STEPS-3 long-term extension study found that teduglutide (a GLP-2 receptor agonist) sustained parenteral nutrition reductions of approximately 50% from baseline over up to 42 months in patients with short bowel syndrome-associated intestinal failure, with two patients achieving full enteral autonomy and a consistent safety profile.
GLP-2 Side Effects & Safety Considerations
Moderate risk profile. Review all reported considerations carefully before use.
Reported contraindications & considerations
Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health decisions. This information is educational only and does not constitute medical advice.
Where to Buy GLP-2 — Providers & Availability
9 providersStay updated on verified GLP-2 providers
New verified providers added weekly — delivered to your inbox.
Questions to Ask Your Provider
Frequently Asked Questions — GLP-2
GLP-2 (glucagon-like peptide-2) is a 33-amino-acid endogenous proglucagon-derived peptide secreted by intestinal L-cells in response to nutrient ingestion, functioning as a trophic and protective hormone for the intestinal epithelium with roles in mucosal growth, barrier integrity, and nutrient absorption. GLP-2 signals through a specific receptor (GLP-2R) expressed on intestinal subepithelial myofibroblasts and enteric neurons, promoting enterocyte proliferation while inhibiting apoptosis, reducing intestinal permeability, and modulating gut motility to collectively support intestinal adaptation and absorptive capacity.
gut lining repair, intestinal integrity, barrier function, anti-inflammatory.
Research on GLP-2 primarily documents effects related to gut lining repair and intestinal integrity and barrier function and anti-inflammatory. These are areas covered in preclinical and clinical literature — individual response varies and effects depend on context of use.
Reported contraindications and considerations for GLP-2 include active cancer history, pregnant or nursing. This is educational information only — consult a qualified healthcare professional before use.
9 providers in the directory currently offer GLP-2.
This study demonstrated that a patient with a novel PERCC1 gene mutation causing congenital enteropathy and chronic diarrhea achieved independence from parenteral nutrition following treatment with teduglutide, a GLP-2 receptor agonist. The finding suggests that GLP-2 therapy may offer therapeutic benefit in certain genetic forms of congenital enteropathy by improving intestinal function and nutrient absorption.