Gattex approved for short bowel syndrome

(HealthDay)—Gattex (teduglutide) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat nutritional problems caused by short bowel syndrome.

Gattex is a once-daily injection that helps improve intestinal absorption. Two other drugs, somatropin and glutamine, have been FDA-approved to help treat short bowel disorder.

People who take Gattex may be at increased risk of developing colon cancer, intestinal polyps, gallbladder disease, biliary tract disease, or pancreatic disease, the agency said.

The drug was evaluated in two clinical studies and two extension studies. The most common side effects reported were abdominal pain, injection site reactions, nausea, headache, and upper respiratory tract infection.

Gattex is marketed by NPS Pharmaceuticals, based in Bedminster, N.J.