Apraglutide for treating short bowel syndrome

Apraglutide is currently in clinical development for the treatment of short bowel syndrome with intestinal failure (SBS-IF) in patients who rely on intravenous parenteral nutrition for essential fluids and nutrients. Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a condition where part of the small intestine is missing or does not work properly making it hard for the small intestine to digest and absorb the correct amount of nutrients (fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals) or reabsorb fluids. This can happen due to surgical removal to treat intestinal diseases such as Crohn’s disease or from birth if the intestine is underdeveloped or malfunctioning. Common symptoms can include diarrhoea, dehydration, malnutrition and unintended weight loss. Patients rely on parenteral nutrition, which is the delivery of specially formulated liquids through a central venous catheter to meet their nutritional or fluid requirements. To improve the quality of life in patients with SBS-IF, there is a need for treatments that reduce dependence on parenteral support.