Overview
Plecanatide is a uroguanylin-analog peptide that acts as an agonist at the guanylate cyclase-C receptor on the intestinal lining. It was designed to mimic an endogenous signaling peptide, which gives it a defined, receptor-specific mechanism to study.
In research models, plecanatide has been studied for its association with intestinal fluid regulation and gut-signaling pathways mediated by cyclic GMP. Investigators examining gastrointestinal physiology and gut-brain signaling have used it as a research material within the GC-C agonist class.
For a metabolic and gastrointestinal catalog, plecanatide is notable for its receptor specificity, which supports isolated mechanistic study. Whether these mechanisms translate the same way across female physiology remains an open research question; our evidence review tracks how many of the underlying studies included women.
Summary
Plecanatide (Trulance) is an FDA-approved guanylate cyclase-C agonist for chronic idiopathic constipation and IBS with constipation, conditions that are more common in women. Registration trials enrolled predominantly women, but outcomes were not formally analyzed by sex.
Evidence in women
Mechanism
A uroguanylin analog that activates guanylate cyclase-C on the gut lining, increasing fluid secretion and transit.
Free research guide
How to tell real female data from male-extrapolated claims, with the questions to ask about any compound.
Citations (PMID)
Related peptides
Educational information for laboratory and research use only. Not medical advice, a recommendation, or a claim of safety or efficacy; no personal dosing. “Unstudied” means no qualifying study was found, not that a compound is safe or unsafe.