Current and potential therapeutic targets of glucagon-like peptide-2

•GLP-2 is an intestinal hormone that promotes growth and function of the intestine.•The mechanism of action of GLP-2 is highly complex, involving multiple mediators.•A GLP-2 analog has now been approved for treatment of adult short bowel syndrome.•Pre-clinical studies suggest that GLP-2 may be useful for other intestinal disorders.•Limited clinical data support expanded studies on the therapeutic use of GLP-2.

Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) is a gut hormone that promotes highly specific growth and function of the intestinal epithelium. Recent studies have begun to elucidate the complex mechanism of action of GLP-2, which is mediated indirectly through other intestinal factors. Although a long-acting GLP-2 analog has recently been approved for treatment of adult patients with short bowel syndrome, there remain numerous conditions characterized by intestinal insufficiency for which pre-clinical studies, as well as some limited clinical data, support further consideration of GLP-2 for expanded therapeutic use.