Glucagon
| Evidence Level: L5 | Predicted Indications: 1 |
Table of Contents
Glucagon: Irritable bowel syndrome
One-Sentence Summary
Glucagon is a pancreatic peptide hormone that raises blood glucose and relaxes gastrointestinal smooth muscle. The TxGNN model predicts it may be useful for irritable bowel syndrome, but no study has tested glucagon itself in this condition. The linked 2 clinical trials and the published literature concern GLP-1 and GLP-1 receptor agonists, which are different drugs, so the evidence level is L5.
Quick Overview
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Original Indication | Not recorded in the local data |
| Predicted New Indication | Irritable bowel syndrome |
| TxGNN Prediction Score | 0.9924 |
| Evidence Level | L5 |
| India Market Status | Listed in a compiled Indian medicine price dataset (3 of 3) – CDSCO approval status is not included in this data |
| Number of Listed Products | 3 (valid: 3) |
| Recommended Decision | Hold |
Why is This Prediction Reasonable?
Detailed mechanism-of-action data for glucagon are not available in the data compiled for this report. Glucagon is derived from proglucagon, the same precursor that gives rise to GLP-1. Glucagon is also used clinically as a short-acting relaxant of gastrointestinal smooth muscle, for example during diagnostic imaging.
The plausible link to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is indirect. GLP-1 and its analogue ROSE-010 slow gastrointestinal motility and have been explored for pain during IBS attacks. Because glucagon and GLP-1 act on different receptors, these findings cannot be transferred to glucagon. The high TxGNN score is a computational prediction, not clinical evidence.
Clinical Trial Evidence
Neither trial tested glucagon. Both studied GLP-1 pathway agents, so they offer only indirect, pathway-level support.
| Trial Number | Phase | Status | Enrollment | Key Findings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCT01056107 | Phase 1/2 | Completed | 52 | ROSE-010 (a GLP-1 analogue) and gastrointestinal motor function in women with constipation-predominant IBS |
| NCT02731664 | Phase 1 | Completed | 12 | Native GLP-1 versus ROSE-010 on prandial stomach and small-bowel motility in humans; not an IBS population |
Literature Evidence
None of these publications tested glucagon in IBS. Most concern GLP-1 or general IBS background.
| PMID | Year | Type | Journal | Key Findings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40134805 | 2025 | Systematic Review | Front Endocrinol | GLP-1 receptor agonists and IBS; GLP-1 and ROSE-010 reduce gut motility in IBS patients |
| 38997662 | 2024 | Systematic Review | J Headache Pain | GLP-1 receptor agonists in headache and pain disorders |
| 35234561 | 2022 | Clinical study analysis | Scand J Gastroenterol | Pain relief with ROSE-010 in IBS, cross-analysis by patient characteristics |
| 40697433 | 2025 | Cohort | Ann Gastroenterol | Prescription and discontinuation of GLP-1 receptor agonists in IBS patients |
| 30444291 | 2019 | Review | Exp Physiol | Role of GLP-1 in IBS pathophysiology |
| 25427821 | 2015 | Review | Adv Exp Med Biol | Aerosolized GLP-1 for diabetes and IBS |
| 30023410 | 2018 | Review | Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol | Brain-gut-microbiome axis |
India Market Information
| Authorization Number | Product Name | Dosage Form | Approved Indication |
|---|---|---|---|
| 94555 | Glucagen 1mg Injection (Novo Nordisk India Pvt Ltd) | Vial of 1 injection | Not available |
| 95312 | Glugon 1mg Injection (United Biotech Pvt Ltd) | Vial of 1 injection | Not available |
| 95915 | Glucagen 1mg Injection (Novo Nordisk India Pvt Ltd) | Prefilled syringe, 1 ml injection | Not available |
All three licences are valid single-ingredient products.
Safety Considerations
- Drug Interactions: 25 interactions are recorded, all graded Minor. They include warfarin and a range of beta-blockers (for example atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol, carvedilol and timolol, including ophthalmic forms).
Please refer to the package insert for warnings and contraindications.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Decision: Hold
Rationale: No study has tested glucagon in irritable bowel syndrome. The supporting trials and literature concern GLP-1 and its analogues, so the evidence level is L5 and the high TxGNN score remains an unverified computational prediction.
To proceed, the following is needed:
- Direct preclinical or clinical data on glucagon in IBS, such as motility or visceral pain endpoints
- Mechanism-of-action data for glucagon and a clear rationale for why a glucagon receptor effect would help IBS, as distinct from GLP-1
- Package insert warnings and contraindications for the marketed Indian products
- A review of the short duration of glucagon action and its route (injection) for a chronic condition like IBS
Disclaimer
This content is for research purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical validation is required before any clinical application.