Glucagon
| Evidence Level: L5 | Predicted Indications: 1 |
Table of Contents
Glucagon: Irritable bowel syndrome
One-Sentence Summary
Glucagon is a peptide hormone that acts on the gut and is marketed in Canada as a nasal formulation (BAQSIMI). The TxGNN model predicts it may be effective 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 |
| Canada Market Status | Marketed (marketed DINs: 1 of 1) |
| Number of DINs | 1 (marketed: 1) |
| Recommended Decision | Hold |
Why is This Prediction Reasonable?
Detailed mechanism of action data for glucagon is not currently available. Glucagon is a proglucagon-derived peptide closely related to GLP-1, and it acts on the gut. It is also used clinically as a gastrointestinal smooth-muscle relaxant during diagnostic imaging, which offers a plausible link to reduced gut motility and visceral hypersensitivity in irritable bowel syndrome.
The supporting studies, however, address GLP-1 and its analogues (such as ROSE-010), not glucagon. Even though the two share a pathway, this evidence is indirect for glucagon. The TxGNN score is a computational prediction and does not replace clinical evidence. Gut-brain axis reviews add mechanistic context only.
Clinical Trial Evidence
No trial tests glucagon in irritable bowel syndrome. The two trials below study GLP-1 agents and are indirect support only.
| 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; relevant population, different drug |
| NCT02731664 | Phase 1 | Completed | 12 | Native GLP-1 versus an analogue on prandial stomach and small-bowel motility; healthy-volunteer mechanistic study, not an IBS population |
Literature Evidence
None of these publications tests glucagon in irritable bowel syndrome; they concern GLP-1 agents 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 |
| 35234561 | 2022 | Clinical cross-analysis | Scand J Gastroenterol | Pain relief with the GLP-1 agonist ROSE-010 in IBS, by patient characteristics |
| 40697433 | 2025 | Cohort | Ann Gastroenterol | Prescription and discontinuation patterns of GLP-1 receptor agonists in IBS patients |
| 30444291 | 2019 | Review | Exp Physiol | Role of GLP-1 in IBS pathophysiology |
| 31602785 | 2020 | Animal study | Neurogastroenterol Motil | Exendin-4 improved gut dysfunction in a rat IBS model |
| 22960405 | 2012 | Animal study | Regul Pept | ROSE-010 inhibited small-bowel motor complex in rats via GLP-1 receptors |
| 26765585 | 2016 | Review | Expert Opin Investig Drugs | Investigational drugs for constipation-predominant IBS |
| 41480755 | 2026 | Review | J Clin Invest | Mechanisms of gut-brain interaction |
Canada Market Information
| DIN | Product Name | Dosage Form | Approved Indication |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02492415 | BAQSIMI | Not listed | Not listed |
Safety Considerations
Please refer to the package insert for safety information.
The data compiled for this report list 25 drug interactions, all rated Minor. Those named include warfarin and a range of beta-blockers (for example atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol, carvedilol, and timolol, including ophthalmic forms).
Conclusion and Next Steps
Decision: Hold
Rationale: The prediction score is very high, but no study has tested glucagon in irritable bowel syndrome. The available trials and publications concern GLP-1 and its agonists, so the evidence level is L5 and the case rests on a computational prediction and indirect pathway overlap.
To proceed, the following is needed:
- Mechanism of action data for glucagon
- Studies that test glucagon directly in irritable bowel syndrome
- Package insert warnings and contraindications from Health Canada
- Review of route and formulation suitability for chronic gut use
Disclaimer
This content is for research purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical validation is required before any clinical application.