SecreFlo (secretin)
The following drug information is obtained from various newswires, published
medical journal articles, and medical conference presentations.
Pancreatic dysfunction and gastrinoma
General Information
SecreFlo is a synthetic version of the intestinal hormone
secretin. This product has been approved by the FDA for use in
stimulating pancreatic secretions, including bicarbonate, to aid in
the diagnosis of pancreatic exocrine dysfunction. Additionally,
SecreFlo is approved for use in stimulating gastrin secretion to
aid in the diagnosis of gastrinoma, a tumor usually found in the
pancreas.
Clinical Results
Intravenous administration of SecreFlo stimulates the pancreas
to secrete pancreatic juice, which can aid in the diagnosis of
exocrine pancreatic dysfunction. Three crossover studies evaluated
21 subjects with a history of chronic pancreatitis. In these
trials, SecreFlo was compared to biologically derived porcine
secretin (bPS). Results demonstrated that all subjects - treated
with either drug - had peak bicarbonate concentrations of less than
80 mEq/L, which is consistent with impaired pancreatic
function.
Intravenously administered SecreFlo has been shown to stimulate
gastrin secretion in patients with gastrinoma; in contrast,
secretion is not considerably increased in healthy individuals or
those with peptic ulcer disease. Two SecreFlo crossover studies
included eight subjects with tissue-confirmed gastrinoma. Subjects
received treatment with SecreFlo, and serum gastrin concentrations
were compared to those obtained with bPS. Results showed that for
both drugs, serum gastrin concentrations exceeded 100 pg/mL from
basal levels.
Side Effects
Adverse events noted in clinical trials of SecreFlo include (but
are not limited to) the following:
- Abdominal discomfort
- Nausea
- Mild bradycardia (reduced heart rate)
- Decreased blood pressure
- Diaphoresis (profuse perspiration)
Mechanism of Action
SecreFlo (secretin) is a pure sterile, non-pyrogenic, lypholized
white cake powder acetate salt of secretin, a peptide hormone. The
primary action of SecreFlo is to increase the volume and
bicarbonate content of secreted pancreatic juices. (from SecreFlo
FDA Label)
Additional Information
For additional information on SecreFlo, please visit the
Repligen
company web site.
