Larazotide 500 mcg capsule

Larazotide acetate (500 mcg capsule) is an investigational synthetic octapeptide derived from a toxin produced by Vibrio cholerae. It functions as a tight junction regulator in the intestinal epithelium, helping to reduce intestinal permeability—often referred to as “leaky gut.” By modulating zonulin pathways, larazotide helps maintain tight junction integrity between enterocytes, which can limit the translocation of antigens, toxins, and inflammatory molecules from the gut lumen into systemic circulation. Larazotide has been primarily studied in the context of celiac disease, where gluten exposure triggers zonulin release and increases intestinal permeability. Clinical research suggests that larazotide may reduce gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, pain, and diarrhea when used alongside a gluten-free diet, although results across trials have been mixed and it remains investigational rather than fully approved for general therapeutic use. The compound is typically formulated in low-dose oral capsules, such as 500 mcg, designed for local activity within the gastrointestinal tract rather than systemic absorption. Because of its peptide nature and localized mechanism, it acts primarily at the intestinal lining rather than circulating widely in the bloodstream. Research continues to explore larazotide’s potential applications beyond celiac disease, including other inflammatory and permeability-related gastrointestinal disorders. However, it is not currently approved as a standard therapy in most countries and remains under clinical investigation.