Page data last changed: . Chemistry registry snapshot: . Registry refreshes and identity assessments are separate from scientific content review.
A vasopressin prodrug that releases active peptide slowly for sustained vasoconstriction.
Also known as: Terlivaz · Glypressin
Part of the Foundational & therapeutic peptides cluster
Overview
Terlipressin is a synthetic analog of vasopressin built by adding three glycine residues to lysine-vasopressin. It acts as a slow-release prodrug, giving prolonged V1-mediated splanchnic vasoconstriction, and gained FDA approval in 2022 for hepatorenal syndrome. Content here is educational only.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Synthetic triglycyl-lysine analog of vasopressin
Primary research or clinical context: Approved for hepatorenal syndrome; used for variceal bleeding
Prodrug strategy
The triglycyl extension is cleaved gradually in the body to release lysine-vasopressin, converting a short-acting hormone into a sustained vasoconstrictor. This is a clear example of using a peptide prodrug to lengthen and smooth a drug's action.
Splanchnic vasoconstriction
By constricting splanchnic arteries, terlipressin lowers portal pressure, which underlies its use in hepatorenal syndrome and bleeding esophageal varices. It is a widely studied therapeutic peptide in hepatology and critical care.
Sequence
One-letter sequence commonly cited for Terlipressin (educational; isoforms and modifications may differ):
GGGCYFQNCPKG
Residues plotted ~100° apart around an α-helix — clustering of one color reveals an amphipathic face.
Structure & chemistry
Molecular identity & reference confidence
Source-supported reference
Reference values are taken from the cited molecular record or curated profile. A database match is not independent laboratory verification; modifications, counter-ions, and formulations can change the measured mass.
- Molecular form
- Terlipressin (source record; form not independently established)
- Species
- Not established by this molecular identity audit
- Termini (N / C)
- Not specified / Not specified
Average reference mass
Reference policy updated: 2026-10-05
- IUPHAR/BPS source snapshot · 2026-10-01
- PubChem molecular record · 2026-10-01
- Molecular formula
- C52H74N16O15S2
- Average reference mass
- ≈ 1,227.4
- Status
- Approved medicine in at least one jurisdiction (IUPHAR record)
- PubChem CID: 72081
- IUPHAR ligand: 11241
- ChEMBL: CHEMBL2135460
- DrugBank: DB02638
- CAS RN: 14636-12-5
- UNII: 7Z5X49W53P
Chemistry values: IUPHAR/BPS Guide to Pharmacology, PubChem · fetched 2026-10-01.
Clinical development snapshot
ClinicalTrials.gov lists 115 registered studies with “Terlipressin” as an intervention (snapshot 2026-09-06). A registry footprint is not evidence of efficacy or approval.
| NCT | Title | Phase | Status | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCT07252401 | Terlipressin vs. Somatostatin in Cirrhotic Patients With Acute Variceal Bleeding and Renal Dysfunction | Not applicable | not yet recruiting | 2026-08-27 |
| NCT07746349 | Terlipressin vs Placebo to Reduce Bleeding in Fibroid Surgery | Not applicable | not yet recruiting | 2026-08-05 |
| NCT07719933 | Intraoperative Continuous Terlipressin Infusion is Associated With Reduced Severe Postoperative Complications | — | completed | 2026-07-28 |
| NCT02473341 | Efficacy Of Bovine Colostrum In The Treatment Of Severe Alcohol-Associated Hepatitis: A Randomized Controlled | Phase 3 | active not recruiting | 2026-07-21 |
| NCT06855758 | Effect of Terlipressin for Intraoperative Blood Pressure Management in Kidney Transplantation | Not applicable | active not recruiting | 2026-07-13 |
| NCT02970175 | Interest of in Situ Terlipressin Administration Before the Realisation of Bronchial Biopsy | Phase 3 | completed | 2026-06-08 |
Terlipressin — reconstitution calculator
Enter how much peptide is in the vial and how much diluent (e.g. bacteriostatic water) is added. The tool returns the resulting solution concentration — and, for any amount you type, the volume it corresponds to. This is educational arithmetic, not a dosing recommendation.
Reference form: Terlipressin (source record; form not independently established)Average reference mass: 1,227.4 Da
Enter an amount to see the volume it corresponds to.
Educational concentration mathematics only. This tool does not recommend a dose, amount, or protocol, and nothing here is medical advice. Many peptides are not authorized by Health Canada for human use — see our reconstitution and bacteriostatic-water guides for context.
FAQ about Terlipressin
What is Terlipressin?+
Terlipressin is a synthetic analog of vasopressin built by adding three glycine residues to lysine-vasopressin. It acts as a slow-release prodrug, giving prolonged V1-mediated splanchnic vasoconstriction, and gained FDA approval in 2022 for hepatorenal syndrome. Content here is educational only.
What Canadian product status is recorded for Terlipressin?+
Canadian product status for Terlipressin has not been verified in this profile. No verified record here does not mean no authorization exists. Status depends on the product, formulation and use; consult Health Canada's product records.
What is the typical length of Terlipressin?+
Terlipressin is commonly described as approximately 12 amino acids (Vasopressin analog).
Related peptides
References & further reading
- 1.Wong et al. (2021). Terlipressin plus Albumin for the Treatment of Type 1 Hepatorenal Syndrome. N Engl J Med
- 2.Cavallin et al. (2016). Terlipressin given by continuous intravenous infusion versus intravenous boluses in the treatment of hepatorenal syndrome: A randomized controlled study. Hepatology
- 3.Arora et al. (2020). Terlipressin Is Superior to Noradrenaline in the Management of Acute Kidney Injury in Acute on Chronic Liver Failure. Hepatology
- 4.Mårtensson et al. (2018). Terlipressin or norepinephrine, or both in septic shock?. Intensive Care Med
- 5.Cavallin et al. (2015). Terlipressin plus albumin versus midodrine and octreotide plus albumin in the treatment of hepatorenal syndrome: A randomized trial. Hepatology
- 6.Rockey et al. (2025). Terlipressin for Hepatorenal Syndrome in Patients With Early-Stage Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure. Liver Int
- 7.Reau et al. (2025). Editorial: Terlipressin Induced Bradycardia. Aliment Pharmacol Ther
- 8.Wong (2024). Terlipressin for hepatorenal syndrome. Curr Opin Gastroenterol
- 9.PubChem — compound summary for Terlipressin (CID 72081)
- 10.Wikipedia — Terlipressin