Comparison Centre
Two compounds, the same questions, no cherry-picking
Marketing compares compounds on whichever measure flatters them. This compares them on the same fields every time — including the awkward ones like how much human safety data exists. Every score here rates the evidence, not the compound: a higher number means stronger or more mature research, not that something is safer or works better.
Sharing keeps the two compounds you picked.
How to read these scores
Every number here rates the evidence, not the compound. They are editorial 0-100 strength ratings, not percentages, and not a rating out of five stars.
- Human efficacy evidence strength — Higher = more and better-quality human evidence. It does not mean the effect is bigger or that the compound works for you.
- Preclinical evidence strength — Higher = more animal, tissue or cell research. Preclinical results are a starting point, not proof of a human benefit.
- Human safety evidence strength — Higher = more mature, better-documented human safety data. It does not mean the compound is safer than one with a lower number. A score of 80 does not mean “80% safe”.
- Evidence level (L0-L5) — the strongest type of study behind the compound, from anecdote (L0) to large replicated human trials (L5). It is a description of the study evidence, not a quality, safety or recommendation rating.
- Confidence — how likely we think it is that this rating changes as new research lands. Low confidence means the picture is unsettled, not that the compound is bad.
None of these ratings is medical advice, a safety guarantee, or a recommendation to use anything. How we grade evidence.
Linaclotide
A 14-amino-acid peptide swallowed as a capsule that works locally on the gut lining — approved oral proof that not every peptide is digested into uselessness.
Plecanatide
A 16-amino-acid oral peptide modelled on the natural gut hormone uroguanylin, approved for chronic constipation and IBS-C in adults.
How far human research has progressed
Linaclotide
Established oral gut peptidePlecanatide
Established oral gut peptideClaim-specific benefit evidence
A human exposure study or trial registration does not establish that the claimed benefit occurs.
Linaclotide
Not separately assessed; see the full profile.Plecanatide
Not separately assessed; see the full profile.Human research context
Linaclotide
Established oral gut peptidePlecanatide
Established oral gut peptideHuman efficacy evidence strength
Higher = more and better-quality human evidence. It does not mean the effect is bigger or that the compound works for you.
Linaclotide
Plecanatide
Preclinical (animal / lab) evidence strength
Higher = more animal, tissue or cell research. Preclinical results are a starting point, not proof of a human benefit.
Linaclotide
Plecanatide
Human safety evidence strength
Higher = more mature, better-documented human safety data. It does not mean the compound is safer than one with a lower number.
Linaclotide
Plecanatide
Regulatory status (legal position, not proof it works)
Linaclotide
Named regulators: FDA (US)
FDA-approved (Linzess) for irritable bowel syndrome with constipation and chronic idiopathic constipation, with age-specific labelled populations that have evolved over time. Approved in other regions under other brand names.
Plecanatide
Named regulators: FDA (US)
FDA-approved (Trulance) for chronic idiopathic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation in adults under its current label.
Common claims
Linaclotide
- · Relieves constipation and abdominal symptoms in IBS-C and chronic idiopathic constipation
Plecanatide
- · Relieves chronic idiopathic constipation and IBS-C in adults
How settled our evidence rating is
Linaclotide
Plecanatide
Cancer-related questions raised by the biology
These are theoretical or monitored questions raised by how a compound works. They are not evidence that it causes cancer.
Linaclotide
No established human cancer signal within approved use.Plecanatide
No established human cancer signal within approved use.What this adds up to, in plain English
Linaclotide
Repeated large human trials support specific uses in the groups studied. That is strong evidence something works there — not proof it suits everyone or is free of risk.Plecanatide
Repeated large human trials support specific uses in the groups studied. That is strong evidence something works there — not proof it suits everyone or is free of risk.A comparison is not a recommendation