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Gastrointestinal · FDA Approved

Cholecystokinin (CCK)

FDA-approved

How to ask your doctor
Written by Peptide Association Editorial TeamLast reviewed Editorial policy

01 · Overview

Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a family of peptide hormones and neurotransmitters derived from proCCK; the main circulating forms are CCK-58, CCK-33, CCK-22, and CCK-8, produced mainly by intestinal I-cells and brain neurons (PMID 28450850). CCK peptides act on CCK1 and CCK2 receptors to stimulate gallbladder contraction, pancreatic enzyme secretion, gut motility, and satiety, and they inhibit gastric acid secretion (PMID 28450850).

Therapeutic interest centers on diagnostic use and on appetite regulation. CCK-8 is also a major neurotransmitter form in the brain (PMID 17584137).

02 · Research summary & key findings

Sincalide (Kinevac), a synthetic C-terminal octapeptide of CCK, is an FDA-approved diagnostic agent widely used with cholescintigraphy to stimulate gallbladder contraction and measure gallbladder ejection fraction (PMID 31019045, PMID 22293163). A meta-analysis found that infused CCK reduces food intake at a meal, but there was no evidence of long-term weight loss (PMID 35152916). In a 24-week trial in 701 overweight or obese patients, the oral CCK1 receptor agonist GI181771X did not reduce body weight and caused more gastrointestinal side effects than placebo (PMID 17597711).

03 · Regulatory status

Cholecystokinin (CCK) has received FDA approval and is available for clinical use under appropriate medical supervision. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for prescribing information.

Cholecystokinin (CCK) is an FDA-approved medicine prescribed for the conditions on its label. It is not part of our intake, so we do not propose protocols for it. If you think it may be relevant to you, talk to your own doctor. How to ask your doctor.

04 · Administration routes

  • Intravenous

References

  1. [1]The biology of cholecystokinin and gastrin peptides Curr Top Med Chem, 2007. PMID 17584137
  2. [2]Stimulation of cholecystokinin-A receptors with GI181771X does not cause weight loss in overweight or obese patients Clin Pharmacol Ther, 2008. PMID 17597711
  3. [3]Sincalide cholescintigraphy--32 years later: evidence-based data on its clinical utility and infusion methodology Semin Nucl Med, 2012. PMID 22293163
  4. [4]Cholecystokinin-From Local Gut Hormone to Ubiquitous Messenger Front Endocrinol (Lausanne), 2017. PMID 28450850
  5. [5]Sincalide: A Review of Clinical Utility, Proper Infusion Methodology, and Alternative Cholecystogogues J Nucl Med Technol, 2019. PMID 31019045
  6. [6]Role of cholecystokinin in satiation: a systematic review and meta-analysis Br J Nutr, 2023. PMID 35152916

Primary literature

Related peptides in Gastrointestinal

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational and research purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide therapy. The Peptide Association does not endorse or recommend any specific treatment protocol. See our editorial policy for how this content is produced and reviewed. Clinicians: join the network.