Last reviewed · How we verify

Polyethylene Glycol-Based Lavage

University of Calgary · Phase 3 active Small molecule ✓ Verified May 2026

Polyethylene Glycol-Based Lavage is a Osmotic laxative / Bowel preparation agent Small molecule drug developed by University of Calgary. It is currently in Phase 3 development for Bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy, Bowel preparation prior to other gastrointestinal procedures. Also known as: Colyte.

Polyethylene glycol-based lavage solution mechanically cleanses and prepares the colon by osmotically drawing fluid into the bowel lumen to promote evacuation of fecal matter.

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) is used as an osmotic laxative in intestinal lavage for various conditions, including Clostridium Difficile infections, functional constipation, and bowel preparation for colonoscopy. PEG is a small molecule that works by increasing water in the intestines to stimulate bowel movements.

Likelihood of approval
58.3% vs 58.3% industry baseline
If approved by FDA: likely 2028–2030
Steps remaining: NDA/BLA submission
Confidence: High
Why this estimate
  • Baseline phase 3 → approval rate +58.3pp
    Industry-wide phase 3 drugs reach approval ~58.3% of the time (BIO/Informa 2023 industry benchmark across all therapeutic areas).
Predicted approval windows by jurisdiction (conditional on FDA approval)
Regulator Country Likely year Lag vs FDA
FDA US 2028–2030
EMA EU 2029–2031 +0.7 yr
MHRA GB 2029–2031 +0.7 yr
Health Canada CA 2029–2032 +0.9 yr
TGA AU 2029–2032 +1.2 yr
PMDA JP 2029–2032 +1.5 yr
NMPA CN 2030–2033 +2.3 yr
MFDS KR 2029–2032 +1.4 yr
CDSCO IN 2029–2033 +1.8 yr
ANVISA BR 2030–2033 +2.3 yr

Hover any row for the lag rationale. Lag estimates are reduced when the drug has FDA Breakthrough or EMA PRIME designation (sponsors file globally in parallel).

Estimate based on the BIO/Informa industry phase transition rates plus per-drug modifiers for therapeutic area, sponsor type, FDA designations, mechanism, and trial design. Per-jurisdiction lags from Tufts CSDD international approval studies. Not investment, clinical or regulatory advice. Methodology: /methodology#likelihood.

At a glance

Generic namePolyethylene Glycol-Based Lavage
Also known asColyte
SponsorUniversity of Calgary
Drug classOsmotic laxative / Bowel preparation agent
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaGastroenterology
PhasePhase 3

Mechanism of action

This bowel preparation agent works through osmotic action, where polyethylene glycol (PEG) and electrolytes draw water into the intestinal lumen, creating a fluid environment that facilitates the movement and elimination of stool. The solution is non-absorbable and passes through the gastrointestinal tract largely unchanged, effectively cleansing the colon without significant systemic absorption. This mechanism makes it suitable for pre-procedure bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy or other diagnostic/therapeutic procedures.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

Frequently asked questions about Polyethylene Glycol-Based Lavage

What is Polyethylene Glycol-Based Lavage?

Polyethylene Glycol-Based Lavage is a Osmotic laxative / Bowel preparation agent drug developed by University of Calgary, indicated for Bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy, Bowel preparation prior to other gastrointestinal procedures.

How does Polyethylene Glycol-Based Lavage work?

Polyethylene glycol-based lavage solution mechanically cleanses and prepares the colon by osmotically drawing fluid into the bowel lumen to promote evacuation of fecal matter.

What is Polyethylene Glycol-Based Lavage used for?

Polyethylene Glycol-Based Lavage is indicated for Bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy, Bowel preparation prior to other gastrointestinal procedures.

Who makes Polyethylene Glycol-Based Lavage?

Polyethylene Glycol-Based Lavage is developed by University of Calgary (see full University of Calgary pipeline at /company/university-of-calgary).

Is Polyethylene Glycol-Based Lavage also known as anything else?

Polyethylene Glycol-Based Lavage is also known as Colyte.

What drug class is Polyethylene Glycol-Based Lavage in?

Polyethylene Glycol-Based Lavage belongs to the Osmotic laxative / Bowel preparation agent class. See all Osmotic laxative / Bowel preparation agent drugs at /class/osmotic-laxative-bowel-preparation-agent.

What development phase is Polyethylene Glycol-Based Lavage in?

Polyethylene Glycol-Based Lavage is in Phase 3.

What are the side effects of Polyethylene Glycol-Based Lavage?

Common side effects of Polyethylene Glycol-Based Lavage include Nausea, Vomiting, Abdominal discomfort, Bloating, Dehydration.

Related

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing