Almirall reports positive phase III data for IBS-C drug

Almirall has reported positive data from a new clinical trial of linaclotide, a treatment for sufferers of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C).

Results from the phase III study show that a once-daily 266 mcg dosing of the drug can deliver improvements in abdominal pain and discomfort, IBS relief, stool frequency, stool consistency and bloating.

It means that the treatment – which is co-developed by Ironwood and Forest Laboratories in the US and out-licensed to Almirall in Europe – met all specified primary and secondary endpoints in the trial.

Further phase III clinical results are expected to be published in the fourth quarter of 2010, after which filing dates for European regulatory approval will be announced.

Per Olof Andersson, executive director of research and development at Almirall, said: "These results are very promising and we believe linaclotide will be a valuable treatment in an area with such high unmet need."

Last month, Almirall published its financial report for the first six months of 2010, stating that it was able to meet its fiscal targets and position itself for future growth during the half-year period.