Ferring begins phase III trials of new constipation drug

Ferring has announced the commencement of two phase III trials of elobixibat, a promising new treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC).

Patient enrolment has begun for the two studies, Echo 1 and Echo 2, which will be conducted at nearly 200 sites worldwide and will involve nearly 1,700 subjects.

The studies aim to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of repeated daily doses of elobixibat – a first-in-class compound with a novel physiological mechanism of action – compared to placebo over a 26-week period.

Data from phase II trials suggests that the compound can offer clinically meaningful, statistically significant and dose-dependent improvement on key constipation symptoms such as bowel movement frequency, straining and stool consistency.

Pascal Danglas, executive vice-president for clinical and product development at Ferring, said: "Studies have shown that patients are not satisfied with current treatments. With its novel mechanism of action, we believe that elobixibat has the potential to improve medical treatment of CIC sufferers."

Earlier this month, the company attended the annual meeting of the American Urological Association, where it presented new data on compounds such as the prostate cancer drug Firmagon.