Forest Laboratories posts positive trial findings for constipation drug

Forest Laboratories has reported data from new clinical trials of its developmental drug linaclotide, which demonstrate its efficacy as a treatment for constipation.

According to results from the two phase III studies, the treatment showed statistically significant benefits in terms of encouraging complete spontaneous bowel movement when compared to a placebo control group.

In addition, the drug also met its secondary endpoints of reducing other symptoms of constipation, including abdominal discomfort and bloating.

Trial investigator Dr Anthony Lembo, director of the GI Motility Center at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, said: “The results of these trials suggest that linaclotide may provide an attractive option for millions of patients suffering from chronic constipation.”

The treatment has been developed in conjunction with Ironwood Pharmaceuticals and will be commercialised by Almirall in Europe.

Last month, Forest Laboratories published its financial report for the fiscal year ending March 31st 2010, a period which saw the company increase its revenue by 6.9 per cent year-on-year.