Forest to present linaclotide findings

Forest and Ironwood are due to present its findings of a first-in-class compound called linaclotide at an upcoming event.

It is currently in phase III clinical trials to test how effective it is at treating chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation.

During studies in patients with the former condition, the compound was found to help the problem throughout the four-week treatment.

Tests with sufferers of the latter problem had improved bowel function, as well as reduced bloating and abdominal pains, during the course of a 12-week period.

Findings about the once daily, orally delivered peptide will be discussed through three oral and one poster presentation at the 2009 Digestive Disease Week annual meeting between May 30th and June 4th.

Last month, Forest and Cypress Bioscience’s Savella (milnacipran HCl) was made available at some pharmacies.

In January, the Food and Drug Administration approved the drug ? which is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine dual reuptake inhibitor – to treat and manage fibromyalgia.