Almirall reports positive results for IBS treatment linaclotide

Almirall has announced that clinical data indicates its linaclotide treatment can significantly reduce abdominal pain and discomfort for sufferers of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with constipation.

The company revealed that full results from two phase III studies of the drug will be presented during the European Gastroenterology Week Congress in Stockholm.

According to the firm, the Irritable Bowel Syndrome – Quality of Life Questionnaire was used to assess the impact of linaclotide on patients' symptoms over a 12-week period.

Improvements were noted in seven out of eight important domains, including body image, food avoidance and social reaction.

"Results from the phase III trials show that linaclotide provided relief for up to 26 weeks from the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation," said Anthony Lembo, associate professor of medicine at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center's Division of Gastroenterology.

"Importantly in these studies, linaclotide had a favourable safety profile," he added.

Between ten and 15 per cent of the European population are thought to suffer from IBS, which can also cause stomach cramps, bloating and diarrhoea.