GlaxoSmithKline post-op bowel treatment trial positive

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), along with its partner Adolor Corporation, has announced its trials for Entereg (alvimopan) have brought positive results.

The drug used in speeding up recovery times of gastrointestinal (GI) function following bowel resection surgery and was found to make a “statistically significant” difference compared to a placebo.

Dr Yvonne Greenstreet, senior vice president, at the GSK Medicine Development Centre, said: “I am very pleased to see that this study further demonstrates the benefits of alvimopan to patients, allowing earlier recovery and discharge from hospital for those undergoing bowel resection surgery.”

Dr Conor Delaney, an investigator in the study, added: “Treatment with alvimopan significantly reduced the time required to recover GI function following bowel resection surgery. Furthermore, the alvimopan treatment group exhibited a significant reduction in complications related to POI.

“These outcomes, when taken together with the results of previous studies, represent meaningful benefit to patients and are likely to be an important step forward in the management of patients undergoing bowel resection surgery.”

The further study of the drug was carried out after the US Food and Drink Administration (FDA) asked for additional data in an approvable letter received by GSK and Adolor in July 2005.

Alvimopan was found to bring about recoveries 20 hours faster than a placebo.

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