Novel drug for irritable bowel syndrome out

MANILA, Philippines - A. Menarini Philippines (formerly Invida Philippines) has launched a novel oral medication for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common gastrointestinal disorder that causes a great deal of discomfort and affects the quality of life of sufferers.

“Otilonium bromide has proven efficacy in reducing the bothersome symptoms of IBS while providing protection against symptom relapse,” said Prof. Pere Clavé, president of the European Society for Swallowing Disorder and international counselor of the American Dysphagia Research Society.

“The availability of an effective treatment for IBS is welcome news for Filipino patients and doctors. With diet, stress management and medication, IBS symptoms can be effectively controlled,” said Dr. Marichona Naval, president of the Philippine Society of Gastroenterology (PSG).

Naval and Clavé were the resource speakers during the otilonium bromide media launch held last March 13 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Quezon City.

IBS symptoms range from mild to severe and differ from person to person. The main symptoms are abdominal pain, fullness, gas, and bloating that have been present for at least three days a month for the last three months. The pain and other symptoms will often be reduced or go away after bowel movement and occur when there is a change in how often you have bowel movements.

People with IBS may switch between constipation and diarrhea. For some people, the symptoms may get worse for a few weeks or a month, and then decrease for a while. For other people, symptoms are present most of the time.

People with IBS may also lose their appetite. In a European survey involving 40,000 patients, 78 percent of IBS sufferers reported that their general state of health affected their lives.

The exact cause of IBS remains unclear. It is known to have a complex relationship with psychological disorders and other physical symptoms. People who are diagnosed with IBS are more likely to be referred to a hospital.

IBS is twice as common in women as in men. In Asia, one in 10 people suffer from IBS. Because of low awareness, most IBS sufferers do not seek medical help.

Otilonium bromide is a first-of-its-kind spasmolytic (drug that relieves/prevents smooth muscle spasms) with a unique triple-acting action specific to the large intestine. It effectively reduces the main IBS symptoms — abdominal pain, bloating and changes in bowel movement — while providing protection against symptom relapse.

Otilonium bromide has an excellent safety profile with less anticholinergic or atropine-like effects. 

“We are pleased to make an effective treatment for IBS available to Filipino patients and physicians. Our company is working with local gastroenterologists through the PSG in raising public awareness on IBS and enhancing physician knowledge on IBS diagnosis and management,” said Ninia Torres, general manager of A. Menarini Philippines.