Irritable Bowel Syndrome -Potentially profitable market is open for the taking

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disease affecting 1020% of the total adult population, particularly women, in which recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort is associated with defecation or changes in bowel habit. The majority of sufferers have never consulted a physician about their symptoms and remain undiagnosed.

Despite the substantial impact IBS can have on sufferers' well being, about 7080% of sufferers have not been formerly diagnosed. Although many patients will have seen a doctor or nurse for their symptoms, they remain undiagnosed and may have visited a healthcare professional on several occasions before being formally diagnosed with IBS.

Physicians frequently do not recognize IBS as a 'distinct' disease. Continuing physician education is needed to change this attitude and improve diagnosis, particularly in the primary care setting. A simple and easily accessible diagnostic tool adapted specifically for non-specialists and clear peer reviewed treatment guidelines are needed.

The pipeline can be described as relatively innovative. The serotinergic class accounts for a third of candidates, however, the poor safety record and market withdrawal of Lotronex (alosetron) and Zelnorm has cast doubts over the potential of this class. FDA non-approval of cilansetron is another setback for the serotinergics.

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