Digestive Health Matters - Research news
Long-term use of PPIs May be Linked to Low Blood Levels of an Essential Mineral
March 2, 2011
(March 2, 2011) The FDA issued a safety announcement on March 2, 2011, informing the public that long-term use of Proton Pump Inhibitor drugs (PPIs) may lower magnesium levels in the blood. Magnesium is a mineral in the body essential to good health. Read More

 
Lubiprostone Dose-Dependent Improvement of Constipation
February 14, 2011
(February 14, 2011) A 2-week study in Japan looked at lubiprostone (Amitiza® in the U.S.) for the treatment of chronic functional constipation in 170 patients with or without irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The results suggest that lubiprostone produced a steady and effective improvement in the... Read More

 
New Way to Detect Pre-Cancerous Cells in People with Barrett’s Esophagus
February 11, 2011
(February 11, 2011) Barrett’s esophagus, a condition marked by cellular changes, is a risk factor for esophageal cancer. People with the condition are regularly monitored to look for cellular changes that are considered pre-cancerous, or more likely to develop cancer than normal tissue. A... Read More

 
Fidaxomicin a Developing New Treatment for C. diff Infection
February 3, 2011
(February 3, 2011) Fidaxomicin is a new drug being developed for the treatment of Clostridium difficile (C. difficile or C. diff) a type of bacteria. C. difficile is a major causative agent of infection in the colon (colitis) and diarrhea that may occur following antibiotic... Read More

 
Gattex Shows Promise for the Treatment of Short Bowel Syndrome
January 31, 2011
(January 31, 2011) Gattex® (teduglutide) is a drug currently under investigation for the treatment of short bowel syndrome (SBS), a rare condition related to poor absorption of nutrients that typically occurs in people who have had half or more of their small intestine removed. People with... Read More

 
Rifaximin Shows Promise for Treatment on Non-Constipated IBS
January 6, 2011
(January 6, 2011) Rifaximin is an antibiotic currently under investigation for the treatment of non-constipation irritable bowel syndrome (Non-C IBS) and IBS-related bloating. Rifaximin works by reducing or altering bacteria in the gut. In studies it has been found to improve IBS symptoms of... Read More

 
FDA Panel Votes to Endorse Solesta for the Treatment of Loss of Bowel Control (Incontinence)
December 2, 2010
(December 2, 2010) Solesta is a product under investigation for the treatment of incontinence, or loss of bowel control. It is a bulking agent that is injected into a part of the anal canal to improve bowel control. Solesta has been available in Europe since 2006, but is not yet approved by the U.S... Read More

 
New U.S. Food Safety Laws
November 30, 2010
(November 30, 2010) With bipartisan support, the Senate today approved the biggest overhaul to U.S.food safety laws since the 1930s. The House already passed a similar version. There have been numerous past national outbreaks of food poisoning involving various products in which thousands of people... Read More

 
Research Findings in Chronic GI Conditions
November 9, 2010
(November 9, 2010) Here is a brief summary of research findings presented at the multi-disciplinary 6th Annual Research Day held at UNC, Chapel Hill, NC. Read More

 
Linaclotide Shows Positive Results for Treatment of IBS-C and Chronic Constipation
October 31, 2010
(November 1, 2010) Linaclotide is a drug being studied to relieve symptoms of abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating, and bowel symptoms in people who have irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C), or chronic constipation. It has proved safe and effective in trials, but is not yet FDA... Read More